Alexander Cooley is the Claire Tow Professor of Political Science and Vice Provost for Research and Academic Centers at Barnard College, Columbia University. From 2015-21 he served as the 15th Director of Columbia University’s Harriman Institute. Professor Cooley’s research examines how international actors have influenced the governance, sovereignty, and security of the post-Communist states, with a focus Central Asia and the Caucasus. In addition to his academic publications, Professor Cooley’s commentaries have appeared in Foreign Affairs, New York Times, and Washington Post and and he serves on a broad range of international working groups, non-for-profit boards, and advisory committees. He has testified for the US Congress, UK Parliament and the Parliament of Canada on regional issues related to his research.