Nidal's Resume

Nidal

Middle East Security & Geopolitical Risk Analyst

Male

25 y/o

Consultant

Live in United States

Nationality United States

Summary

Geopolitical risk and Middle East security analyst with experience at leading Washington, DC policy institutions. Specialized in regional instability, defense capabilities, and armed non-state actors, leveraging open-source intelligence and data-driven research to produce clear, decision-ready assessments. Brings strong cross-regional insight and structured analytical skills applicable to geopolitical consulting and international advisory work.

Work experience

Middle East Security Program Researcher
Institute for the Study of War
2025.04-Current
(10 months)
•Conduct analysis on Middle East security, armed groups, and regional military developments. •Produce research products and intelligence assessments for policymakers and defense audiences.
Research Assistant
The Washington Institute For Near East Policy
2024.05-2025.05
(a year)
•Supported research on Middle Eastern policy, regional threats, and defense strategy. •Drafted analytical briefs and background memos for senior fellows.
Research Assistant
Harvard's Belfer Center
2022.05-2023.08
(a year)
•Assisted with intelligence and strategic research projects, analyzing security risks and historical case studies. •Synthesized findings into reports and internal memos for research teams.
Research Assistant-Weatherhead Center for International Affairs
Harvard University
2021.03-2021.09
(7 months)
•Conducted research for international relations and area studies projects. •Prepared supporting materials and literature reviews for faculty-led studies.
Internship
Institute for the Study of War
2021.05-2021.08
(4 months)
•Conducted open-source intelligence research on Middle Eastern security developments. •Assisted in drafting analytical updates and reports for senior researchers.
Research Intern – International Security Program
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
2020.05-2020.11
(7 months)
•Built and maintained a database tracking production rates of U.S. weapons systems to support research on military industrial mobilization. •Contributed historical case studies and analytical insights on strategic surprise to inform reports on competitive advantage. •Monitored COVID-19 trends among U.S. military personnel and produced weekly analytical updates featured in Defense360 and War on the Rocks.
Student Federal Service Intern
Federal Government
2019.07-2020.05
(a year)
•Researched foreign telecommunications systems for the U.S. government’s World Factbook. •Produced organized, concise data summaries for use in official publications.
Intern
Arab Barometer
2019.05-2019.07
(3 months)
•Assisted with communications-related tasks. •Designed infographics based on the Arab Barometer's 2019 survey of the Middle East and North Africa. •Assisted with communications-related tasks. - Designed infographics based on the Arab Barometer's 2019 survey of the Middle East and North Africa.
Researcher
Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law (CERL)
2018.05-2018.07
(3 months)
•Produced research memos on national security and emerging threats. •Participated in weekly expert discussions on ethics and policy development.

Projects

Iranian Proxy Forces Assessment
Research Analyst
2024.06-2025.05
(a year)
Comprehensive study of Iranian-backed militias and proxy networks in the Middle East, focusing on military capabilities and regional influence.
Non-State Actor Arsenal Analysis
Lead Researcher
2023.01-2023.05
(5 months)
Quantitative and qualitative research on armed non-state actors’ arsenal diversity and sophistication in the Middle East.
Middle East Security OSINT Dashboard
Research Analyst
2022.06-2022.12
(7 months)
Development of an OSINT platform to monitor military developments, armed groups, and regional tensions.
COVID-19 Impact on U.S. Military Readiness
Research Intern / Analyst
2020.06-2020.10
(5 months)
Analysis of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. military operations and readiness.

Educational experience

King's College London
International Relations
2023.09-2024.09
(a year)
Focused on global security, Middle Eastern politics, and international strategy; conducted research on regional security dynamics and conflict analysis.
Harvard University
Government (International Relations); History.
2019.09-2023.05
(4 years)
Concentration in government and international relations with emphasis on Middle East security, armed non-state actors, and intelligence analysis. Senior thesis: “The determinants of arsenal diversity and sophistication among armed non-state actors.”
The Lawrenceville School
High School Coursework
2015.09-2017.06
(2 years)
Founded and led Model Arab League team; contributed to international news publication; participated in orchestras and student leadership activities.