Arif Ansar is the Chief Analyst and CEO of PoliTact, a Washington, D.C.-based strategic advisory firm founded in 2009. PoliTact specializes in deciphering, synthesizing, and interpreting emerging global geopolitical realities, particularly from the vantage point of South Asia and the Middle East.
PoliTact collaborates with leading global thought centers, including the Middle East Institute, the Stimson Center, and the Atlantic Council, to explore the multifaceted dimensions of emerging geopolitical themes. The firm also maintains a network of prominent intellectuals and influencers, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the political, economic, and security dynamics at play – and to counter the realities created using AI and deep fake.
Arif brings over 25 years of consulting experience across various branches of the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense, USAID, the Department of State, and the U.S. Geological Survey. His cross-industry expertise spans the Defense, Security, International Development, and Information Technology sectors, having held positions at Boeing, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Northrop Grumman, and the Academy for Educational Development (AED).
From 1999 to 2000, Arif was involved with the Water Rights sub-committee of the Middle East Peace Process (Israel, Jordan, Palestine), supporting U.S. government initiatives in developing a regional educational curriculum focused on water and environmental conservation.
Between 1995 and 2000, Arif served as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Center for Development Information and Evaluation (CDIE), under the Policy and Program Coordination Bureau (PPC) of USAID. In 1998, he assisted the Chief of the Office of Economic and Strategic Planning (OESP) at UNDP in developing strategies for implementing information and technology initiatives in Latin America, specifically in Brazil and Venezuela
From 1996 to 1997, Arif worked on the Leland Initiative of the U.S. Congress, implementing projects in Africa (Ethiopia and Eritrea) that focused on the effective use of information and communication technologies.
His Awards and Recognitions include:
Certificate of Recognition, Defense Acquisition University (October 2021)
Recognized for developing innovative technology and infrastructure that delivered a transformational and enduring impact on the US Department of Defense/War acquisition workforce. Awarded by the President of the Defense Acquisition University.
Certificate of Achievement, US Department of Defense/War (January 2007)
Awarded in official recognition of meritorious service.
Arif holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations and a Master of Public Administration in Policy Analysis from the University of Toledo. He also earned an Executive Certificate in Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation from the University of Maryland Global Campus.