Alex Kisling

Chief Communications Officer
Alex Kisling

Alex Kisling is the chief communications officer at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where he leads the center’s communications strategy and oversees its press, digital and social media, broadcasting, publications, and congressional affairs operations. In this role, he drives efforts to expand CSIS’s reach and impact, ensuring that the center’s research and convenings inform policymakers, the media, and the public. Kisling works closely with CSIS leadership, scholars, and partners to amplify the institution’s voice on the most pressing global issues.

Kisling previously served as CSIS’s vice president of communications. Before joining CSIS, he was the director of strategic communications at the Atlantic Council, where he served as spokesman, managed media relations, and coordinated comprehensive communications planning across the council’s programs. Earlier in his career, Kisling spent nearly a decade at the public affairs firms Kivvit (now Avoq) and Public Strategies Washington, where he developed and managed high-profile strategic communications and public policy advocacy campaigns that shaped policymaker opinion in Washington and across the nation. He began his career on Capitol Hill as an aide to Congressman Steve Driehaus (D-Ohio).

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The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) announced the appointment of Alex Kisling as chief communications officer.

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Executive Education

Decoding D.C.: Policy, Power, and People

Decoding D.C.: Policy, Power, and People offers embassy, business, and nonprofit professionals the tools and knowledge necessary to better navigate the Washington policy ecosystem.

Course Date: March 30, 2026
Registration Closes: March 23, 2026
The Trade Guys

Critical Minerals Moves, Cuba in the Crosshairs, and EU-Russia Sanctions Update

Bill and Scott react to the recently announced U.S. critical minerals stockpile, plummeting oil shipments to Cuba under Trump administration pressure, and continued efforts in the EU to sanction and decouple from Russia.

Podcast Episode by Alex Kisling, Scott Miller, and William Alan Reinsch — February 9, 2026

CSIS The Trade Guys
The Trade Guys

Canada Tariff Threats, Davos Roundup, and WTO Reform Proposals

Bill and Scott react to President Trump's threat to impose 100 percent tariffs on Canada, plus discuss takeaways from the World Economic Forum in Davos and several proposals to reform the World Trade Organization.

Podcast Episode by Alex Kisling, William Alan Reinsch, and Scott Miller — February 2, 2026

CSIS The Trade Guys
The Trade Guys

The Greenland Trade War That Almost Was, China-Canada Détente, and Pharma Deals

Bill and Scott discuss President Trump's tariff threats surrounding Greenland, the outcomes of the World Economic Forum in Davos, and look at a series of new trade agreements, including a deal between China and Canada.

Podcast Episode by Alex Kisling, Scott Miller, and William Alan Reinsch — January 26, 2026

CSIS The Trade Guys
The Trade Guys

China vs. the World, Chips Tariffs, and Global Minimum Tax

Bill and Scott discuss the carveout for U.S. multinationals from key parts of the OECD’s 15% global minimum tax framework. They also unpack the unconventional announced semiconductor 232 tariffs and escalating diplomatic and economic tension between China and Japan. 

Podcast Episode by Alex Kisling, Scott Miller, and William Alan Reinsch — January 20, 2026

CSIS The Trade Guys
The Trade Guys

Chips to China, U.S.-Indonesia Deal, and North Pole Tariffs

The Trade Guys discuss President Trump’s decision to sell Nvidia H200 chips to China, the status of the U.S.-Indonesia trade deal, and North Pole tariffs ahead of the holidays.

Podcast Episode by Alex Kisling, Scott Miller, and William Alan Reinsch — December 19, 2025

CSIS The Trade Guys
The Trade Guys

Tariff Dividends, U.S.-UK Pharma Deal, and Bullying vs. Persuasion

On this episode of the Trade Guys, Bill and Scott  unpack a proposal from the Trump administration to give a $2,000 tariff dividend to all low- and middle-income Americans. They also examine a new deal between the U.S. and UK on pharmaceuticals. Finally, we finish with a debate on whether bullying or persuasion is more effective in trade negotiations.

Podcast Episode by Alex Kisling, Scott Miller, and William Alan Reinsch — December 8, 2025

CSIS The Trade Guys
The Trade Guys

USMCA Review, U.S.-China Trade Thaw, and the Return of Congress

Bill and Scott discuss the upcoming 2026 review of the USMCA, the recent cooperation between the United States and China, and whether Congress may take action on tariffs now that the shutdown is over. Plus, we welcome Alex Kisling as our new moderator.

Podcast Episode by Alex Kisling, Scott Miller, and William Alan Reinsch — November 18, 2025

CSIS The Trade Guys