An experienced leader and policymaker, Abraham M. Denmark is an expert in the geopolitical dynamics of the Indo-Pacific, U.S. strategy and defence policy toward the region, and the intersection of global security trends and emerging technologies.

Mr. Denmark previously served as Senior Advisor to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III. In this role, Mr. Denmark led and coordinated the Department of Defense’s efforts to implement President Biden’s vision for the historic AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom. In this role, Mr. Denmark was a key architect of the Optimal Pathway for Australia to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines while setting the highest standards for nuclear nonproliferation. Mr. Denmark also led efforts to deepen cooperation among the AUKUS partners in the development and fielding of advanced capabilities, such as AI, quantum, and maritime capabilities. Mr. Denmark also worked closely with leaders across the U.S. Government and with Congress to develop generational changes to the U.S. export control regime with Australia and the United Kingdom, creating a seamless environment for robust defense cooperation within AUKUS.

Prior to joining the Department of Defense, Mr. Denmark worked at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars as Vice President for Programs and Director of Studies. In this role, Mr. Denmark oversaw a diverse and dynamic program team of over 50 to inform and shape the public debate on the state of international affairs and U.S. foreign policy. He had also worked at the Wilson Center as Director of the Asia Program.

Denmark also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia, where he advised the Secretary of Defense and other senior U.S. government leaders on a broad set of security issues related to East Asia.

He is the author of U.S. Strategy in the Asian Century: Empowering Allies and Partners (Columbia University Press, 2021).

Awards include the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service (2024) and the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service (2017). He has also received the order of the Resplendent Banner from the Republic of China (Taiwan), and was made an Honorary Rear Admiral in the Navy of the Republic of Korea. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

A Colorado native, Mr. Denmark received an M.A. from the University of Denver Korbel School for International Studies, and a B.A. with Honors from the University of Northern Colorado. He is pursuing a Ph.D. at Kings College London, writing a dissertation on the history of great power competition in the strategic periphery. He lives with his wife and children in Maryland.