Richard Outzen serves as Senior Advisor at Jones Group International, bringing more than 35 years of experience in national security, foreign policy, military leadership, and international strategic advisory services. A retired U.S. Army Colonel, Richard specializes in geopolitical analysis, defense strategy, diplomatic engagement, and security cooperation, with extensive expertise in the Middle East and U.S. relations with Türkiye.
Before joining Jones Group, Richard served in senior positions at the U.S. Department of State, including Senior Advisor for Syrian Engagement and member of the Policy Planning Staff. His distinguished military career included assignments as Defense Attaché in Afghanistan and senior advisory positions supporting U.S. defense and diplomatic operations across the Middle East. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council and Jamestown Foundation, contributing research and analysis on international security and geopolitical developments.
Richard holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy from George Mason University, a master's degree in National Security Resourcing from National Defense University, and a master's degree in National Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. Fluent in Turkish, with additional proficiency in Arabic, Hebrew, and German, he brings exceptional regional expertise and strategic insight to Jones Group's global engagements.