Thomas Bryja

Program Manager and Research Associate, Project on Prosperity and Development
Thomas Bryja

Thomas Bryja is a program manager and research associate for the Project on Prosperity and Development at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. In this role, he supports the program’s research agenda, business development, and administrative management. His analytical focus is on leveraging non-military power to advance the interests of the United States abroad and, in particular, to confront China’s growing global influence. Previously, Thomas worked for the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago, and Goldberg Kohn Ltd. He holds a BA with majors in political science and history from the University of Chicago, and he is pursuing a master's degree in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown’s Walsh School of Foreign Service.

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Answering the Call: The Foreign Assistance Review

Criticism of U.S. foreign aid has led to a review by the Department of State. This paper provides sample metrics for consideration to ensure international assistance succeeds in making the United States “safer,” “stronger,” and “more prosperous."

Commentary by Daniel F. Runde, Richard Crespin, and Thomas Bryja — February 28, 2025

Audio Briefs

Answering the Call: The Foreign Assistance Review

An audio version of “Answering the Call: The Foreign Assistance Review,” a new commentary by CSIS's Daniel F. Runde, Richard Crespin, and Thomas Bryja. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Daniel F. Runde, Richard Crespin, and Thomas Bryja — February 28, 2025

Audio Briefs

Moldova in the Digital Age

A focus on cybersecurity is especially important as the Moldovan government continues its efforts to digitize more systems and to support the growth of the technology sector.  It is also vital given the significant uptick in cyberattacks in the country.

Report by Daniel F. Runde, Leah Kieff, and Thomas Bryja — December 4, 2024

Retooling U.S. Trade to Meet the China Challenge: GSP Matters

The four-year lapse of the General Systems of Preference program, a cornerstone of U.S. trade policy, has allowed China to grow its political and economic influence in the Global South. Congressional reauthorization is crucial to combat China’s development offensive.

Commentary by Daniel F. Runde, Thomas Bryja, and Meredith Broadbent — November 4, 2024

Moldova’s Energy Future

Russia has attempted to exert influence over Moldova through manipulating or threatening to manipulate energy prices and flows, and until recently, Moldova’s long-standing efforts to develop and reform its energy sector have produced minimal results.

Report by Daniel F. Runde, Leah Kieff, and Thomas Bryja — October 11, 2024

Strengthening Moldova’s Cyber Landscape

Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine the cyberattacks in Moldova have more than tripled, including frequent attacks on Moldovan government websites.

Critical Questions by Daniel F. Runde, Leah Kieff, and Thomas Bryja — October 8, 2024

Audio Briefs

Moldova’s Gas Futures

An audio version of “Moldova’s Gas Futures,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS’s Daniel F. Runde, Leah Kieff, and Thomas Bryja. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Daniel F. Runde, Leah Kieff, and Thomas Bryja — September 10, 2024

Audio Briefs

Moldova’s Gas Futures

Without true energy independence from Russia, the threat of Moscow turning off the heat in Chisinau or creating a crisis in Transnistria will remain a geopolitical tool to pressure or destabilize Moldova.

Critical Questions by Daniel F. Runde, Leah Kieff, and Thomas Bryja — September 9, 2024

The Future of Assistance for Afghanistan: A Dilemma

Three years after the fall of Kabul, international assistance for Afghanistan is at a crossroads. As donor fatigue sets in and aid dwindles, stakeholders must grapple with how to address the country’s critical humanitarian needs without legitimizing the Taliban’s rule.

Report by Daniel F. Runde, Annie Pforzheimer, Thomas Bryja, and Caroline Smutny — June 13, 2024