Elias Yousif is Research Analyst in the Conventional Defense Program at the Stimson Center. Yousif has substantial experience working on armed conflict research, international security, and civilian protection issues, both in Washington, D.C. and in the Middle East.  Prior to joining the Stimson Center, he was Deputy Director of the Security Assistance Monitor at the Center for International Policy (CIP), where he analyzed the impact of U.S. arms transfer and security assistance programs on international security, U.S. foreign policy, and global human rights practices.

Previously, Yousif was the Campaigns and Research Officer with Crisis Action in Beirut, Lebanon, where he worked on advocacy and policy proposals to improve civilian protection, humanitarian access, and conflict resolution in Syria, Yemen, and South Sudan. He also worked with Crisis Action in Washington, D.C. as a Campaigns and Advocacy Associate, where he worked directly with government officials in Congress, the State Department, and White House on conflict and civilian protection developments in the Middle East and North Africa.    Yousif has been featured as an opinion contributor on Middle East and arms control issues in media outlets including CNN, LA Times, Newsweek, The Hill, Defense One, The National Interest, and Responsible Statecraft. Yousif graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2013 from American University’s School of International Service with a B.A. in International Studies and has studied Arabic at the American University of Beirut.