Alexander Kersten

Deputy Director and Fellow, Renewing American Innovation
Alexander Kersten

Alexander Kersten is deputy director and a fellow of Renewing American Innovation (RAI) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). His research with RAI focuses on U.S. innovation policy, data security, and regional innovation hubs and has been quoted in Bloomberg. From January to November 2021, he served as acting director of RAI, during which time he oversaw and led the creation and subsequent development of the program. He also previously worked at CSIS from 2015 to 2018 as special assistant and executive officer to president and CEO John Hamre, where he managed projects and operations for the Executive Office at CSIS. While in this role, he also served as a coeditor for CSIS’s foreign affairs journal for junior staff, New Perspectives in Foreign Policy, and as a board member on the CSIS Service Committee. Mr. Kersten holds a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and a Bachelor of Arts in history and Arab and Islamic studies from Villanova University.

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Audio Briefs

Will the "Strengthening the Quad Act" Work?

An audio version of “Will the "Strengthening the Quad Act" Work?,” a new commentary by CSIS’s Alexander Kersten and Julia Yoon. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Alexander Kersten and Julia Yoon — July 26, 2024

Audio Briefs

Will the "Strengthening the Quad Act" Work?

There are calls to formalize the Quad alliance with an inter-parliamentary working group. While its impact on military cooperation remains uncertain, this reflects a desire to deepen cooperation for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region based on shared values.

Commentary by Alexander Kersten and Julia Yoon — July 22, 2024

Inclusive Innovation for U.S. Economic Growth and Resiliency

Data shows that inclusivity in entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems greatly improves economic growth. In a changing global landscape, investing in a more inclusive innovation community is key for the United States’ long-term economic success and national security.

Report by Tom Guevara, Alexander Kersten, and Srishti Khemka — May 30, 2023

Implementing CHIPS: The NEPA Permitting Challenge

The NEPA review could stall CHIPS Act projects for over two years and cost firms billions, undermining the policy imperatives of the legislation. How can policymakers enable a speedy and environmentally responsible review process?

Commentary by Phillip Singerman and Alexander Kersten — May 1, 2023