Paul Lushenko

Dr. Paul Lushenko is an Assistant Professor at the U.S. Army War College and concurrently serves as Chief Strategist for the U.S. military’s Joint Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office. He holds a part-time faculty role as a Professorial Lecturer at George Washington University. His expertise bridges emerging technologies, geopolitics, and national security, with a focus on great power competition and its implications for global order.

Education:

• Ph.D. and M.A. in International Relations, Cornell University
• M.A. in Defense and Strategic Studies, U.S. Naval War College
• M.A. in International Relations and Master of Diplomacy, The Australian National University (as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar)
• B.S., U.S. Military Academy

Research Interests: Dr. Lushenko explores the intersection of technology and warfare, including drone warfare’s societal impacts, legitimacy of remote combat operations, and strategic challenges posed by emerging military systems. His work emphasizes how great power rivalries reshape regional stability and global governance frameworks.

Teaching and Professional Roles: He teaches courses such as IAFF 6186 U.S. Special Operations at George Washington University. His military career spans two decades, including service in special operations and ten combat deployments.

Labs/Teams: His advisory role in the Joint Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office reflects his hands-on engagement with cutting-edge defense technologies and tactical strategies.