Stephen C. Coughlin is an American lawyer, intelligence analyst, and national security expert specializing in Islamic Shariah law and ideology. He served as a contract intelligence analyst for the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon from approximately 2002 to 2008, providing strategic advice and analysis on the ideological foundations of Islamic extremism and jihadist threats, with a particular focus on doctrinal texts. His tenure ended controversially in 2008 due to objections from Department of Defense officials, reportedly including Hesham Islam, who applied pressure over Coughlin's critical assessments of Islam and organizations such as the Islamic Society of North America, considered too provocative within government circles. After leaving government service, Coughlin became Director and Senior Fellow at the Center for Security Policy, a conservative national security think tank, and is also a Lincoln Fellow at the Claremont Institute. He has authored significant reports and books on the threats posed by Sharia and jihad, including "To Our Great Detriment: Ignoring What Enemies Say and Why We Can't Afford to Continue" (2008), critiquing U.S. counterterrorism strategies for underestimating Islamic ideology. Coughlin consults for organizations and policymakers and has collaborated with attorneys on legal efforts to counter Islamist influence in the U.S. He holds advanced degrees in law and strategic intelligence and serves as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve. His work bridges law, intelligence, and policy advocacy, making him a prominent voice in conservative and counter-jihad circles on homeland security. While praised by some for his analytical depth, his perspectives have also faced criticism for being alarmist or biased against Islam.