Michael Connell, Ph.D.

Michael Connell is a specialist in Russia and the Middle East. His primary area of expertise is the armed forces of Iran and Russia, and he has published extensively both inside and outside of CNA on these topics.

At CNA he has directed more than 60 research projects for a variety of DOD and interagency sponsors. This work has spanned a variety of subjects, including adversary military capabilities and intentions, strategic signaling, security cooperation and engagement, space and counterspace operations, U.S. force posture alternatives, and cyber operations. He previously served as CNA’s field representative to the headquarters of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, Bahrain. Prior to joining CNA, Connell was an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army.

Connell earned his doctorate in history and Middle Eastern studies from Harvard University and his Bachelor of Arts in Near Eastern studies from Brandeis University.