Emily Harding

Emily Harding is director of the Intelligence, National Security, and Technology (INT) Program and vice president of the Defense and Security Department (DSD) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. As the head of the INT Program, Harding provides thought leadership on the most critical issues facing intelligence professionals and on the future of intelligence work. In her capacity as vice president of DSD, she is responsible for leading a team of world-renowned scholars providing policy solutions that shape national security. Drawing on her decades of experience in national security, Harding has established herself as an expert on how technology is revolutionizing national security work. She has also served in a series of high-profile national security positions at critical moments. While serving as deputy staff director on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, she led the committee’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 elections, which was lauded for its bipartisanship. At the Central Intelligence Agency, she led analysts and analytic programs through moments of crisis, including shepherding the Iraq Group during the attempted Islamic State takeover. During a tour at the National Security Council, she served as director for Iran. After leaving the White House, her team ran the first Office of the Director of National Intelligence–led presidential transition, where she was responsible for briefing the incoming administration. Harding is an adjunct lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Her analysis has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, BBC, NPR, Bloomberg, and other outlets. She holds a master’s degree from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia.
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In the News 8 of 103 results
Analysis-Israeli air power reigns over Iran, but needs US for deeper impact
Emily Harding cited in Reuters — June 17, 2025
Trump Says Israel, Iran May Need to ‘Fight It Out’ | Bloomberg: The Asia Trade, 6/16/25
Emily Harding appearance on Bloomberg — June 16, 2025
Once-Powerful NSC Is Sidelined by Trump as Rubio Takes the Helm
Emily Harding cited in Bloomberg — May 10, 2025
CIA makes recruiting push for spies in China
Emily Harding cited in ABC — May 2, 2025
Hegseth’s Personal Phone Use Created Vulnerabilities, Analysts Say
Emily Harding cited in The New York Times — April 25, 2025
As Trump pivots to Russia, allies weigh sharing less intel with U.S.
Emily Harding in NBC — March 6, 2025
Text Messages From US Officials Confirm Fears of European Allies
Emily Harding in Bloomberg — March 4, 2025
Gabbard confirmed as US intel chief in latest victory for Trump
Emily Harding in Reuters — February 12, 2025
All Emily Harding Content
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Emergency Podcast: Israeli Strike on Iran
Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz, Seth G. Jones, Emily Harding, and Benjamin Jensen — June 13, 2025

What’s Normal—and What’s Not—About ODNI’s Request to Revise the NIC's Intelligence Assessment
Critical Questions by Emily Harding — May 23, 2025
What’s Normal—and What’s Not—About ODNI’s Request to Revise the NIC's Intelligence Assessment
Podcast Episode by Emily Harding — May 23, 2025

2025 Global Security Forum, Strength Through the Storm: Industry, Innovation, and the Future of U.S. Military Power
Event — May 13, 2025
Strategic Trends 2025: A Trans-Atlantic Look Ahead
Event — May 12, 2025

Investing in Ukraine: Folly or Wisdom?
Commentary by Emily Harding — May 2, 2025
A Drone and Ground View From Ukraine
Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Emily Harding — May 2, 2025

What Happened at the Trump Administration’s Annual Threat Assessment Hearing?
Commentary by Emily Harding and Julia Dickson — March 27, 2025
What Happened at the Trump Administration’s Annual Threat Assessment Hearing?
Podcast Episode by Emily Harding and Julia Dickson — March 27, 2025
