Carter Malkasian

Carter Malkasian served as a civilian advisor in Iraq and Afghanistan and was the senior advisor to General Joseph Dunford, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from 2015 to 2019. He has extensive experience working in conflict zones and has published several books, including "The American War in Afghanistan: A History."

The highlight of his work in conflict zones was nearly two years in Garmser district, Helmand province, Afghanistan, as a State Department political officer. Before that, Dr. Malkasian deployed as a civilian advisor with the Marines twice to Iraq, for a total of 18 months, mostly in Al Anbar in 2004 and 2006. Other field assignments have been to Honduras, Kuwait (OIF-1), Kunar (2007–2008), and Kabul as the political advisor to General Dunford (2013–2014). From May 2012 to May 2013, Dr. Malkasian directed the office of overseas operations within the US State Department’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations. From October 2006 to July 2009, he directed the Stability and Development Program at CNA, the think tank for the US Navy and Marine Corps.

His 2013 book, "War Comes to Garmser," a micro-historical examination of thirty years of conflict in an Afghan community, won the silver medal for the Council on Foreign Relations’ Arthur Ross Book Award. Another book, "Illusions of Victory: The Anbar Awakening and the Islamic State," covers the successes and eventual failure of the famous Anbar awakening tribal movement and the corresponding US military effort.

Dr. Malkasian completed his doctorate in history at Oxford University. He speaks Pashto.