Key Facts
Career & Education
About
Michael Makovsky is an American historian and foreign policy expert, serving as President and CEO of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) since 2011 (CEO since 2018), having previously been its Executive Director. A dual U.S.-Israeli citizen born on January 1, 1963, Makovsky has built a career spanning government service, think tanks, private sector analysis, and advocacy for strong U.S.-Israel military alliances. He previously held positions as Foreign Policy Director at the Bipartisan Policy Center, special assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and an energy market analyst for various investment firms. Makovsky is known for his advocacy of a 'credible' U.S. military threat against Iran and his expertise in Middle East policy, often promoting policies that strengthen U.S.-Israel security cooperation through JINSA, a pro-Israel policy organization focused on national security affairs. His professional background includes significant roles in Washington, D.C., where he has influenced bipartisan policy discussions on international relations. He holds a Ph.D. in international relations, reflecting his deep academic grounding in global affairs. As a strategist with over four decades of experience, Makovsky has contributed to shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly in areas intersecting energy markets, defense, and Middle Eastern geopolitics. His work at JINSA emphasizes educating policymakers and the public on the strategic importance of U.S.-Israel alliances. In addition to his leadership at JINSA, Makovsky has been affiliated with prominent institutions like the Hudson Institute. His personal networks include interactions with figures such as Sarah Stern, underscoring his engagement within policy and advocacy circles. Makovsky's dual citizenship and focus on Israel-related security issues position him as a key voice in debates over U.S. military posture in the region.