James F. Collins

James F. Collins is a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, specializing in Russia and Eurasia Program. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation from 1997 to 2001 and held senior advisory roles at Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP.

• Education: MA from Indiana University, AB from Harvard University

His research and professional focus spans U.S.-Russia relations, Arctic policy, nuclear security, and post-Soviet political dynamics. He has extensively addressed topics such as cooperative missile defense, Ukrainian stability, and Arctic governance.

• Daunting Challenges and Glimmers of Hope in Ukraine (2015)
• Arctic Council Initiatives to Sustain Arctic Cooperation (2015)
• Overcoming the Stigma of Cooperative Missile Defense (2012)

Scientific awards include:

• Secretary of State’s Award for Distinguished Service
• Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service
• NASA Medal for Distinguished Service

Collins has contributed to diplomatic dialogues on Arctic cooperation, U.S.-Russia relations, and security frameworks, while serving on boards such as the U.S.-Russia Business Council and the American Academy of Diplomacy.