Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.

Foreign Affairs Analyst & Columnist - Visiting Fellow, Hoover Institution; California's First "Second Gentleman"

Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D., is a prominent American journalist, scholar, and the first "Second Gentleman" of California, being married to Eleni Kounalakis, the state's Lieutenant Governor. Born on December 1, 1956, he has built a diverse career that spans journalism, academia, and public service.

Academic and Professional Background

Kounalakis holds a Ph.D. in Political Science with a focus on International Relations from Central European University, where he graduated summa cum laude in 2016. He also earned an MSc in Journalism from Columbia University and a BSc in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley.1 2 His academic work emphasizes the intersection of global media and foreign policy, utilizing theories of communication and soft power.2

He is currently a Visiting Fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution and a Senior Fellow at the Center on Media, Data, and Society at Central European University in Budapest.1 2 His previous roles include being the president and publisher of Washington Monthly and serving as a foreign correspondent for various outlets including Newsweek and NBC-Mutual News across Europe.1

Journalism Career

Kounalakis is an award-winning columnist whose work has been syndicated nationally. He has contributed to major publications like The Miami Herald and McClatchy-Tribune News. His columns have received accolades for their insightful commentary on world affairs.1 2 He has also been recognized by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists for his impactful writing.2

Public Service and Contributions

In addition to his journalistic endeavors, Kounalakis has been active in public service. He was appointed by President Barack Obama to the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board and serves on various advisory boards, including The Asia Foundation.1 2 He has also contributed to educational initiatives by establishing chairs in politics and democracy at Georgetown University and Stanford University alongside his wife.2

Personal Life

Markos Kounalakis is married to Eleni Kounalakis, with whom he shares two teenage sons. His family background reflects a blend of Greek heritage and American civic engagement.1 2 As California's "Second Gentleman," he plays a supportive role in his wife's political career while continuing his scholarly pursuits.

Kounalakis's multifaceted career underscores his commitment to journalism, education, and public service, making him a notable figure in California's political landscape.