James R. Clapper, Jr. Joins CNAS as Distinguished Senior Fellow for Intelligence and National Security

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) today announced that James R. Clapper, Jr., former Director of National Intelligence and a retired lieutenant general in the United States Air Force, has joined CNAS as the Distinguished Senior Fellow for Intelligence and National Security. He will also join the CNAS Board of Advisors. At CNAS, he will contribute to research, mentor the next generation of national security leaders, and provide his perspective on today’s most pressing intelligence and national security issues.

“We are excited to have Jim join CNAS and serve as a senior contributor and mentor to our team, as well as join our Board of Advisors,” said CNAS CEO Michèle Flournoy. “Jim is the consummate intelligence expert. He is dedicated to U.S. national security, knowledgeable, experienced, and principled. He is committed to shaping and elevating the national security debate, and we are thrilled to welcome him to our team.”

Clapper served as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) from 2010 to 2017. As DNI he oversaw the 16-member intelligence community during some of the most complicated and urgent national security challenges in recent history. Before becoming DNI, he served as Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, Director of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, and Director of Defense Intelligence. Clapper also served for 32 years in the U.S. armed forces, including two combat tours. During his second combat tour, he flew 73 combat support missions over Laos and Cambodia.

“I am honored to join CNAS,” said Clapper. “I have tremendous respect for the organization’s contributions to the national security discussion, its commitment to tackling difficult issues in a bipartisan manner – including those effecting the intelligence community – and its track record for developing the next generation of national security leaders. I look forward to working with CNAS’ team of experts.”

Clapper earned his bachelor’s degree in government and politics from the University of Maryland, his master’s degree in political science from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, and an honorary doctorate in strategic intelligence.