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BESA Center experts have been interviewed thousands of times in more than 150 newspapers and quality defense publications around the world, from The New York Times and The Washington Post, to The Times of London, Jane’s Defense Weekly and The Jerusalem Post. BESA Center associates have spoken at conferences and symposia in more than 30 countries. Center research associates have been guest lecturers at many institutions around the world.

Over the past 25 years, BESA has produced some 750 original research and policy papers as well as 25 books. It has conducted more than 600 symposia and international conferences — for defense, military industry, and intelligence and foreign policy specialists, as well as diplomats, businesspeople, academics and politicians.

These publications and policy recommendations are directed toward senior Israeli decision-makers in military and civilian life, the defense and foreign affairs establishments in Israel and abroad, the diplomatic corps, the press, the academic community, leaders of Jewish communities around the world, and the educated public.

Professor Shamir currently is the Managing Director of the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA Center). Additionally, he holds the position of head of the MA program in Security and Strategy within the Political Studies Department at Bar-Ilan University. Before pursuing an academic career, Dr. Shamir was the head of the National Security Doctrine Department at the Ministry of Strategic Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office. Prior to his government service, he worked as a Senior Researcher at the Dado Center for Interdisciplinary Military Studies (CIMS) at the IDF General Headquarters.

His research interests and publications include military strategy, innovation, and national security. Noteworthy works authored by Dr. Shamir include Transforming Command: The Pursuit of Mission Command in the US, UK, and Israeli Armies (Stanford University Press, 2011), Insurgencies and Counterinsurgencies: National Styles and Strategic Cultures (Cambridge University Press, 2017), and The Art of Military Innovation (Harvard University Press, 2023), which received reviews from esteemed publications such as The Wall Street Journal and Foreign Affairs. Professor Shamir’s most recent publication is Moshe Dayan: The Making of a Strategist, published by Cambridge University Press, 2025. Additionally, he has contributed articles to leading journals such as International Affairs, Journal of Strategic Studies, and Survival, and authored numerous book chapters.

Professor Shamir, in collaboration with Efraim Inbar, coined the term “mowing the grass” to describe Israel’s strategic approach towards the terrorist organizations surrounding it. This metaphor has gained significant traction in discussions of Israeli military doctrine and regional security strategy.

Since the October 7 Hamas attack and the subsequent conflict in Gaza, Shamir has been interviewed by prominent media outlets such as The Economist, Financial Times, USA Today, Der Spiegel, BBC News, CNN International, The New Stateman, Ha’aretz, and the Jerusalem Post. Professor Shamir earned his PhD from the Department of War Studies at King’s College London and his Masters in Organization Behavior in Brigham Young University, Provo, UT.

General Support
Independent strategic research needs reliable support. Your gift sustains BESA’s ability to produce timely, policy-relevant analysis, publish widely, and convene briefings and events.  So credible insight reaches decision-makers and the public when it matters most. 

Internship Program
BESA’s internship program trains the next generation of strategic thinkers through mentoring, research experience, and exposure to leading experts. Your support helps fund programming, student engagement, and research projects—strengthening Israel’s policy community for the future. 

Debunking Genocide
BESA’s Debunking Genocide project conducts rigorous, evidence-based analysis of the allegation that Israel committed genocide in Gaza after October 7. Your support helps fund primary-source review, data and statistical analysis, and clear public-facing publications—so serious debate and policy discussions are grounded in verified facts rather than narratives. 

Geo-Energy Program
BESA’s Geo-Energy Program advances research on energy and climate security to help strengthen Israel’s long-term prosperity and resilience. Your support enables high-quality reports, expert seminars, and conferences that develop practical strategies for energy policy, environmental challenges, and opportunities for regional cooperation through adaptation and mitigation solutions. 

Hybrid Warfare Program
BESA convenes leading experts to confront the growing challenge of hybrid warfare -combining military, cyber, information, and political pressure in modern conflict. Your support helps fund international conferences, research partnerships, and practical training tools—such as knowledge bases, textbooks, and methodologies – that strengthen Israel’s and allied institutions’ ability to understand and respond effectively. 

Post-Soviet Conflicts Research Program (PSCRP)
BESA’s Post-Soviet Conflicts Research Program is a platform for timely analysis of conflicts across the former Soviet Union and the role of regional and global powers. Your support enables expert research and publications that help policymakers and the public understand a strategically important and rapidly evolving region. 

ISF International Workshop
The Israel Science Foundation (ISF) International Workshop brings together Israeli and international scholars and practitioners to examine how small and middle powers adapt their grand strategy in a rapidly changing world. Your support helps fund high-level academic exchange, public-facing insights, and the convening power needed to turn serious research discussions into clearer strategic thinking for Israel and the wider policy community.