Around the Table with Ryan Claffey

Around the Table is a three-question interview series from the Make Room email newsletter as a part of the CNAS Make Room initiative. Each edition features a conversation with a peer in the national security community to learn about their expertise and experience in the sector.

Ryan Claffey is a research assistant for the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). His research focuses on East and Southeast Asia, particularly U.S.-China strategic competition, minilateralism, and the South China Sea.

What inspired you to pursue a career in national security, specifically Indo-Pacific affairs?

When I was a kid, my grandmother would often take me on walks through Riverside Park in New York. A proud American from Puerto Rico, she would sit me down in front of the statue of Eleanor Roosevelt that stood just around the corner from our house. Etched into the concrete below was a quote by Adlai Stevenson: “She would rather light a candle than curse the darkness, and her glow warmed the world.”

From an early age, my family instilled in me the value of public service, the importance of international relations, and the necessity of remaining steadfast in lighting those proverbial candles. That early lesson ultimately drew me toward national security, specifically focused on the Indo-Pacific region. Today, this region embodies many of the critical questions we face around whether democracies can effectively deter coercion, whether smaller states can exercise sovereign choices free from intimidation, and whether the United States can sustain credible partnerships in an area central to the future of the rules-based international order that Eleanor Roosevelt championed.

What advice do you have for someone who is early in their career?

Lean into serendipity. It’s incredibly frustrating not knowing your next move, whether professionally, academically, or personally. When I was younger, I sought to meticulously plan each step, always searching for that “optimal” next move. But to those hyper-focused planners and recent grads who feel they’re running out of time, remember that Washington is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t get so caught up in reaching your destination that you miss the joy in the journey. Many of my most rewarding experiences have happened by chance—a timely email or reading the right book just before a meeting. Cycles come and go, but D.C. will always be here. You might as well relax and enjoy the ride.

What advice do you have for young professionals who are considering graduate school?

First, enroll when it genuinely feels right for you. Starting graduate school immediately after undergrad provided me with valuable credentials and access to opportunities I might not have had access to otherwise. Yet, I also recognize that had I waited, I could have leveraged my professional experience to make full use of the resources available at my university. Trust your instincts. There’s no single correct path, so avoid second-guessing yourself.

Second, value your classmates as much as your coursework. Many of my closest friendships began in graduate school, built on common interests, passions, and often the shared move to D.C. Professors will teach you a great deal, but your peers will equally enrich your learning. Invest in these relationships. They’re invaluable.

You have experience across multiple job sectors (think tanks, the Hill, the Department of Defense)—what have been the most critical skills you utilize when navigating a new job or industry?

Learn from those around you. It’s hard to get up to speed on everything, from the subject matter to the location of the toner cartridge. Ask your new coworkers for coffee, review the org chart, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. But most importantly, listen, listen, listen.