Ellen Laipson

Ellen Laipson is a Professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, where she serves as Director of the Master's in International Security program and the Center for Security Policy Studies. She has a distinguished career in government, think tanks, and academic leadership, with deep expertise in international security and intelligence policy.

Education:

• AB, Cornell University
• MA, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies

Her research and professional interests center on national and international security, intelligence community governance, U.S. foreign policy, and diplomatic strategy. With decades of experience in policy formulation and analysis, she contributes to public discourse through commentary and advisory roles in major institutions.

While no recent publications are listed, her career trajectory and institutional affiliations suggest a strong focus on strategic policy analysis, security studies, and intelligence reform across governmental and academic contexts.

Professional Affiliations and Advisory Roles:

• Member, Council on Foreign Relations
• Advisory Council, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
• Advisory Council, Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy
• Board Member, The Asia Foundation (2003–2015)
• Council Member, International Institute for Strategic Studies (2009–2019)
• CIA External Advisory Panel (2006–2009)
• President Obama's Intelligence Advisory Board (2009–2013)
• Secretary of State's Foreign Affairs Policy Board (2011–2014)

Laipson has held significant leadership roles in both government and non-governmental sectors. She was president and CEO of the Stimson Center (2002–2015), and her earlier career included positions on the National Security Council staff, the State Department's policy planning staff, and the Congressional Research Service. She is a regular columnist for worldpoliticsreview.com, contributing analysis on global affairs.

She leads the Center for Security Policy Studies, a research hub focused on national and international security challenges, and oversees the academic direction of the Master’s in International Security program, shaping the next generation of policy professionals.