Austin Coffey

Austin Coffey is an M.Phil. student at the RAND School of Public Policy and an assistant policy researcher at RAND, specializing in international affairs, national security, and foreign policy with emphasis on decision making under uncertainty. He applies interdisciplinary methodologies including forecasting, behavioral economics, and robust decision-making frameworks to complex geopolitical challenges.

Education:

• University of Oklahoma: Studied economics and letters (history, literature, and philosophy)

Research Interests: Coffey's work bridges foreign policy analysis with decision science, focusing on real-world applications in alliance politics and emerging security threats. His expertise spans forecasting techniques for uncertain environments, behavioral economic influences on policy decisions, and historical case studies to inform contemporary strategy. Current research priorities include South China Sea dynamics and technology-driven geopolitical shifts.

Scientific Awards and Fellowships:

• Award-winning co-author of "The Prophet of Harvard Law" (American legal history)
• University of Chicago’s Existential Risk Laboratory Fellowship (South China Sea conflict analysis)
• Henry Luce Foundation Fellowship (year-long research residency in South Korea)
• Hertog Political Studies Program Fellowship

Professional Experience: Prior to RAND, Coffey served as a research assistant to Henry Kissinger, briefing and summarizing 200+ high-level meetings while conducting original research on alliance politics, South China Sea disputes, and emerging technologies. He managed correspondence, drafted speeches, and maintained Kissinger's situational awareness on global affairs.