Student Spotlight: Jordanna Yochai

Student Spotlight: Jordanna Yochai

At Columbia SIPA, we are fortunate to have exceptional students like Jordanna Yochai, a Master of International Affairs (MIA) candidate specializing in International Security Policy with a regional focus on Africa. Jordanna’s academic journey and professional contributions exemplify her commitment to fostering global peace and security.

A member of the 2023-2024 Columbia University International Fellows Program (IFP), Jordanna’s experiences are as impressive as they are impactful. Prior to joining SIPA, she served in the US Department of Defense, contributing to both analytic and policy-making capacities. Her research extends across leading institutions like the US Institute of Peace, the Middle East Institute, the Wilson Center, and the Chicago Project on Security & Threats.

Jordanna’s work has been published in notable outlets such as Iran Primer and The Islamists. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations from the University of Chicago. Currently, she is supported by the Victims of Pan Am Flight 103 Legacy Fellowship and the Women in Defense Scholarship, and is interning with the US Mission to the United Nations’ Military Staff Committee.

Most recently, Jordanna’s insights were featured in her article, “Mauritania should mediate in Mali. Here’s how,” published by the Atlantic Council. In this thought-provoking piece, Jordanna writes:

“There is only one way to avert further loss of life and territorial contestation: mediation. Algiers, which has brokered multiple hostage releases and peace deals in northern Mali—including the 2015 Algiers Accord—is no longer a welcome interlocutor. Bamako has accused Algiers of meddling in its affairs by meeting rebel leaders. Mali’s neighbors to the east, Burkina Faso and Niger, are too consumed with their own domestic security challenges to play a meaningful role. But Mauritania, Mali’s neighbor to the west, is in a unique position to foster peace.”

Through her article, Jordanna examines the strategic role Mauritania can play in facilitating dialogue and fostering peace efforts in Mali, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in addressing security challenges.

Read her article here and explore how Jordanna’s work contributes to meaningful global conversations.

At IAS, we celebrate the achievements of students like Jordanna, who bring passion, expertise, and a commitment to making the world a better place. 

Join us in congratulating Jordanna Yochai on her incredible contributions!