Jon Temin is a foreign policy and national security leader with more than 20 years of experience across government and the nonprofit sector. His expertise includes democracy and governance, conflict resolution, and African affairs. Among his roles, Jon served as vice president of policy and programs at the Truman Center for National Policy and Truman National Security Project, where he oversaw the organizations' work to produce timely, innovative, and principled solutions to complex national security challenges. Prior to that, he was the director of the Africa Program at Freedom House, leading the organization’s efforts to advance democracy and human rights across the continent. From 2014 to 2017, he was a member of the U.S. Department of State’s Policy Planning Staff, providing strategic guidance and long-term thinking to the secretary of state. Jon also served as director of the U.S. Institute of Peace’s Africa Program, leading the Institute’s efforts to help end conflicts and prevent new violence. Jon has written for the New York Times, Washington Post, Financial Times, Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Policy, and he has testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee. Previously, he was a Fulbright fellow in Ghana and visiting fellow at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

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Kenya's Emergence as a Regional Power

As Kenya continues to navigate its regional and global responsibilities, its leadership in diplomacy, economic development, and climate resilience will shape Africa’s future.

Event — February 26, 2025

Experts React: The Challenges and Opportunities for the Trump Administration in Africa

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will begin his second term as U.S. president. CSIS Africa Program experts highlight opportunities to strengthen U.S.-Africa relations through green industrialization, strategic partnerships, good governance, and country-focused engagement.

Commentary by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Laird Treiber, Rafiq Raji, Jon Temin, Saleh Bala, Cameron Hudson, Emilia Columbo, Ryan Cummings, and Will Brown — January 13, 2025

It’s Time for a U.S.-Africa Cities Summit

A new era of U.S.-African diplomacy could be ushered in through an increased focus on strengthening shared urban ties and cosmopolitan capacities.

Commentary by Jon Temin — December 12, 2022

The Perilous State of Freedom and Democracy in Africa

Please join the CSIS Africa Program and Freedom House for an examination of the most recent Freedom in the World findings in Africa and discussion of democracy, governance, and human rights on the continent – and policy options in response.

Event — April 8, 2021

What to Watch in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2021

From escalating conflicts in Ethiopia and Mozambique to a China-Africa relationship characterized by vaccine distribution and debt forgiveness, the CSIS Africa Program previews some of the top stories to watch in sub-Saharan Africa in 2021.

Commentary by Yemi Adamolekun, Lina Benabdallah, and Will Brown, Maria E. Burnett, Emilia Columbo, Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Hilary Matfess, Rafiq Raji, Jon Temin, Laird Treiber, Judd Devermont, Marielle Harris, Kyle Murphy — January 12, 2021

What to Watch in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2020

The CSIS Africa Program examines some of sub-Saharan Africa’s top stories for 2020, with hard-hitting implications for regional governments and international partners.

Commentary by William Mark Bellamy, Emilia Columbo, Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Jon Temin, Judd Devermont, Marielle Harris, and Richard Downie — January 10, 2020

Africa’s Democratic Moment?

Judd Devermont and Jon Temin argue that a confluence of new leaders at the helm of influential African nations could pave the way for a democratic moment on the continent. Success, however, is not a guarantee and the path to progress is littered with obstacles.

Commentary by Jon Temin and Judd Devermont — June 17, 2019