Mailing address
One Brattle Square 506
79 John F. Kennedy Street
Mailbox 134
Cambridge, MA, 02138
Matt Waldman
Research Fellow, International Security Program
Contact:
Telephone: 857-756-5378
Fax: 617-496-0606
Email: matthew_waldman@hks.harvard.edu
Experience
Matt Waldman practiced as an international lawyer based in London, after which he served as a foreign affairs and defense advisor in the UK and European Parliaments. He has worked on Afghanistan and the region since 2005, as Oxfam's head of policy for Afghanistan, a Carr Center for Human Rights fellow, independent analyst, and, most recently, as a senior UN official in Kabul covering conflict resolution and reconciliation with the Taliban.
Matt is currently conducting research on the Afghanistan conflict, especially reconciliation, negotiations, and the role of misperceptions. He also conducts analysis of certain armed conflicts and is involved in, and advises on, mediation initiatives.
March 13, 2013
"Is Peaceful Political Transition in Afghanistan Possible?"
Media Feature
By Robert Johnson, Jawed Nader, Matt Waldman, Research Fellow, International Security Program and Michael Keating
As the 2014 deadline for the withdrawal of international troops in Afghanistan looms, the speakers explored what is required to ensure a smooth transition and avoid a descent into chaos.
Matt Waldman Photo
January 25, 2013
"An Afghanistan Write-Off Isn't an Option"
Op-Ed, New York Times
By Michael Keating and Matt Waldman, Research Fellow, International Security Program
"Only Afghans can reconcile their differences. But the international community can play a critical role in creating the conditions in which this can happen. It should be rooted in ground realities and Afghan interests. It must ensure that international policies do not unwittingly intensify local or national power struggles or undermine stability."
October 9, 2012
"Talking Our Way Out Of Afghanistan"
Op-Ed, Foreign Policy
By Matt Waldman, Research Fellow, International Security Program
"Because the strength of any dialogue depends on buy-in from each of the major parties to the conflict, the participation of Pakistan, the Taliban's longtime host and supporter, is essential. But the nature and scope of Pakistan's involvement requires consideration. Many would argue it should be limited to regional and security issues. But to exclude Pakistan completely would be to encourage it to act as a spoiler."
AP Photo
September 10, 2012
"Why it's Time for Talks with the Taliban"
Op-Ed, The Guardian
By Matt Waldman, Research Fellow, International Security Program
"The Arab awakening has not gone unheeded. A Taliban think-piece leaked last year asked what kind of elections they should support and how the government should meet the people's needs. They yearn to be taken seriously as a credible, national political force."
