
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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In the News
Hard-right House Republicans are against Ukraine aid – and they seem to be in charge
Max Bergmann in The Guardian — October 14, 2023
‘Bottom of barrel’: Ukraine’s counteroffensive at risk from US aid delays
Max Bergmann in Financial Times — October 11, 2023
What does a change in House speaker mean for Ukraine aid?
Max Bergmann in CBS — October 7, 2023
Ousting of US House speaker darkens outlook for Ukraine aid as funds dry up
Max Bergmann in CNN — October 4, 2023
Washington infighting puts US support for Ukraine in doubt
Max Bergmann in Financial Times — October 2, 2023
Russia’s position in the global arms market has slipped as the war drags on, researchers say.
Max Bergmann in New York Times — September 18, 2023
Una conversación que puede cambiar la guerra: Putin necesita munición a toda costa y solo Kim Jong-un puede dársela
Max Bergmann in El Confidencial — September 6, 2023
Biden admin shrugs at Prigozhin’s death as questions about Wagner’s future linger
Max Bergmann in Politico — August 23, 2023
All Max Bergmann Content
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Maria Reports Back After a Trip to Ukraine
Podcast Episode by Max Bergmann Maria Snegovaya and Michael Kimmage — November 30, 2023

Germany’s Debt Brake Strikes Again, Spain’s Pedro Sanchez Secures New Term, Portugal’s Costa Resigns, and a Conversation with Rym Momtaz
Podcast Episode by Max Bergmann and Donatienne Ruy — November 21, 2023

The Ideology of Putinism with Sergei Guriev
Podcast Episode by Max Bergmann and Maria Snegovaya — November 16, 2023

Ukraine’s Path to Good Governance: Progress and Priorities to Address Corruption
Event — November 13, 2023
Von der Leyen Visits Kyiv, Baerbock Calls for Bold EU Reforms, and an Exit Interview with Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis
Podcast Episode by Max Bergmann and Donatienne Ruy — November 9, 2023

Russia and the Global South with Hanna Notte
Podcast Episode by Max Bergmann Hanna Notte and Michael Kimmage — November 2, 2023

The Ideology of Putinism with Sergei Guriev
Event — October 31, 2023
Transatlantic Defense in an Era of Strategic Competition
Event — October 27, 2023
Polish Election Results, the EU-US Summit, and a Conversation with David Lammy
Podcast Episode by Max Bergmann and Donatienne Ruy — October 26, 2023

Russia and the Global South with Hanna Notte
Event — October 24, 2023