Anna Hardage

Anna Hardage is a foreign policy professional specializing in U.S.–EU relations and security policy. She currently serves as a non-resident Senior Fellow for European Security at the America First Policy Institute, where she is involved in research and initiatives concerning European defense, transatlantic coordination, and emerging strategic issues shaping the future of the Euro-Atlantic space. In her full-time capacity, she works as the Senior Manager for Strategic Engagement at Hanwha, leading on third party engagements in the United States and Europe.

Previously, Anna worked in a national security advisory firm, where she managed defense and technology portfolios, produced strategic assessments for senior leaders, and supported initiatives at the intersection of business, policy, and national security. Her work included long-term planning and engagement strategies for high-level stakeholders.

Anna also brings experience from the U.S. Senate, where she served Senators Tom Cotton and John Kennedy in a series of foreign policy and national security roles. She contributed to legislative efforts including the National Defense Authorization Act, coordinated international delegations and high-level diplomatic meetings, advised on crises in Europe and the Middle East, and led oversight and policy development on issues ranging from foreign military sales and energy security.

Before her work on Capitol Hill, Anna held international roles in Germany and Colombia. As a Program Manager at Transatlantic Networks, she oversaw projects on the evolution of the U.S.–European relationship, designed academic programming at the University of Bonn, and facilitated educational initiatives on diplomacy and security policy. In this role, she also synthesized Republican viewpoints on U.S. foreign policy and represented U.S. positions, including speaking on then-President Trump’s policies in Germany. While supporting the Bogotá-based Fundación El Origen, she expanded global outreach, building partnerships across four continents and elevating the organization’s international engagement.

Anna’s professional affiliations include the Atlantik-Brücke Young Leaders Program, Manfred-Wörner Fellowship, and multiple DC-based national security fellowship programs. She holds an M.A. in Contemporary Transatlantic Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.A. in Political Science, Sociology, and Media Science from the University of Bonn, supported by additional study programs in Germany and Russia.