Michael Kofman
Research Program Director
BIOGRAPHY
Michael Kofman serves as Research Program Director in the Russia Studies Program at CNA and as a Fellow at the Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson International Center in Washington, DC. His research focuses on the Russia and the former Soviet Union, specializing in Russian armed forces, military thought, capabilities, and strategy. Previously, he served as a Program Manager and subject matter expert at National Defense University, advising senior military and government officials on issues in Russia and Eurasia. Mr. Kofman is also a Senior Editor at War on the Rocks, where he regularly authors articles on strategy, the Russian military, Russian decision-making, and related foreign policy issues. He runs a personal blog on the Russian armed forces at https://russianmilitaryanalysis.wordpress.com/
Mr. Kofman has published numerous articles on the Russian armed forces, security issues in Russia/Eurasia, and analyses for the US government. He holds an MA in International Security from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.
RECENT NEWS
July 7, 2022High cost of Russian gains in Ukraine may limit new advance
July 7, 2022Examining the state of war in Ukraine after Russia seizes the Luhansk region
Michael Kofman writes, "The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a reminder about the need to link military power, and military strategy, to state policy."
Russia Matters: "A Look at the Military Lessons of the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict"
December 9, 2020Michael Kofman says, "They calculated quite cynically that if it turned out these offensives were not successful early on, then it was best these casualties would be among mercenaries not Azerbaijani forces."
BBC News: "The Syrian Mercenaries Used as 'Cannon Fodder' in Nagorno-Karabakh"
November 13, 2020Michael Kofman says, "China's quite interested in the Arctic, and the United States is always interested not just in Russia but anywhere China gets interested."
Business Insider: "Military Activity Is Picking up in the Quiet Waters Between the U.S. and Russia"
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Foreign MilitariesForeign PolicyEuropeRussia
CNA DIVISION
Russia Studies Program
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
High cost of Russian gains in Ukraine may limit new advance
Putin's Big Turning Point in the War Could Finally Be Here
Recent attacks on pro-Russian officials in southern Ukraine indicate signs of growing resistance movement
The long war: Does a protracted conflict favour Russia or Ukraine?
