As a Program Associate at the Institute, James “Mack” Cook works closely with the Faculty Director and Executive Director to ensure the smooth sailing of events, while also liaising across departments to support the Institute’s financial affairs and programming, to engage with followers on social media accounts, and to implement website redesign.

Mack is currently pursuing his M.A. in Security Studies at Georgetown’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and is a graduate from the College of the Holy Cross with a degree in History and Russian and Eastern European Studies. During his undergraduate career, he conducted research and drafted theses on various topics including a comparative analysis of the United States’ and South Korea’s COVID-19 response, the role of media in the modern formulation of German and Russian national identities, and implications for deterrence in the Russo-Ukrainian War. Additionally, he participated in the Holy Cross Moot Court program, studied abroad at the University of York in England, and volunteered as a tour guide and student ambassador.

Prior to his role at the Institute, he has worked as a Public Policy Fellow at Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis Associates and a Compliance Operations and Policy Analyst Intern at Incyte Pharmaceuticals. In these roles, he was responsible for legislative and regulatory tracking, organizing advocacy events and corporate conferences, and assisting with compliance and data reporting responsibilities.