Raphael S. Cohen

Raphael S. Cohen is a Senior Political Scientist and Professor at the RAND School of Public Policy, where he directs the Strategy and Doctrine Program for RAND Project AIR FORCE and the National Security Program. His work spans Military Strategy, Civil-Military Relations, and Intelligence Analysis, with a focus on Middle East and European Security. Holding a Ph.D. in Government from Georgetown University and an M.A. in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, Cohen integrates academic rigor with military experience, including two combat tours in Iraq.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Government, Georgetown University
  • M.A. in Security Studies, Georgetown University
  • M.A. in Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College
  • B.A. magna cum laude in Government, Harvard University

Cohen’s research explores Limited Wars, Asymmetric Warfare, and Great-Power Competition, analyzing trends in conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East. His 15 most recent articles examine Iran-Israel Dynamics, Ukraine’s Strategic Turning Points, and Urban Warfare Lessons from Gaza. A military intelligence colonel in the Army Reserve, Cohen’s insights bridge academic and operational defense policy.

Scientific Contributions:

• Author, Journal of Strategic Studies, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy
• Deputy Executive Director, 2023 National Defense Strategy Commission
• Staffer, 2018 National Defense Strategy Commission

Military & Policy Engagement:

• Colonel, Army Reserve (Military Intelligence Branch)
• Command and Staff Positions in Iraq (2005–2008)
• Advocacy for Strategic Clarity in Great-Power Competition