Daniel Mahanty

Senior Associate (Non-resident), Humanitarian Agenda
Daniel Mahanty

Daniel Mahanty is director of the U.S. Program for the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC). Through research and advocacy, he promotes the adoption of U.S. government policies and practices that serve to protect civilians and to minimize the harm they experience in armed conflict. Prior to joining CIVIC, Mr. Mahanty spent 16 years at the U.S. Department of State, where he created and led the Office of Security and Human Rights. In this role, he oversaw the integration of human rights in U.S. security assistance and arms sales policies and coordinated U.S. government efforts to prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers. He teaches “Human Rights and U.S. National Security” at Georgetown University, Kansas University, and the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Mr. Mahanty holds a master’s degree in national security policy from Georgetown and a bachelor’s degree in economics from George Mason University. He is a Colin L. Powell Fellow, a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a Truman National Security Fellow. His writings have appeared in the National Interest, USA Today, Defense One, Just Security, and other publications.

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U.S. Support to Security Sector Reform in Fragile States

Reforming security sectors can serve an important function in preventing violence but may also introduce destabilizing effects. Policymakers should understand the relationship between security actors and the nature of fragility and calibrate reform accordingly.

Brief by Daniel Mahanty — August 26, 2020

Niger: A Bulwark against Further Instability in West Africa

The past year has witnessed an increase in violence within some of the border regions of Niger. The Nigerien government and its international partners have an opportunity to improve security but should take care to avoid steps that could make things worse.

Brief by Daniel Mahanty and William Meeker — July 24, 2019

The Protection of Civilians in U.S. Partnered Operations

Watch the report launch of “The Protection of Civilians in U.S. Partnered Operations,” a joint partnership between the CSIS International Security Program, the Center for Civilians in Conflict, and InterAction. 

Event by Daniel Mahanty , Jenny McAvoy , Charles "Cob" Blaha , Alexandra Boivin , Amanda Catanzano , Mark Swayne , and Melissa Dalton — October 30, 2018

The Protection of Civilians in U.S. Partnered Operations

This new CSIS report assesses the challenges and opportunities faced by policymakers, military actors, and humanitarian professionals in positively shaping the conduct of armed forces partnering with U.S. forces to mitigate civilian harm.

Report by Daniel Mahanty , Julie Snyder , Jenny McAvoy , Kelsey Hampton , Hijab Shah , and Melissa Dalton — October 30, 2018

Civilians and “By, With, and Through”

Working by, with, and through partners in military operations has become a preferred approach in U.S. security policy. Doing so without uniform controls governing conduct and the use of force has real consequences.

Brief by Daniel Mahanty , Julie Snyder , Jenny McAvoy , Kelsey Hampton , Hijab Shah , and Melissa Dalton — April 25, 2018