James Jay Carafano
Vice President of the Heritage Foundation
Dr James Jay Carafano is a leading expert in national security and foreign policy challenges, an accomplished historian and teacher, as well as a prolific writer and researcher. He currently serves as The Heritage Foundation’s Vice President for Foreign and Defense Policy Studies, assuming responsibility for Heritage’s entire defense and foreign policy team. Dr Carafano is a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point and served 25 years in the US Army, retiring as a Lt Colonel. He holds a master's degree and a doctorate from Georgetown University, as well as a master's degree in strategy from the US Army War College. His recent research has focused on developing the national security required to secure the long-term interests of the United States — protecting the public, providing for economic growth, and preserving civil liberties.
Updated: April 19, 2023
