Michael J. Mazarr

Michael J. Mazarr is a Senior Political Scientist and Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy, part of the RAND Corporation. He holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of Maryland. Previously, he served at the U.S. National War College as a professor and associate dean, and held roles at the Henry L. Stimson Center, Center for Strategic and International Studies, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

His research focuses on U.S. defense policy, nuclear deterrence, East Asian security, disinformation, and decisionmaking under uncertainty. He has authored numerous studies on military strategy, great power competition, and international diplomacy, with recent emphasis on Indo-Pacific alliances, AI governance, and integrated deterrence frameworks.

Key publications include analyses of Sustaining U.S. Army Operations in the Indo-Pacific (2025), Understanding Escalation (2025), and Comparative Analysis of U.S. and PRC Military Technology (2024). His work bridges academic rigor and policy relevance, addressing contemporary challenges like U.S.-China tech rivalry and Russian-Ukrainian conflicts.

He engages actively in public discourse via media commentary and podcasts, such as discussions on the U.S.-Russia relationship and North Korean nuclear negotiations. No formal awards are listed, but his contributions are recognized through his extensive policy analysis and advisory roles.