Jacob L. Heim

Photo of Jacob Heim
Defense Policy Researcher
Washington Office

Education

B.A. in mathematics, Amherst College; M.A. in international relations, Johns Hopkins University

Overview

Jacob Heim specializes in strategic assessment and defense analysis with a background in international relations and mathematics. His research has focused on the military balance in the Western Pacific, USAF overseas force posture, wargaming, and the challenge posed by anti-access, area-denial capabilities. Heim served as a strategic analyst in the office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for Strategy and Force Development, where he advised the DASD on U.S. defense strategy and the evolution of military capabilities. Previously, he was a senior operations research analyst with the MITRE Corporation. He holds an M.A. with honors from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a B.A. with distinction in mathematics from Amherst College. He is a term member at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Research Focus

Concurrent Non-RAND Positions

Adjunct Lecturer of Strategic Studies, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies;

Honors & Awards

  • Medal for Exceptional Public Service, Office of the Secretary of Defense

Commentary

  • U.S. Airmen take off in an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 30, 2018, photo by Alejandro Pena/U.S. AIr Force

    Force Planning in the New Era of Strategic Competition

    If the United States means to take a return to strategic competition seriously, then force planning must evolve beyond the post–Cold War approach. A new framework would let users test their intuition and identify areas of advantage while avoiding the risk of persisting in competitions that impose onerous costs.

    Mar 28, 2020 InkStick

  • The USS Fort Worth conducts patrols in international waters of the South China Sea, near the Spratly Islands

    Why the United States Needs an Active Denial Strategy for Asia

    The evolving balance of power will require adjustments to U.S. strategy. Making those adjustments will help ensure that the U.S.-China relationship, now merely tense, doesn't escalate to hostile.

    Jun 8, 2015 The RAND Blog

Publications