Max Bergmann

Director, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and Stuart Center
Max Bergmann

Max Bergmann is the director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and the Stuart Center in Euro-Atlantic and Northern European Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Prior to joining CSIS he was a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, where he focused on Europe, Russia, and U.S. security cooperation. From 2011 to 2017, he served in the U.S. Department of State in a number of different positions, including as a member of the secretary of state’s policy planning staff, where he focused on political-military affairs and nonproliferation; special assistant to the undersecretary for arms control and international security; speechwriter to then secretary of state John Kerry; and senior adviser to the assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs. Before serving in the State Department, Bergmann worked at the Center for American Progress as a military and nonproliferation policy analyst and at the National Security Network as the deputy policy director. Bergmann holds a master’s degree in comparative politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Bates College. His recent commentary has been published in outlets such as Politico (March 2022, August 2022), the Washington Post, Foreign Affairs, and Sasakawa USA.

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Ahead of the NATO Summit: Burden Sharing to Responsibility Sharing

Please join the CSIS International Security Program on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, from 1:00 – 2:00 pm EDT, for an engaging discussion on NATO’s historic burden sharing debate, including how NATO might recast its thinking about – and accounting for - how allies are sharing security and strategic responsibilities going forward.

Event by Daniel Fata , Max Bergmann , and Donatienne Ruy — June 13, 2023

Russian Roulette

Russia's Frozen Reserves with Martin Sandbu

Max and Maria are joined by Federico Steinberg, a CSIS visiting fellow, and Martin Sandbu of the Financial Times to discuss Russian financial reserves that have been frozen by Western governments.

Podcast Episode by Max Bergmann , Maria Snegovaya , and Federico Steinberg — June 1, 2023

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Book Talk: "Russia's War" with Jade McGlynn

Please join us for a discussion about the latest book by Jade McGlynn, Russia's War.

Event by Max Bergmann , Maria Snegovaya , Michael Kimmage , and Jade McGlynn — May 25, 2023

The European Union’s Enlargement Conundrum

Membership in the European Union is critical for Ukraine’s reconstruction and future prosperity. But Ukraine’s accession will require deep reforms in Kyiv, visionary leadership from EU leaders to reform the bloc, and an active diplomatic push from Washington.

Report by Max Bergmann , Otto Svendsen , and Sissy Martinez — May 25, 2023

Russian Roulette

Ukraine's Coming Counteroffensive

Max and Maria discuss Ukraine's impending counteroffensive, and what it could mean for global politics going forward.

Podcast Episode by Max Bergmann , Maria Snegovaya , and Michael Kimmage — May 18, 2023

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Allied Burden Sharing in Ukraine

A virtual public event moderated by Max Bergmann, Director of the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program, featuring notable speakers from European countries to discuss Allied Burden Sharing in Ukraine.

Event by Max Bergmann , Ana Palacio , Eka Tkeshelashvili , Ambassador Emily Haber , Ambassador Marek Magierowski , Ambassador Karen Pierce , and Stavros Lambrinidis — May 17, 2023

Russian Roulette

Sanctions and Russia's Defense Industry

Max and Maria to discuss the findings of a new CSIS report, "Out of Stock? Assessing the Impact of Sanctions on Russia's Defense Industry."

Podcast Episode by Max Bergmann and Maria Snegovaya — April 20, 2023

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