Matthew C. Mai Email & Phone Number

Write op-eds and analysis of relevant U.S. foreign and defense policy issues.

Conduct qualitative and quantitative research for project authors by surveying open-source data from government sources, research institutions, and media reports. Produced detailed research assessments on U.S. force posture and basing in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; foreign defense spending, basing, and capabilities; a database of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan since 1990; a database of North Korean missile launches since 1984; and an analysis of Russian helicopter losses in Ukraine. Author articles that analyze U.S. grand strategy and international security. Articles have addressed U.S. force structure and posture; AUKUS and the U.S.-Australia alliance; NATO; the Russo-Ukrainian War; U.S.-Russia and U.S.-China relations; and the Middle East. Articles have appeared in USNI Proceedings, the Lowy Institute, The Diplomat, The Hill, The National Interest, and Newsweek.Led an independent review of industry best practices that compared the structure and formatting of Defense Priorities’ reports to those of other think tanks. Based on my analysis, I then gave an oral presentation to the CEO and program director and provided specific recommendations to improve the structure and packaging of Defense Priorities reports.Lead the organization of monthly events to advance Defense Priorities policy priorities. Responsible for developing event concepts, researching and inviting speakers, coordinating scheduling, and leading the execution of virtual livestream events with minimal supervision.Responsible for building and maintaining database trackers for the development and public policy teams. Trackers support donor engagement and government outreach to promote core policy priorities.

Engaged with academic experts and former policymakers about the history of nuclear weapons technology, nonproliferation, deterrence, civil nuclear energy, space capabilities, and arms control.

Edited and fact-checked 8 to 12 online feature articles weekly and 8 news blogs daily to align with TNI’s style guide. Edits were made for grammar, coherence, clarity, and accuracy. I edited feature articles covering issues ranging from South Asian nuclear competition and Russian cyber campaigns to diplomacy in the Middle East and geopolitical tensions over Taiwan.Screened submissions on Eurasian affairs, military technology, nuclear weapons, and defense policy.Wrote 7 online feature articles on issues related to the Russo-Ukrainian War, NATO, European strategic autonomy, and U.S. policy toward Afghanistan.

New Brunswick, New Jersey

Interviewed, trained, mentored, and scheduled supervisors and referees, organized intramural competition, and ensured the safety of hundreds of participants, referees, and fans across all Rutgers campuses.

Edited and fact-checked article submissions on European, Russian, and Central Asian affairs.Wrote online feature articles on the Russo-Ukrainian War, NATO, and European strategic autonomy.Created two database of potential expert contributors on cyber issues and Afghanistan.

Conducted qualitative and quantitative research for 4 reports on the Defense Department’s global posture review and U.S. policy toward Europe and the Middle East. This involved collecting data on the U.S. overseas presence and foreign defense capabilities from government sources, think tank papers, and media reports. The data was provided to the report author or used to create illustrative graphics.Authored 6 articles on U.S. foreign policy toward Europe, Russia, and China.

Conducted research and developed analyses to write a policy paper on how to better U.S.-Russian relations. Recommendations included: - Extend and update the New START treaty to include new nuclear weapons technology. - Place a moratorium on deploying new missile-defense systems in NATO territory. - Halt NATO enlargement and support geopolitical neutrality for Ukraine.Engaged with policy experts to discuss ideas relating to current foreign policy issues while also working with other fellows to develop their theses.

Tenafly, New Jersey, United States

Maintained the landscaping of the borough’s parks and public spaces; experienced in weed-whacking, leaf-blowing, planting, and pruning.

New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States

Lead intramural sports activities by ensuring the safety of hundreds of participants, referees, and fans, and enforce Rutgers Recreation policies pertaining to participants and employees. Trained officials, administered check-ins for players and staff, set up the field or court for recreational use, recorded contest results, and provided equipment and jerseys to players and officials.

Tenafly, New Jersey, United States

Maintained the landscaping of the borough’s parks and public spaces; experienced in weed-whacking, leaf-blowing, planting, and pruning.

New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States

Officiated intramural flag football, indoor soccer, volleyball, and softball.

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Public Policy Analysis, Summa Cum Laude, Highest Honors

Activities and Societies: School of Arts and Sciences Dean's List and National Society of Leadership and Success.

Education record

Activities and Societies: Gold Honor Roll, Student Council President, Team Captain for Football and Track, All-League Honors for Football.