Michael A. Hunzeker

Michael A. Hunzeker is an Associate Professor at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, where he also serves as Director of the Government and International Affairs Program and Associate Director of the Center for Security Policy Studies. He is a Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, contributing to national defense and security policy discourse.

• Ph.D. in Politics, Princeton University
• M.P.A., Princeton University
• A.M. in Politics, Princeton University
• A.B. in Political Science, University of California, Berkeley

Michael's research centers on international security, with a focus on wartime learning, military adaptation, conventional deterrence, and defense reform—particularly in the context of Taiwan. His work investigates how militaries learn from combat, adapt strategies under pressure, and implement reforms to enhance deterrence credibility. His interdisciplinary approach combines historical analysis, strategic theory, and policy evaluation.

His recent publications, including the book Dying to Learn: Wartime Lessons from the Western Front, reflect a strong trend in examining organizational learning in military contexts, deterrence dynamics in contested regions like northeastern Europe and the Taiwan Strait, and the political dimensions of war termination. His scholarly output spans top journals in security studies, political science, and military affairs.

• Senior Non-Resident Fellow, Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments

Michael has advised major policy discussions through coauthored monographs and commentary in outlets such as Foreign Policy, War on the Rocks, and Defense One. His background includes service in the U.S. Marine Corps (2000–2006), providing practical insight into military operations and strategy. He has not publicly listed formal advisees, but his leadership in academic programs suggests mentorship and curriculum development roles.

He is actively involved in research initiatives at the Schar School, particularly through the Center for Security Policy Studies, where he contributes to policy-relevant analysis on contemporary defense challenges and strategic competition.