Elise Labott
Summary
Acclaimed foreign affairs journalist with 30 years of experience in reporting on foreign policy, national security, and global affairs. As an Emmy-winning CNN Global Affairs Correspondent, coverage spans over 80 countries, including travel with seven Secretaries of State and interviews with prominent world leaders. Founder of the Cosmopolitics column and podcast, providing insights on critical geopolitical issues. Recognized as a leading commentator for major networks such as CNN, NBC, and BBC, while also serving as an adjunct professor at American University and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Author/Host
Cosmopolitics
12.2023 - Current
- Launched a global affairs editorial brand on Substack, including newsletter, podcast and interview series delivering sharp, forward-looking foreign policy reporting and analysis
- Focus on geopolitical power shifts, global institutions, and U.S. foreign policy
- Built a dedicated and influential readership, including policymakers, journalists, and globally engaged citizens.
Founder/Editor in Chief
Zivvy Media
09.2022 - Current
- Built and scaled a Gen Z–oriented political and global affairs digital news platform
- Directed editorial vision and daily strategy across multiple platforms; managed contributors and producers.
- Secured partnerships with 35+ universities and youth groups to expand brand and reach
Adjunct Professor, School of International Service
American University
09.2020 - Current
- Taught media and foreign policy, focusing on the relationship between the national security community and the media, disinformation, press freedom, and digital-age diplomacy.
- Led seminars, capstones, workshops and student-led research projects.
Edward R Murrow Press Fellow
Council on Foreign Relations
09.2024 - 07.2025
- Distinguished journalist-in-residence as part of CFR's think tank in the David Rockefeller Studies Program
- Participated in meetings and discussions with scholars, policymakers, and experts
- Presided over CFR events and hosted briefings for members, journalists and business community
Contributing Editor
POLITICO Magazine
01.2022 - 12.2024
- Wrote heavily-reported long-form enterprise stories on U.S. foreign policy and national security, as well as commentary and newsmaker profiles.
Guest Host, POTUS channel
Sirius XM Satellite Radio
03.2020 - 12.2023
- Hosted political news shows; interviews high-level guests and moderated national conversations.
Columnist
Foreign Policy
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Wrote heavily-reported column on national security, diplomacy, and international power dynamics.
- Hosted and moderated live events with decision-makers and analysts.
Practitioner-in-Residence, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service
Georgetown University
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Mentored students and led global policy discussions; served as oral examiner and faculty advisor.
Global Affairs Correspondent
Cable News Network (CNN)
04.2012 - 12.2018
- Covered U.S. foreign policy and international relations from State Department for global television and digital platforms through seven administrations
- Reported from 80+ countries; embedded with senior officials; delivered exclusive reports and live coverage.
- Helped pioneer digital-first reporting within CNN’s national security unit.
Foreign Affairs Reporter
Cable News Network (CNN)
04.2000 - 04.2012
- Covered U.S. foreign policy and international relations from State Department for global television and digital platforms through seven administrations
- Reported from 80+ countries; embedded with senior officials; delivered exclusive reports and live coverage.
- Helped pioneer digital-first reporting within CNN’s national security unit.
Education
Master of Arts - Media Studies
New School for Social Research
New YorkBachelor of Arts - International Relations
University of Wisconsin-Madison
MadisonSkills
- Writing/Editing
- Enterprise reporting
- Interviewing/moderating
- Video production
- Radio host
- Content strategy
- Mentoring
Areas of Expertise
- US foreign policy
- National security
- International affairs
- Democracy and human rights
- Disinformation
- Independent media
- Global trends
- Development
- Civic engagement
Timeline
Edward R Murrow Press Fellow
Council on Foreign Relations
09.2024 - 07.2025
Author/Host
Cosmopolitics
12.2023 - Current
Founder/Editor in Chief
Zivvy Media
09.2022 - Current
Contributing Editor
POLITICO Magazine
01.2022 - 12.2024
Columnist
Foreign Policy
01.2021 - 12.2021
Adjunct Professor, School of International Service
American University
09.2020 - Current
Guest Host, POTUS channel
Sirius XM Satellite Radio
03.2020 - 12.2023
Practitioner-in-Residence, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service
Georgetown University
01.2019 - 01.2020
Global Affairs Correspondent
Cable News Network (CNN)
04.2012 - 12.2018
Foreign Affairs Reporter
Cable News Network (CNN)
04.2000 - 04.2012
Master of Arts - Media Studies
New School for Social Research
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
University of Wisconsin-Madison