John V. Parachini

John V. Parachini is a Senior International and Defense Researcher at the RAND Corporation and a Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy. He previously directed the RAND Intelligence Policy Center and has served in the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability, focusing on Russia and Ukraine. He has held teaching positions at Georgetown University, the University of Southern California, and Baruch College.

His research focuses on nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons proliferation, arms control, counterterrorism, intelligence, and emerging technologies. His expertise spans global security, homeland security, and international diplomacy, with deep regional knowledge of Russia, Ukraine, North Korea, and the Middle East.

The most recent publications highlight trends in disinformation by state actors, chemical and biological weapons threats, U.S.-India defense cooperation, Russian military exports, and pandemic-related security challenges. His work increasingly analyzes the strategic use of weapons of mass destruction in hybrid warfare and the erosion of international norms.

• Fact-Checking Russia's Claims on Chemical Weapons (2025)
• Boosting U.S.-India Private Sector Defense Industrial Cooperation (2025)
• Syrian Rebels' Remarkable Call for International Help on Chemical Weapons (2025)
• Fallout from Syria: Q&A with RAND Experts (2024)
• The International Community Held Russia to Account for Not Abiding by Chemical Weapons Treaty (2024)

Parachini has testified before Congress and published widely in journals such as Arms Control Today, The Washington Quarterly, and The Nonproliferation Review, as well as in major media outlets including The Los Angeles Times and The Hill. His work is frequently cited in policy debates on global security and counterterrorism.

He has led major RAND projects on nuclear terrorism, open-source intelligence, pandemic preparedness, and strategic warning. While no specific grants are listed, his extensive research output suggests sustained funding from defense and security agencies. He has not advised any named students in the provided materials.

Parachini is affiliated with RAND’s international policy and defense research teams, contributing to expert panels and multimedia content such as videos and podcasts on North Korea, Russia, and global terrorism. His recent work continues to shape policy discussions on WMD proliferation and strategic stability.