Tom Karako

Director, Missile Defense Project and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Tom Karako

Tom Karako is the director of the Missile Defense Project and a senior fellow with the Defense and Security Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where he arrived in 2014. His research focuses on national security, missile defense, nuclear deterrence, and public law. In 2010–2011, he was an American Political Science Association congressional fellow, working with the professional staff of the House Armed Services Committee and the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces on U.S. strategic forces policy, nonproliferation, and NATO. Dr. Karako received his PhD from Claremont Graduate University and his BA from the University of Dallas.

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The Golden Dome for America Initiative

Missiles and drones have become weapons of choice. Missile defenses have, in turn, become foundational to deterrence and defense. The need to revolutionize our nation's approach to homeland air and missile defense capabilities is strategically necessary and long overdue.

Congressional Testimony by Tom Karako — September 29, 2026

Space Launch Capacity and Contenders | HTK

Please join the CSIS Defense and Security Department’s HTK Series for a conversation about recent developments in U.S. and Chinese space launch capabilities. 

Event — September 9, 2026

Munitions Shortages After Epic Fury

Since Operation Epic Fury began, the United States has expended thousands of advanced munitions. Tom Karako and Mark Cancian discuss the state of U.S. stockpiles, replenishment challenges, and what depleted inventories mean for deterrence, allies, and future conflicts.

Event — August 5, 2026

Nuclear Armed Hypersonic Missiles | HTK

Please join the CSIS Defense and Security Department for a discussion on nuclear armed hypersonic missiles and whether the United States should reconsider its longstanding hypersonic policy.

Event — June 18, 2026

Warfighting and War Winning in Space

Please join the CSIS Defense and Security Department for a conversation on warfighting in space and its implications for deterrence and strategic stability.

Event — May 26, 2026