Michael Connell, Ph.D.

Mike Connell is an expert in the armed forces of Iran and Russia. He has authored multiple studies and papers on Iranian and Russian warfighting doctrine, strategy, capabilities, and decision-making; US security cooperation and capacity building efforts with partners and allies; strategic messaging; and the US military’s role in strategic competition. He directs projects spanning multiple disciplines and CNA divisions in support of service, joint, and interagency sponsors.

Connell has also served as CNA’s field analyst to the headquarters of US Naval Forces Central Command. Prior to joining CNA in 2004, he was an intelligence officer in the US Army and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

He earned a PhD in history and Middle East studies from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in Near Eastern studies from Brandeis University.