US Foreign Policy; Central, South and Southeast Asia; Horn of Africa; Middle East; Latin America; Economic, Energy, and Environmental Policy; Poverty and Income Inequality
In-Country Work:
Afghanistan, Australia, Cameroon, Cuba, France, India, Indonesia, Iran,
Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Netherlands, Pakistan, Philippines,
Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Syria, Turkey and Venezuela.
Between 2009 and 2011, Michael
Shank served for three years as the Senior Policy Advisor and Communications Director for US
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15).
Previously, Michael worked for over 15 years as an analyst-adviser to the UN,
government and non-governmental representatives in the Middle East,
South and Southeast Asia and the United States on diplomatic, energy, environmental and security policy initiatives.
From 2007-2008, Michael was the communications director at George Mason
University's School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. At the
University, Michael advised the School's conflict experts on
strategic media and policy initiatives related to domestic and
international conflicts. In 2006, Michael served as the Press Secretary
for Citizens for Global Solutions - a Washington-based organization
advocating on behalf of international institutions, law and treaties -
handling communications and media relations for the organization. In
2004-2005, Michael served as the Director of Public Affairs for World
Culture Open in New York City. In that role he coordinated with UN
agencies and Culture Ministers to develop culture-based analyses and
frameworks for development and diplomacy.
A doctoral candidate at George Mason University's School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Michael contributes to The
Financial Times, The Guardian, The Economist, The Washington Times, New
York Times, Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Christian Science
Monitor, The Nation, Politico, Roll Call, The Hill, among others. Additionally, Michael is a frequent on-air analyst for FOX News, CTV News, Al Jazeera, Russia Today,
and Voice of America's Pashto, Dari, Urdu and Somali services.
