David S. Luckey

David S. Luckey is a Senior International/Defense Researcher and Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy. He previously served as Director of Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Advisor to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, overseeing Department of Homeland Security oversight and legislation. With over 33 years of federal service, he held roles in the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity. A retired Marine Corps Officer, he earned an M.A. in National Security Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School, and dual M.S. in Air and Space Strategic Studies and MBA from the University of Maryland.

His research focuses on fentanyl/opioid crises, biological weapons, counterterrorism, border security, cybersecurity, and intelligence policy. He co-led the bipartisan Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking (2022), producing a 'whole-of-nation' strategy to reduce opioid-related deaths through supply disruption, demand reduction, and harm mitigation. His recent work emphasizes AI risks to CBRN threats and diplomatic approaches to transnational drug challenges.