Edwin Lax
Washington D.C.
Summary
Defense and technology strategist with experience at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, the U.S. Air Force, and leading international think tanks. Specializing in AI-driven military innovation, transatlantic security, and defense policy, with a strong research background in U.S.-European military AI cooperation. Currently a Department of the Air Force Fellow at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, contributing to cutting-edge AI research for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Co-authoring a book on AI and defense strategy with the Middle East Institute, and a speaker on AI & Transatlantic Military Cooperation at the U.S. Air War College. Former Political Advisor with the Italian Defense General Staff, providing expertise on NATO operations, defense technology, and military strategy.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Department of the Air Force Fellow
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
03.2025 - Current
- Selected for the highly competitive DAF-MIT Phantom Fellowship, working at MIT Lincoln Laboratory to drive AI innovation in military strategy and defense technology.
- Leading research on AI applications in transatlantic defense cooperation, focusing on U.S.-European military AI integration and its implications for NATO and global security.
- Collaborating with top AI researchers at MIT, senior DoD officials, and military strategists to develop operational AI applications enhancing warfighter capabilities and defense decision-making.
- Authoring a strategic impact paper on AI policy and defense strategy, providing senior Department of the Air Force leadership with actionable insights on integrating AI into national defense frameworks.
Air Combat Command
United States Air Force
02.2024 - Current
- Specializing in defense policy, AI strategy, and military innovation, with a focus on U.S. national security and international military cooperation.
- Managing key policy initiatives and personnel development within Air Combat Command to enhance operational readiness.
- Conducting high-level defense technology research to advance AI-driven capabilities for the U.S. Air Force.
- Entrusted by the Commander to lead the development and strategic implementation of AI-driven innovations, enhancing unit operations and mission effectiveness.
AI & Defense Strategy Researcher
Middle East Institute
09.2024 - Current
- Co-authoring a book on AI and defense strategy with Mohammed Soliman, Director of Strategic Technologies and Cybersecurity Program at the Middle East Institute.
- Leading policy research on AI’s role in defense strategy, military innovation, and emerging security challenges in U.S.-Middle East relations.
- Providing expert analysis on AI-driven military operations, information warfare, and cyber-defense policy for national security stakeholders.
Political Advisor
Italian Defense General Staff
04.2023 - 05.2023
- Provided strategic analysis on NATO operations, AI policy, and military technology integration during the Joint Stars military exercise, overseen by Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, then-Chief of the Italian Defense General Staff (now Chair of the NATO Military Committee).
- Advised senior Italian defense officials on U.S.-European defense relations, AI warfare applications, and transatlantic security policy.
- Contributed to NATO-aligned AI and defense innovation initiatives, supporting multinational defense planning efforts.
Guest Lecturer
LUMSA University
01.2023 - 10.2024
- Developing and delivering undergraduate and graduate lectures on AI’s role in global security, defense strategy, and legal frameworks, in collaboration with faculty from the Italian National Research Council.
- Presented original research on Middle East security at an international scientific conference sponsored by the Italian Ministry of University and Research.
- Specializing in AI-driven defense strategy, comparative constitutional law, and transatlantic security policy.
- Providing expert guidance to students and faculty on the role of Islamic law in geopolitics, military technology policy, and global security dynamics.
Non-Resident Fellow
TRENDS Research & Advisory
02.2023 - 01.2025
- Conducted high-level research on AI-driven warfare, Middle East security, and defense technology, shaping strategic policy discussions at the intersection of geopolitics and emerging technologies.
- Authored influential reports on AI in military operations, directly informing defense strategy conversations among policymakers, senior military officials, and security institutions in the UAE and the Middle East.
- Engaged with global think tanks, defense policymakers, and military leaders to advance cutting-edge research on AI’s impact on modern warfare, transnational security, and strategic defense planning.
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Tableau
- ArcGIS
- STATA
- AI & Defense Technology Policy
- Military Strategic Analysis
- NATO & Transatlantic Security
- Emerging Technology Policy
- Policy Analysis & Development
- Data Collection & Interpretation
- White Papers & Policy Briefs
- Research & Publications
- Policy Writing & Advocacy
- International & Interagency Collaboration
- Public Speaking & Conferences
- Government & Military Liaison
Awards
- Congressional Nomination – United States Congress, 2021
- Congressional Nomination – United States Senate, 2021
- Joint Stars 2023 Award – Italian Joint Operations Command, 2023
Publications
- West Asia: America and the Return of the Indo-Abrahamic Order
Middle East Institute, Forthcoming 2026 - The Strategic Implications of AI in Defense: Redefining the Future of Global Security
TRENDS Research & Advisory, August 2024 - AI Pollution: The Future Threats of Information Warfare
TRENDS Research & Advisory, May 2024 - From Morocco to Libya: How Natural Disasters Are Shaping North Africa's Security
TRENDS Research & Advisory, November 2023 - Islam and Globalization: The Case of Singapore
Italian Ministry of University & Research (PRIN), September 2023 - The Turkish-Syrian Earthquakes and Their Impact on Regional Security in the Middle East
TRENDS Research & Advisory, August 2023 - Iran Protests: The Consequences for International Security
LUMSA University, November 2022 - Contextualizing Salafism: From Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab to Mohammed bin Salman
OSS MED Center (LUMSA University), June 2022
Education And Professional Development
- B.A. International Relations | Arizona State University, Arizona, U.S. | 2025
GPA: 4.33 - B.S. Political & International Sciences | LUMSA University, Rome, Italy | 2021 – 2024
GPA: 27/30 - Executive Certificate: Introduction to Strategy Consulting | Boston Consulting Group (BCG), U.S. | 2023
Languages
English
Arabic
Italian
Spanish
French
Timeline
Department of the Air Force Fellow
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
03.2025 - Current
AI & Defense Strategy Researcher
Middle East Institute
09.2024 - Current
Air Combat Command
United States Air Force
02.2024 - Current
Political Advisor
Italian Defense General Staff
04.2023 - 05.2023
Non-Resident Fellow
TRENDS Research & Advisory
02.2023 - 01.2025
Guest Lecturer
LUMSA University
01.2023 - 10.2024
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