Experts

Mara Rudman

Fast Facts

  • Served in both the Obama and Clinton administrations, including as deputy assistant to the president for national security affairs
  • Director, Ripples of Hope Project
  • Former deputy envoy and chief of staff for the Office of the Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, U.S. Department of State
  • Expertise in foreign affairs, diplomacy, national security, the Middle East

Areas Of Expertise

  • Foreign Affairs
  • American Defense and Security
  • War and Terrorism
  • Middle East
  • Governance
  • The Presidency

Mara Rudman is a professor of practice at the Miller Center, where she directs the Ripples of Hope Project aimed at identifying practical approaches to help democratic leaders resolve key challenges. She previously served a term as a Miller Center Schlesinger Distinguished Professor.

Rudman served on the 2022 National Defense Strategy Commission. She is a member of the Board of Visitors for the Howard University College of Arts and Sciences. She also consults for Democracy Forward. 

Rudman’s government positions have included serving as deputy assistant to the president for national security affairs in the Obama and Clinton administrations; deputy envoy for the Office of the Special Envoy for Middle East Peace at the U.S. Department of State; assistant administrator for the Middle East at the U.S. Agency for International Development; and chief counsel to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.  

Previously, Rudman was executive vice president for policy at the Center for American Progress and senior vice president for policy/projects at Business Executives for National Security. She also led Quorum Strategies, a geopolitical strategic advisory firm. Rudman has been a guest on numerous TV and radio shows and has written for and been quoted in various print publications. She received her BA from Dartmouth College and a law degree from Harvard Law School.

Mara Rudman News Feed

Prior to President Trump's dinner meeting with PM Netanyahu, Mara Rudman discusses the chances of and need for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza (and a day after plan).
Mara Rudman BBC News
Mara Rudman discusses the U.S. strike on Iran.
Mara Rudman CBC
The Miller Center's Mara Rudman discusses the ongoing challenges with how Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is operating.
Mara Rudman BBC News
Mara Rudman discusses paths available for negotiation, potential consequences of U.S. action, and Iranian response.
Mara Rudman BBC News
Mara Rudman discusses the Iran-Israel conflict.
Mara Rudman The Globe and Mail
As Trump decides whether to attack Iran, Mara Rudman discusses the risks of another Middle East war.
Mara Rudman Australian Broadcast Corporation