Daniel Egel

Daniel Egel is a Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy and Director of RAND's Economic Strategy and Operations Unit. His work integrates economics with national security challenges, particularly in U.S. overseas operations. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from UC Berkeley and has served as an embedded analyst with special operations forces in Afghanistan and as a researcher in Yemen and Syria.

• Education: Ph.D. in Economics, University of California, Berkeley
• Affiliations: RAND Corporation

Research interests include strategic competition (especially U.S.-China dynamics), irregular warfare, critical infrastructure protection, and economic dimensions of conflict resolution. Notable projects include analyzing Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), assessing Syria refugee job opportunities, and evaluating Yemen's development initiatives.

Recent publications explore U.S.-China economic rivalry, CBDC implications for law enforcement, and pathways to Israeli-Palestinian peace. His work frequently bridges military strategy, economic policy, and diplomatic engagement.

• Grants/Advising: Multiple U.S. government-funded studies on security cooperation, irregular warfare, and stability operations.
• Labs/Teams: Leads the RAND Economic Strategy and Operations Unit, collaborating with defense, development, and diplomatic stakeholders.