R. Clarke Cooper is a distinguished senior national security analyst and advisor at the Department of Defense with a wealth of experience in foreign policy, counter-terrorism, and intergovernmental affairs in Africa and the Middle East.

Having served as an Alternative Representative for the United States at the United Nations Security Council, Clarke brings a unique and insightful perspective to his work.

Throughout his career, Clarke has held key positions such as Chief of the Counter-terrorism Network Discovery Team for the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), Senior Intelligence Analyst for the Combined Joint Task Force- Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), Director of Intelligence for Team Libya under Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA), and Chief of Intelligence Analysis & Production for Joint Special Operations Task Force-Trans-Sahara (JSOTF-TS).

His expertise extends to the intricate dynamics between politics and economics in Africa and the Middle East, underpinned by his extensive operational background.

Clarke's professional journey includes capacity building training engagements with host nation governments and partner militaries, alongside his extensive collaboration with the United States Congress.