EXPERT PEOPLE
Our Leadership Team
President
Dr. Elkheir Suliman, President of the American Academy of International Affairs, is a leading voice in international affairs, bringing over two decades of experience as an expert, Associate Professor of International Relations, Strategic Planning, and Security Studies, and CEO of Takoma International Consultancy Group. He has provided strategic counsel to governments, NGOs, and private firms worldwide. Dr. Suliman's deep understanding of the Middle East and North Africa has made him a sought-after advisor. He has collaborated with prominent institutions such as the Center for Strategic Studies in Doha, where he also coordinated collaborative efforts with the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. His expertise spans the critical areas of great power politics, regional security, and geopolitical analysis. A prolific author and frequent commentator, Dr. Suliman, has published extensively on security and strategic issues, including numerous articles and books. His insights are regularly featured on Al Jazeera Net, and he is a frequent speaker at international conferences. Dr. Suliman is committed to building strategic partnerships and advancing regional security, and his leadership in these areas is widely recognized.
Professor George Kieh
Vice President of Academic Affairs
George Klay Kieh, Jr. is a distinguished scholar, educator, and leader in international affairs. With a strong academic foundation, including an M.A. and Ph.D. in Political Science from Northwestern University, Dr. Kieh has established himself as a renowned expert in his field.
Dr. Kieh's impressive career spans multiple institutions, including Texas Southern University, where he serves as Dean of the Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs and Professor of Political Science. Previously, he held key positions at the University of West Georgia, Grand Valley State University, and Morehouse College. A prolific scholar, Dr. Kieh has authored, co-authored, and edited numerous books, monographs, and journal articles. His recent publications include "Peacebuilding in Africa," "Democratization and Military Coups in Africa," and "Civil Wars in Africa," all co-edited with Kelechi Kalu. Dr. Kieh's leadership extends beyond academia, with notable roles in professional organizations, such as President of the African Studies and Research Forum. He also serves on the editorial boards of several esteemed journals: Africanus, Bandung, and the Peace Studies Journal."
Dr. Kieh's impressive career spans multiple institutions, including Texas Southern University, where he serves as Dean of the Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs and Professor of Political Science. Previously, he held key positions at the University of West Georgia, Grand Valley State University, and Morehouse College. A prolific scholar, Dr. Kieh has authored, co-authored, and edited numerous books, monographs, and journal articles. His recent publications include "Peacebuilding in Africa," "Democratization and Military Coups in Africa," and "Civil Wars in Africa," all co-edited with Kelechi Kalu. Dr. Kieh's leadership extends beyond academia, with notable roles in professional organizations, such as President of the African Studies and Research Forum. He also serves on the editorial boards of several esteemed journals: Africanus, Bandung, and the Peace Studies Journal."
Dr. Mutasim Babiker
Academic Projects Advisor
A renowned media expert, associate Professor and academic leader, Dr. Mutasim Babiker boasts over three decades of experience in media education, research, and practice. He has developed and taught various courses on media studies, communication, and journalism. Dr. Mutasim has authored several books and research papers on media ideology, new media, and ethics in electronic media. His research interests focus on the impact of media on societies, media ethics, and the role of media in advancing societies. Dr. Mutasim has held various leadership positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Media at Omdurman Islamic University, and he served as a Media Advisor at the Qatari Ministry of Interior for twelve years. He has also participated in numerous international conferences, workshops, and seminars on media and communication. As a seasoned academic and media professional, Dr. Mutasim brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field of media studies. His commitment to excellence in education, research, and practice has earned him recognition as a leading expert in media and communication.
Fellowships Coordinators
Professor Pita Agbese
National Security Coordinator
Dr. Pita Ogaba Agbese is a leading authority on African security dynamics, with a career spanning decade of academic research and practical consultancy. Holding a Ph.D. from Northwestern University, his expertise encompasses civil-military relations, conflict resolution, and governance in the African context, all crucial elements of national security strategy. As a Professor of Political Science at the University of Northern Iowa (1998-2024), he directed the Center for International Peace and Security Studies, demonstrating his commitment to understanding and addressing complex security challenges. Dr. Agbese's field experience includes significant consultancy roles with Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI), where he specialized in security and civil-military relations within the Trans-Saharan region. His work has directly informed strategic thinking on mitigating threats and fostering stability in volatile areas. His extensive publications, including edited volumes on the African state and its security implications, provide critical insights for policymakers and practitioners concerned with national security in Africa
Scott Donaldson
Strategic Leadership Coordinator
Scott Donaldson is a seasoned leader with 39 years of experience driving growth, improving efficiency, and leading cross-cultural teams across three continents. His unique blend of strategic, operational, and leadership expertise has been honed through senior leadership positions in defense, logistics, and manufacturing. A decorated naval officer, Scott commanded a Special Operations Boat Team and served in two Combatant Commands, developing expertise in Central & South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He has managed multi-million-dollar budgets, led large-scale infrastructure projects, and forged international business partnerships. Scott holds an MS in Engineering Management from the University of South Florida and a BS from the United States Naval Academy. He is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders, guiding them to achieve their full potential in strategic leadership roles.
Dr. Hassan Mustafa
Digital Media Coordinator
Dr. Hassan Mustafa is a recognized thought leader in the fields of digital communication, media, and education. With over 30 years of experience, he bridges the gap between academia and industry, serving as an associate Professor of Digital Marketing and AI at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai while leading multiple successful companies. Mustafa's research and consulting focus on the impact of digital technologies and AI on media and education. He is passionate about driving digital transformation and empowering individuals to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. His expertise encompasses digital communication and media, artificial intelligence in media, and digital transformation. Dr. Mustafa holds a Ph.D. in Digital Communication and is a frequent speaker and author on these topics.
Our Instructors
Dr. Wan Zulhafiz
Instructor
Dr. Wan Mohd Zulhafiz bin Wan Zahari is an Associate Professor of Law at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) with over 15 years of experience in legal and governance frameworks. His expertise lies in corporate law, Islamic finance, and energy law, with a focus on the intersection of these areas with national security concerns. Dr. Wan Zulhafiz's research explores the legal and regulatory challenges of securing critical energy infrastructure and resources, particularly in the context of climate change and geopolitical instability. His recent work as a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at American University has further honed his understanding of natural resource management and climate policy within a national security framework. Dr. Wan Zulhafiz is a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute, UK, and an Advocate and Solicitor (Malaya), bringing a wealth of practical experience to his academic pursuits.
Professor Mohamed Salim Kelala
Instructor
Professor Kelala is a distinguished Algerian political scientist, futurist, and academic leader, renowned for his pioneering work in prospective analysis and strategic foresight. With over 35 years of experience, he has developed innovative approaches to prospective analysis, applying them to the humanities and fostering a new generation of scholars. Founder of the Center for Applied and Prospective Studies (CEAP) and the Global Prospective Foundation (FPG), Professor Kelala has established himself as a leading expert in his field. He trained at LIPSOR in Paris and created a master's program in Strategy and Foresight at the University of Algiers. A prolific author and journalist, Professor Kelala has written extensively on prospective analysis, strategic foresight, and Algerian politics. His notable works include "Prospective Vision for Algeria" and "My Mother's Dream", as well as the translation of Michel Godet's "Strategic Foresight
Professor Hassan Nafaa
Instructor
Hassan Nafaa is a distinguished Egyptian scholar, professor of Political Science at Cairo University's Faculty of Economics and Political Science, and a leading voice in Arab thought. He has held visiting professorships at numerous universities and lectured at diplomatic institutes across Egypt and the Arab world. Dr. Nafaa's leadership experience includes serving as Secretary General of the Arab Thought Forum and the Arab Society for Political Science. His contributions to the field have been recognized with the State Encouragement Award in Political Science and the State Prize for Excellence in Social Sciences. He is the author of several influential works, including "Reform of the United Nations," "Arabs and UNESCO," and "Egypt and the Arab Israeli Conflict," and regularly contributes to Arabic newspapers. Dr. Nafaa holds a BA in Political Science from Alexandria University and a PhD from the Sorbonne University, France.