Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander S. Vindman (U.S. Army, Ret.) was most recently the director for European affairs on the White House’s National Security Council. Prior to retiring from the U.S Army, he served as a foreign area officer with assignments in the U.S. embassies in Kyiv, Ukraine and Moscow, Russia, and for the Joint Chiefs of Staff as a political and military affairs officer. His tenure included three years in Russia, where he had regular contact with Russian military leaders and access to their defense and security apparatus. Vindman's deep understanding of the military strategies and political behaviors of both the U.S. and Russian armed forces, alongside his experience at the White House, positions him as a distinguished expert on regional security issues, especially concerning Russia’s policies towards Ukraine.

Vindman’s professional discipline was shaped by his engagement with complex challenges that inspire innovative solutions, leading to a continuous cycle of learning and adaptation. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree and holds appointments as a Foreign Policy Institute fellow at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, a Pritzker military fellow at the Lawfare Institute, and a visiting fellow at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perry World House. Additionally, he serves as a board member of the Renew Democracy Initiative, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting democratic values.

Vindman's insights have been further highlighted by his testimony during former President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, which brought international attention to his expertise and experiences. He continues to contribute to global discussions on security and governance, sharing his perspectives on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the geopolitical ambitions of Russia, while also engaging with academic and policy-making communities to deepen the understanding of these critical issues.