Washington, D.C. — The Center for American Progress is welcoming Luke Zahner and Chandrima Das as senior fellows in its National Security and International Policy department.
Zahner will focus on transatlantic relations, international development, the Balkans, and the geopolitical dynamics between Ukraine and Russia. Das will focus on how the United States can engage more effectively with multilateral institutions to advance shared democratic values, strengthen alliances, and protect U.S. interests.
“I’m happy to welcome these new senior fellows to our expanding team,” said Damian Murphy, senior vice president for National Security and International Policy at CAP. “Their insight and leadership will be invaluable as we work to shape a more effective, values-driven U.S. foreign policy.”
Zahner served for more than 20 years as a U.S. Foreign Service officer with the Department of State, with assignments including North Macedonia, Serbia, Iraq, Madagascar, and Bangladesh. His career has centered on post-conflict reconstruction, institutional strengthening, and economic recovery in fragile and conflict-affected environments.
Most recently, Zahner served as a senior adviser to the U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery. He previously served on loan to the Office of the Secretary of Transportation as a senior foreign policy adviser.
In addition to his role at American Progress, Zahner serves as a senior adviser with Binda Consulting International and as a consultant on several Ukraine-related projects. He holds a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, an MBA from The George Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree from American University.
Das previously served at the National Security Council (NSC) as the director of multilateral affairs, where she managed the U.S.-U.N. relationship, expanded partnerships with member states, and advanced more effective U.N. peacekeeping, peace building, and conflict prevention mechanisms.
Prior to serving at the NSC, Das was senior adviser at the U.S. State Department, where she provided strategic guidance in launching the Global Fragility Act, an unprecedented approach to prevent conflict and promote stability in fragile states. Previously, Das served as the senior director of peace and security policy at the Better World Campaign, the advocacy arm of the U.N. Foundation, where she spearheaded thought leadership and authored policy papers and field reports on the United Nations’ efforts to address conflict. She also led congressional delegations to the field—including to Haiti, Mali, Sudan, Lebanon, Cyprus, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—to see the United Nations’ work firsthand.
Currently, Das is also a nonresident fellow at the Stimson Center and provides strategic consulting on Syria, Haiti, and Myanmar to numerous organizations. She holds a master’s degree from the George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government and a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University.
For more information, or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].