Emily Harding

Deputy Director and Senior Fellow, International Security Program
Emily Harding

Emily Harding is deputy director and senior fellow with the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). She joined CSIS from the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), where she was deputy staff director. In her nearly 20 years of government service, she has served in a series of high-profile national security positions at critical moments. While working for SSCI, she led the Committee’s multiyear investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 elections. The five-volume, 1,300-page report reshaped the way the United States defends itself against foreign adversaries seeking to manipulate elections, and it was lauded for its rigor, its thoroughness, and as the only bipartisan effort on election interference. During her tenure on the Committee, she also served as the subject matter expert on election security, counterintelligence and associated cybersecurity issues, and the Middle East. She oversaw the activities of 18 intelligence agencies and led SSCI staff in drafting legislation, conducting oversight of the intelligence community, and developing their expertise in intelligence community matters.

She began her career as a leadership analyst at CIA, and then became a manager of analysts and analytic programs. She led the Iraq Group during the attempted Islamic State takeover of Iraq and Syria and led a multidisciplinary group of analysts working crises worldwide, drawing from many perspectives to provide rich analysis to policymakers. During a tour at the National Security Council, she served as executive assistant to the deputy national security adviser for global democracy strategy and then as director for Iran, where she led interagency efforts to create innovative policies drawing on all elements of national power. After leaving the White House, she served on a team running the first Office of the Director of National Intelligence-led presidential transition, where she was responsible for liaising with both campaigns and briefing the incoming administration on a wide range of intelligence topics. Harding holds a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor’s degree in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia.

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Strategic Trends 2023: Key Developments in Global Affairs

Please join CSIS on May 16 from 9:00-10:15 a.m. EDT (3:00-4:15pm CEST) for a conversation about the Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich's new report, Strategic Trends 2023: Key Developments in Global Affairs.

Event by Emily Harding , Brian Carlson , Névine Schepers , and Boas Lieberherr — May 16, 2023

Does the U.S. Need a Cyber Force?

Join the CSIS Strategic Technologies program on April 20 for a conversation to explore the idea of a U.S. cyber force to improve preparedness against threats to the digital domain. 

Event by Mark Montgomery , John Davis , Emily Harding , and James Andrew Lewis — April 20, 2023

Seven Critical Technologies for Winning the Next War

Which technologies will make a real difference in future warfare? A new CSIS report identifies the seven critical technologies that are likely to define the success of the United States across the spectrum of conflict over the next decade.

Report by Emily Harding and Harshana Ghoorhoo — April 18, 2023

Using Big Data to Reduce Leaks

The latest leak of sensitive intelligence is cause for concern about how the national security community secures classified data. CSIS experts Emily Harding and Ben Jensen explore how the national security community can embrace new technologies to prevent future leaks.

Commentary by Emily Harding and Benjamin Jensen — April 17, 2023

Global Security Forum 2023: Transatlantic Defense

The 2023 Global Security Forum, the CSIS International Security Program’s flagship annual conference, took place on April 5, 2023. This year’s conference theme was transatlantic defense and featured a keynote address by Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Christopher W. Grady.

Event by John J. Hamre , Seth G. Jones , Emily Harding , Cynthia Cook , and Max Bergmann — April 5, 2023

Book Event: White Sun War: The Campaign for Taiwan

The CSIS Australia Chair cordially invites you to "Book Event: Spies and Lies: White Sun War: The Campaign for Taiwan."

Event by Charles Edel , Eliot A. Cohen , Emily Harding , and Mick Ryan — March 30, 2023

We Hold These Truths: How Verified Content Defends Democracies

Please join the CSIS International Security Program for the “We Hold These Truths: How Verified Content Defends Democracies” event on March 27 at 9 am EDT.

Event by Emily Harding , Suzanne Spaulding , Ambassador Beth Van Schaack , Dana Rao , Jessica Brandt , Dr. Matthew Turek , Andrew Jenks , Andy Parsons , and Mounir Ibrahim — March 27, 2023

Innovation for Resilience

Please join CSIS for its "Innovation for Resilience" report rollout event. 

 

Event by Caitlin Durkovich , and Stephanie LaRue , Benjamin DeAngelo , Robert Costello , John Costello , Alice Hill , Suzanne Spaulding , Emily Harding , Hadeil Ali , Joseph Majkut , James Andrew Lewis , Bob Kolasky — March 23, 2023

Innovation for Resilience

Resilience is important for mitigating emerging risks with greater agility, but the associated implications, costs, and needed reforms are not as clearly understood. This CSIS study examines U.S. government efforts aimed at improving national resilience.

Report by Suzanne Spaulding , Emily Harding , Hadeil Ali , Joseph Majkut , Harshana Ghoorhoo , Morgan Higman , Devi Nair , Naz Subah , and Sophia Barkoff — March 23, 2023