Jon B. Alterman
Jon B. Alterman is a senior vice president, holds the Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy, and is director of the Middle East Program at CSIS. Prior to joining CSIS in 2002, he served as a member of the Policy Planning Staff at the U.S. Department of State and as a special assistant to the assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, and from 2009-2019 he served as a member of the Chief of Naval Operations Executive Panel. In addition to his policy work, he often teaches Middle Eastern studies at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and the George Washington University. Earlier in his career, Alterman was a scholar at the U.S. Institute of Peace and at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a legislative aide to Senator Daniel P. Moynihan (D-NY) responsible for foreign policy and defense. From 1993 to 1997, Alterman was an award-winning teacher at Harvard University, where he received his Ph.D. in history. Alterman has lectured in more than 35 countries on five continents on subjects related to the Middle East and U.S. policy toward the region. He is the author or coauthor of four books on the Middle East and the editor of five more. In addition to his academic work, he is sought out as a consultant to business and government and is a frequent commentator in print, on radio, and on television. His opinion pieces have appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and other major publications. He is a former international affairs fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, where he is now a life member. He received his A.B. from Princeton University's School of Public and International Affairs.
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Media Queries
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In the News
Saudi Arabia's oil giant boss speaks up for China, saying its massive production of solar panels and EVs helps affordability
Jon B. Alterman in Business Insider — April 23, 2024
China seeks greater global diplomatic role but avoids the Middle East, analysts say
Jon B. Alterman in South China Morning Post — April 20, 2024
India watching Iran-Israel conflict closely amid growing fears over trade and energy risks
Jon B. Alterman in South China Morning Post — April 19, 2024
Israel and Iran’s conflict enters a new, dangerous phase
Jon B. Alterman in Vox — April 19, 2024
Emboldened Iran Makes Dangerous Gamble on Open Confrontation
Jon B. Alterman in The Wall Street Journal — April 17, 2024
Israel-Iran Confrontation Forces Gulf Powers to Choose Sides
Jon B. Alterman in The Wall Street Journal — April 16, 2024
U.S. officials expect Israel’s response to Iran to be limited, according to NBC
Jon B. Alterman in CNBC — April 16, 2024
Former defense security predicts Iran will launch retaliatory attack
Jon B. Alterman in The Hill — April 5, 2024
All Jon B. Alterman Content
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Competing Visions: How Infrastructure is Reshaping the Eurasian Supercontinent
Event — September 28, 2017
2016 Global Security Forum
Event — December 1, 2016