Retired General Joseph F. Dunford to Lead CSIS as the New CEO
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has made headlines with the announcement of its new chief executive officer, retired General Joseph F. Dunford. The former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dunford will officially take up the CEO position on May 7, 2026, succeeding John Hamre, who has dedicated 26 years to transformative leadership at the institution.
General Dunford’s appointment is timely, coming at a moment when the global landscape is marked by significant challenges, including strategic competition and evolving security threats.
Dunford expressed his readiness to lead CSIS, emphasizing the importance and timeliness of the organization’s work amid a complex strategic scenario. "It is a privilege to lead CSIS as the United States confronts a challenging strategic landscape," he stated, highlighting his commitment to work alongside the center’s renowned scholars to strengthen American security and prosperity.
With a distinguished career shaped by high-level decision-making roles, Dunford brings a wealth of experience to his new position. His time as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff saw him advise Presidents Obama and Trump, during which he tackled challenges related to national and global security. Notable periods in his career also include serving as the commandant of the Marine Corps and overseeing military operations in Afghanistan.
A Boston native, Dunford’s academic credentials include degrees from St. Michael's College, Georgetown University, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. His most recent position was as a non-resident senior fellow at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
CSIS, founded in 1962, has garnered respect and recognition as a leading think tank focused on national security issues. The center’s commitment to integrating policy analysis with strategic insights has positioned it as a pivotal player in discussions surrounding defense, geopolitics, and economic security.
Reflecting on his tenure, outgoing CEO John Hamre articulated confidence in Dunford’s capability to lead CSIS into its next phase, stating, "He brings unparalleled experience in confronting complex global challenges and a clear understanding of the strategic choices facing the United States." Hamre will transition to CEO emeritus, continuing to contribute to CSIS’s scholarship and global engagement.
The leadership change heralds a new chapter for CSIS, reinforcing its mission to address the defining challenges of a rapidly evolving global context. With Dunford at the helm, the center is poised to strengthen its role in shaping national security debates through nonpartisan analysis and actionable recommendations.
For those who wish to learn more about CSIS and its contributions to national security, the organization’s official site offers a wealth of resources and insights. As General Dunford prepares to step into his role, the broader implications of his leadership for both CSIS and American security policy remain a topic of keen interest.
In these challenging times, the focus on leadership that understands the complexities of global security dynamics is more crucial than ever, and General Dunford’s extensive background may hold the key to navigating the uncertainties ahead.
General Dunford’s appointment is timely, coming at a moment when the global landscape is marked by significant challenges, including strategic competition and evolving security threats.
Dunford expressed his readiness to lead CSIS, emphasizing the importance and timeliness of the organization’s work amid a complex strategic scenario. "It is a privilege to lead CSIS as the United States confronts a challenging strategic landscape," he stated, highlighting his commitment to work alongside the center’s renowned scholars to strengthen American security and prosperity.
With a distinguished career shaped by high-level decision-making roles, Dunford brings a wealth of experience to his new position. His time as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff saw him advise Presidents Obama and Trump, during which he tackled challenges related to national and global security. Notable periods in his career also include serving as the commandant of the Marine Corps and overseeing military operations in Afghanistan.
A Boston native, Dunford’s academic credentials include degrees from St. Michael's College, Georgetown University, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. His most recent position was as a non-resident senior fellow at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
CSIS, founded in 1962, has garnered respect and recognition as a leading think tank focused on national security issues. The center’s commitment to integrating policy analysis with strategic insights has positioned it as a pivotal player in discussions surrounding defense, geopolitics, and economic security.
Reflecting on his tenure, outgoing CEO John Hamre articulated confidence in Dunford’s capability to lead CSIS into its next phase, stating, "He brings unparalleled experience in confronting complex global challenges and a clear understanding of the strategic choices facing the United States." Hamre will transition to CEO emeritus, continuing to contribute to CSIS’s scholarship and global engagement.
The leadership change heralds a new chapter for CSIS, reinforcing its mission to address the defining challenges of a rapidly evolving global context. With Dunford at the helm, the center is poised to strengthen its role in shaping national security debates through nonpartisan analysis and actionable recommendations.
For those who wish to learn more about CSIS and its contributions to national security, the organization’s official site offers a wealth of resources and insights. As General Dunford prepares to step into his role, the broader implications of his leadership for both CSIS and American security policy remain a topic of keen interest.
In these challenging times, the focus on leadership that understands the complexities of global security dynamics is more crucial than ever, and General Dunford’s extensive background may hold the key to navigating the uncertainties ahead.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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