Kori Schake

Kori Schake is an American foreign policy analyst, commentator, and scholar known for work on defense, transatlantic relations, and national security strategy. She has served in senior roles in the United States Department of Defense, United States Department of State, and on the 2008 John McCain presidential campaign, and has been affiliated with think tanks and academic institutions across Washington, D.C. and London. Schake's writing and commentary frequently appear in major newspapers and policy journals and she participates in public debates on NATO, Iran, and transatlantic cooperation.

Early life and education

Born in 1971, Schake studied at Yale University where she completed undergraduate degrees before undertaking postgraduate work at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. At Oxford, she engaged with scholars associated with Nuffield College, Oxford and interacted with figures linked to the Royal United Services Institute and the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Her education connected her to networks spanning Harvard University, Princeton University, and Stanford University through conferences and collaborative projects.

Career

Schake's career includes roles in the United States Department of Defense during the George W. Bush administration and a position on the policy team for the John McCain 2008 presidential campaign. She served in the George W. Bush administration at the Office of the Secretary of Defense and later worked at the United States Department of State in policy planning, interacting with officials from NATO Headquarters, the European Union External Action Service, and the Bundeswehr leadership. In think tanks she has held appointments at the American Enterprise Institute, the International Institute for Strategic Studies, and the Atlantic Council, collaborating with scholars from Chatham House, Brookings Institution, and the Council on Foreign Relations. Schake has been a visiting scholar at universities such as Georgetown University, King's College London, and Johns Hopkins University and has participated in briefings for members of the United States Congress, the British Parliament, and the European Parliament.

Policy positions and influence

Schake advocates for a robust transatlantic alliance, emphasizing strong ties between the United States and NATO members such as Germany, France, and Poland. She has been a vocal critic of rapprochement with Russia after the Crimea crisis (2014) and has supported sanctions coordinated with the European Union and the G7. On Iran, Schake has debated approaches ranging from diplomacy involving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action participants to pressure strategies aligned with Israel and Gulf Cooperation Council members like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. She has argued for defense modernization, including support for programs with the Department of Defense acquisition community, cooperation with the Israeli Defense Forces, and interoperability with the United Kingdom and Canada. Schake's influence extends through op-eds in outlets like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Foreign Affairs, testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee and engagement with policy networks including the Aspen Institute and GLOBSEC.

Publications and media contributions

Schake has authored and edited books and essays published by presses associated with Oxford University Press and Stanford University Press and contributed chapters to volumes alongside scholars from Harvard Kennedy School, Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, and Yale School of Management. Her articles appear in journals such as Foreign Policy, The National Interest, and Survival (journal), and she is a frequent commentator on television networks including CNN, BBC, PBS, and Fox News. She has participated in podcasts produced by institutions such as the Council on Foreign Relations and delivered lectures at forums like the Munich Security Conference and the World Economic Forum.

Personal life and honors

Schake has been recognized with fellowships and awards from organizations including the Royal United Services Institute, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Fulbright Program. She has been a member of advisory boards connected to NATO, the United States Institute of Peace, and the International Republican Institute, and has worked with veterans' organizations in coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Personal details include residence periods in Washington, D.C. and London, and collaborations with family and colleagues who are active in Congressional and think tank circles.

Category:American foreign policy scholars Category:American Rhodes Scholars Category:Living people Category:1971 births