Joshua Tallis, Ph.D.

Joshua Tallis is the director of CNA’s Ally and Partner Security Affairs program, where he oversees research on foreign government strategies, operations, and capabilities in support of US national security objectives. Additionally, as CNA’s Future Fleet Research Coordinator, he supports cross-organizational research on robotic and autonomous systems. He is an expert on naval strategy, maritime security, Arctic and NATO maritime issues, and naval uncrewed systems.

Tallis previously served in several embedded advisory positions across the US Navy. From 2023 to 2026, he was a Special Assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations serving as the primary author for two Navy capstone strategies: the 2024 Navigation Plan and the 2026 Fighting Instructions. Prior to that role, Tallis was the CNA advisor to the Commander of US Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (2021–2023), where he focused on alliance interoperability and maritime security. And in 2018, Tallis deployed as the embarked CNA analyst to Carrier Strike Group Eight operating in the Arctic and Mediterranean. His analysis of carrier operations in the High North remains a foundational reference for Arctic naval deployers.

Tallis has received CNA’s highest distinctions for both teamwork and field deployments. He holds a PhD in international relations from the University of St. Andrews and is the author of The War for Muddy Waters: Pirates, Terrorists, Traffickers, and Maritime Insecurity.