Michael Kofman
Senior Research Scientist
BIOGRAPHY
Michael Kofman is an expert on Russia, Eurasia and Pakistan. His research focuses on security issues in Russia and the former Soviet Union, specializing in defense and military analysis.
Kofman has advised senior military and government officials on Russia, Eurasia and Pakistan and represented the Department of Defense on numerous occasions before foreign officials and dignitaries. In addition to his role at CNA, he is a Kennan Institute Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center. Kofman has published numerous articles on security issues in Eurasia, specifically Russia and Ukraine, and has appeared as a featured guest on broadcast news programs throughout the country.
Kofman holds an M.A. in Security Studies with a concentration in International Security from Georgetown University and a B.A. in International Affairs and Political Science from Northeastern University. He is fluent in Russian.
RECENT NEWS
October 26, 2018Michael Kofman says that recent events make it look like GRU officers “can’t tie their own shoelaces.”
The Washington Post: “New Blow to Gru: More Russian Military Spies Exposed”
October 22, 2018Michael Kofman says, “Cruise missiles, in particular, can use terrain following features to mask their approach, whereas intermediate-range ballistic missiles have very little notice from the time they launch to the time they actually strike their target.”
CNN: “Russia Fires Back After Trump Threatens to Ditch Nuclear Arms Treaty”
Michael Kofman says, “The treaty always favored the U.S., which was able to stockpile large quantities of intermediate-range cruise missiles at sea or in the air while denying Russia the ability to base similar systems on land.”
Los Angeles Times: “Bolton Meets With Moscow After Trump Threatens to Exit Landmark Nuclear Weapons Treaty”
October 12, 2018Michael Kofman writes, "The United States does need more forces in Europe with capabilities relevant to deterring Russia, but an armored division in Poland is not the right answer."
War On The Rocks: “Permanently Stationing U.S. Forces in Poland Is a Bad Idea, But One Worth Debating”
October 4, 2018Michael Kofman says, “Russia made a case [that it] poses a threat.”
USNI: “Panel: Military Tensions in Europe Continue to Run High Between NATO, Moscow”
September 29, 2018Michael Kofman says while China and Russia did not specify an antagonist during the Vostok exercises, “the reality is that what they’re training and practicing against is still mostly an attack by the U.S.”
The National Interest: “America Is Determined to Fight the World”
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Foreign MilitariesForeign PolicyEuropeRussia
