David Michel

Senior Associate (Non-resident), Global Food and Water Security Program
David Michel

David Michel is a senior associate (non-resident) with the Global Food and Water Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). His work explores the emerging challenges and policy solutions to growing pressures on the world’s interdependent water, food, energy, and climate systems. Before joining CSIS, he served as senior researcher with the Environment of Peace 2022 initiative at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, supporting governments and social institutions to anticipate, evaluate, and address complex ecological risks. As senior manager in the Transboundary Water Department with the Stockholm International Water Institute from 2017–2019, he worked to promote cooperative resources governance in major river basins across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. From 2010–2015 he was founding director of the Environmental Security Program at the Stimson Center. David has written widely on water and climate security, environmental resilience, and sustainable resources management, and has contributed policy analyses and strategic risk assessments for government agencies, development institutions, and international organizations such as the World Bank, United Nations, and U.S. National Intelligence Council. His analyses appear in academic and policy journals including Applied Energy, Journal of Hydrology, Water International, and Foreign Policy, and have featured in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Financial Times, The Guardian, Voice of America, and the BBC. He was educated at Yale University, the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales and École Normale Supérieure in Paris, and the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

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Executive Education

Global Foresight: Preparing for Future Trends

Global Foresight: Preparing for Future Trends is Washington’s premier executive course for mid-to senior-level professionals responsible for helping their organizations identify and prepare for the global macrotrends that will drive change for the next 30 years.

Course Date: April 27, 2026
Registration Closes: April 17, 2026

Preparing for the Consequences of Collapse in Cuba

CSIS experts explore the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Cuba, and lay out recommendations for the United States and international community to address growing need on the island. 

Critical Questions by CSIS Scholars — April 9, 2026

Could Iran Disrupt the Gulf Countries’ Desalinated Water Supplies?

The countries of the Persian Gulf critically rely on desalination systems for their water supplies. The conflict with Iran puts these vital resources at risk. Tehran could attack desalination plants in a bid to widen the war and raise its stakes.

Commentary by David Michel — March 19, 2026

Securing Africa’s Future Water Needs

Sub-Saharan Africa is the world’s most water-insecure region. Its future wellbeing depends on solving its water resource challenges. CSIS examines how governments, service providers, donors, and communities working together can build sustainable water systems.

Digital Report by David Michel — January 29, 2026

Audio Briefs

Satellite Imagery Shows Tehran’s Accelerating Water Crisis

An audio version of "Satellite Imagery Shows Tehran’s Accelerating Water Crisis," a new Commentary by CSIS's David Michel, Will Todman, and Jennifer Jun. This audio was generated using text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by David Michel, Will Todman, and Jennifer Jun — November 25, 2025

Audio Briefs

Watered Down: A Weakened Global Water Strategy

The US Global Water Strategy reflects longstanding bipartisan commitments to promote safe water services in partner nations. The Trump administration’s radical reductions to foreign aid imperil these goals, making vulnerable populations weaker, poorer, and less secure.

Commentary by David Michel — November 13, 2025

Audio Briefs

Watered Down: A Weakened Global Water Strategy

An audio version of "⁠Watered Down: A Weakened Global Water Strategy⁠," a new Commentary by CSIS's David Michel. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by David Michel — November 13, 2025

Audio Briefs