Danielle "Dany" Pletka (born June 12, 1963, in Melbourne, Australia) is an American conservative commentator and foreign policy expert known for her neoconservative perspectives. After immigrating to the United States, she built a prominent career in Washington policy circles. From 1992 to 2002, Pletka served as a senior professional staff member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee under Republican Senator Jesse Helms, where she focused on U.S. foreign policy interests in the Middle East and global security, including arms control, and championed figures such as Ahmad Chalabi on Capitol Hill. In 2002, she joined the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) as vice president for foreign and defense policy studies, where she was described as directing "the intellectual command post of the neoconservative campaign for regime change in Iraq." She later became a distinguished senior fellow and senior vice president for foreign and defense policy studies at AEI, specializing in U.S. foreign policy, the Middle East, terrorism, and national security. Pletka advocates for robust military and diplomatic engagement and frequently critiques perceived weaknesses in American diplomacy. She has been a vocal commentator on issues including Iran, Iraq, and counterterrorism, collaborating with figures such as Frederick Kagan on national security initiatives. In addition to her policy work, she serves as an adjunct instructor at Georgetown University's Center for Jewish Civilization, contributing to academic discussions on related subjects. Pletka has contributed to various media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, and is affiliated with organizations such as the Federalist Society. Her hawkish positions on threats like Iran and ISIS have elicited both praise and criticism, particularly from progressive circles that view her policies as militaristic. Overall, her career reflects a sustained commitment to conservative foreign policy principles and significant influence in shaping public and policy debates on international relations within Washington.