Alexandra (Alex) Gerber, Ph.D., is a social scientist in RAND’s Department of Economics, Sociology, and Statistics. She holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Michigan and brings over a decade of national security experience.
At the Defense Intelligence Agency, she served as a senior intelligence analyst and joint intelligence planner across U.S. Central Command, U.S. Africa Command, a Defense Attaché Office in Ghana, and headquarters. She also acted as Deputy National Intelligence Officer for West Africa at the National Intelligence Council, leading interagency analysis on regional dynamics, foreign basing, and maritime security.
Alex’s work at RAND covers a broad range of topics, including sub-Saharan Africa, strategic competition in the Global South, emerging technologies for national security, defense investments in STEM and scientific research, and assessment methodologies. Her analysis has helped guide DOW investment in strategic capabilities and has shaped policy options for senior decision-makers on capabilities, partner capacity, and strategic risks.
Her academic roots in political sociology, social theory, and European integration earned fellowships like the Fulbright to Poland and David L. Boren National Security Education Program award.
Bachelor of Arts in history, Columbia University; Doctor of Philosophy in sociology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
