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Aaron Burbank
Woodland, United States
Passionate student of international relations and security studies with specialization in North Africa & the Middle East, as well as experience with Russian, African, East Asian, and European studies. Adept at analysis and distillation of complex geo-political topics. Seeking to apply my education and knowledge to policy and current-event analysis in the complex world of foreign policy.
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Area of Expertise:
  • Government, Governance, Reforms
  • Human Rights, Law, Migration, Conflicts, Justice
Professional Experience:
Working in the political division of the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C. as part of my undergraduate studies, I spent much of my time writing and editing reports for distribution throughout the Canadian government. My reports concerned the content of think tank events and U.S. government congressional hearings, which I attended on behalf of the Canadian Embassy. The majority of events I covered focused on national security and foreign policy issues, and addressed a range of topics, including the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese actions in the South China Sea, the Syrian refugee crisis, the actions of the Islamic State, the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, and the Russian invasion of Crimea. The job required knowledge of current events, security and intelligence, history, and world geo-politics. As part of my duties, I learned how to gather information at these forums efficiently and prepare narratives that were accurate and succinct. This role allowed me to further develop my passion for foreign policy and security issues.

My time at the embassy coincided with an especially active period for security concerns. While I was in D.C. the terrorist attacks in Paris occured, as did a continued escalation of violence in Ukraine. The Syrian Civil War was underway, and many were grappling with the ongoing US involvement in Afghanistan. My role covering foreign policy and national security studies allowed me to hear from a number of insightful sources, from military personnel, to government agencies, think tanks, as well as open-source intelligence researchers. The knowledge I gained in this role helped to guide my professional and academic pursuits following my time in D.C.

After completing my undergraduate degree, and before starting my master’s degree at King’s College London, I worked in the Sacramento office of Vice President Kamala Harris while she was one of the senators from California. My role at the senator’s office involved tracking policy developments in Washington, D.C., in order to be able to respond to questions from Senator Harris’ constituents. The experience I had at the senator’s office allowed me to draw a more direct link between current events and people’ day-to-day lives.

At King’s College London, I earned my Master’s Degree in Terrorism, Security, and Society, and wrote my thesis on the Syrian Civil War. The coursework allowed me to further study foreign policy and security studies. The curriculum included classes and seminars by professors and visiting experts in both of those areas, including former extremists, and counter-terrorism practitioners. My master’s program helped me to sharpen my skills, and solidified my commitment to work to improve public safety and national security. I am eager to develop and deepen my capabilities.
Education:
Master of Arts (MA) | Terrorism, Security, & Society | King’s College London | Merit | 2019

Intensive master’s degree program focused on Terrorism and Counter-terrorism, with modules on Radicalization in Western Europe and North America, Propaganda, and Conflict, Development, and Islam in Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) | International Relations/Peace & Security| University of California, Davis | Cum Laude | 2017

Four-year bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on Peace and Security with a focus on North Africa and the Middle East. Included courses in national security policy, international law, economics, and war studies.
Available for:
  • Consulting assignments
  • Job opportunities
  • Internships / Fellowships

    Years of Experience:
    2-5 years
    Highest Qualification:
    Masters
    Languages:
    English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Dutch
    Nationality:
    United States
    LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/aaronburbank
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