Rachel Metz

Rachel Metz is a full-time Assistant Professor of Political Science at George Washington University, where she focuses on international security, security assistance, and military effectiveness. Her work explores the organizational and bureaucratic drivers of defense policy, with publications in International Security, Security Studies, and Foreign Affairs.

• Education: Ph.D. in Political Science (2021, MIT Security Studies Program), B.A. (Wesleyan University, Phi Beta Kappa)

Metz’s research examines U.S. security assistance failures, advisory doctrines for building partner militaries, and campaign analysis methods. She has received funding from the Smith Richardson Foundation and Carnegie Corporation, and her work connects to broader themes in military strategy, defense policy, and international relations.

She previously served as a professor at the U.S. Naval War College, an adjunct researcher at RAND Corporation, and a Eurasia Group Fellow. Metz is currently a research affiliate at MIT and an adjunct fellow at the Center for New American Security (CNAS).