Yasir Atalan

Deputy Director and Data Fellow, Futures Lab, Defense and Security Department
Yasir Atalan

Yasir Atalan is a deputy director and data fellow in the Futures Lab at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. His research focuses on technology and international security, with particular emphasis on how artificial intelligence is reshaping conflict dynamics. Dr. Atalan examines how AI agents can be responsibly integrated into defense and foreign policy systems by enabling agentic decision-support workflows. He also studies the changing character of warfare and civil-military relations. Atalan’s research has been featured in the New York Times, CNN, Financial Times, BBC, Foreign Policy, Business Insider, War on the Rocks, and Defense One, as well as in peer-reviewed journals. He also serves as a faculty fellow at the Center for Data Science at American University, where he contributes to computational social science initiatives. Previously, he worked as a replication analyst for the journal Political Analysis at Cambridge University Press. He received his PhD in political science from American University, an MA in Middle Eastern studies from King’s College London, and a BS in political science and international relations from Bogazici University.

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The AI Escalation Danger Trump and Xi Must Address

As Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meet in Beijing on May 14–15 to discuss the future of U.S.-China AI cooperation, concerns are growing over escalatory tendencies in models like DeepSeek. Common AI benchmarking may offer a path toward safer development.

Commentary by Benjamin Jensen and Yasir Atalan — May 12, 2026

AI and the Future of Mediation

As conflicts grow more complex and harder to resolve, AI offers new tools for mediation, but also new risks. This report explores how algorithmic systems can support negotiators without undermining trust, confidentiality, or human judgment.

Report by Yasir Atalan, Benjamin Jensen, and Ian Reynolds — April 27, 2026

The Sudan War in 10 Charts

Sudan's civil war has entered its fourth year as the world's largest, most underfunded, and most overlooked humanitarian crisis.

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — April 17, 2026

Russia-Ukraine War in 10 Charts

Four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, the war in Ukraine has reshaped European security, global markets, and the balance of power. These 10 charts break down the battlefield, economic strain, military aid shifts, reconstruction costs, and what comes next.

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — February 24, 2026

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The Pentagon’s AI Problem Isn’t Algorithms, It’s Evaluation

An audio version of "⁠The Pentagon’s AI Problem Isn’t Algorithms, It’s Evaluation⁠," a new Commentary by CSIS's Benjamin Jensen and Yasir Atalan. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Benjamin Jensen and Yasir Atalan — December 19, 2025

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Will Trump’s Peace Plan for Ukraine Succeed?

Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine could open the door to negotiations—but its territorial concessions, weak security guarantees, and amnesty provisions risk making the deal collapse before it begins.

Critical Questions by Benjamin Jensen and Yasir Atalan — November 21, 2025

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Will Trump’s Peace Plan for Ukraine Succeed?

An audio version of "⁠Will Trump’s Peace Plan for Ukraine Succeed?⁠," a new Critical Questions by CSIS's Benjamin Jensen and Yasir Atalan. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Benjamin Jensen and Yasir Atalan — November 21, 2025

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