Hussain Huwaidi
Curriculum Developer & Gulf Cultural And Security Specialist – Supporting U.S. Diplomatic Missions
Arlington
Summary
Analyst with 11+ years of experience in international security, counterterrorism, and nonproliferation, with deep expertise in Gulf and MENA affairs. Proven record in open-source investigations, disinformation tracking, and intelligence briefings. Demonstrated success delivering threat assessments and strategic reports to U.S. government agencies, think tanks, and international partners. Bilingual in Arabic and English with a strong foundation in geopolitical risk and stakeholder engagement.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
2017
2017
years of post-secondary education
7
7
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Curriculum Developer | Gulf Linguist & Cultural Specialist
Foreign Service Institute (FSI)
02.2024 - Current
- Deliver Gulf Arabic instruction, cultural, and political briefings to over 20+ U.S. diplomats in preparation for deployment to the Gulf region.
- Designed a comprehensive 36-week curriculum plan, consisting of 5 units per module; successfully completed and delivered 9 modules (one unit per day) to date.
- Enhance regional understanding by integrating real-world case studies and threat landscapes.
Teaching Lead | ODA Specialist | Test Developer | Moodle Point of Contact
ICA Language Services
01.2022 - 02.2024
- Designed and delivered over 80 Arabic language and cultural training modules for diplomats, generals, and U.S. government clients, tailored to mission-critical contexts and covering topics such as regional security, disinformation, social dynamics, and climate resilience.
- Served as the primary liaison between ICA and Moodle US, managing the learning platform and resolving system issues for staff and educators.
Independent Gulf Analyst & Consultant
03.2019 - 08.2023
- Delivered 12 targeted research briefs for U.S.-based think tanks and academic institutions—including the Center for Nonproliferation Studies and the Institute for Gulf Affairs—on Gulf security, missile proliferation, terrorism financing, regional influence networks, and the perceived threat of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
- Informed Track II diplomatic dialogues and internal policy planning efforts focused on MENA regional stability and nonproliferation strategy.
- Applied open-source intelligence (OSINT), policy trend analysis, and expert interviews to generate timely and actionable insights within tight turnaround windows.
- Operated independently while collaborating with policy researchers and regional experts to align analysis with stakeholder needs and evolving security concerns.
Fellow, Research Program
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
09.2021 - 12.2021
- Co-authored strategic policy briefs on nuclear nonproliferation and regional compliance to urge government officials to recognize nuclear threats and advance ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
- Conducted data-driven analysis using official reports, public statements, arms control datasets, and case studies; improved editorial workflows to enhance clarity in outputs reviewed by senior CTBTO stakeholders.
Arabic Test Developer (Political/Security Focus)
DLIFLC / ICA Language Services
09.2020 - 09.2021
- Developed over 100 Arabic language test items grounded in OSINT and real-world geopolitical content to assess the analytical and linguistic readiness of military linguists and security personnel; enhanced testing rigor and operational relevance.
Arabic Teaching Assistant & Activity Coordinator
Middlebury Institute of International Studies
08.2014 - 07.2016
Intern, BWC Implementation Support Unit
United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
02.2016 - 04.2016
- Drafted summaries of high-level regional meetings and supported database management and the launch of the BWC e-platform.
- Served as a point of contact for high-level government stakeholders to coordinate diplomatic meetings and treaty-related events.
- Assessed gaps in treaty implementation and proposed strategies to enhance global outreach, transparency, and overall treaty efficacy.
- Maintained and updated the official BWC webpage to improve accessibility and public engagement.
Case Manager (Refugees & Asylees)
Lutheran Family Services
06.2012 - 06.2013
Education
MA - Nonproliferation & Terrorism Studies
Middlebury Institute of International Studies
Monterey, CABA - Political Science
University of Colorado
Boulder, COSkills
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Threat and Risk Assessment
Disinformation and Influence Operations
Political & Security Analysis (MENA focus)
Executive Briefings & Reports
Cross-Functional Coordination
Certification
Application of Open-Source Tools for Nuclear Nonproliferation – University of California, Berkeley
Publications
- The CTBT and the Middle East: A Long Road to a Nuclear Test-Free Region, CTBTO, 2022
- Changing the Way We Counter Terrorism, Center for Progressive Security, 2019, Published article analyzing evolving approaches to terrorism prevention, with a focus on inclusive frameworks and context-specific strategies. (Publication no longer available online, but archived.)
- The Rise of Disinformation in the Middle East, Track II Diplomacy Dialogue, 2020, Invited Speaker
- Missile Arms Race in the Middle East?, Track II Dialogue, 2018, Panelist
- BWC Repository Development, United Nations BWC 8th Review Conference, 2016, Presenter
- The Iran Nuclear Agreement: Status of Implementation and its Impact on the Middle East, Confidential Middle East Track II Diplomacy Dialogue, 2016, Panelist
- Website Creator & Manager, http://www.bwc1972.org, 2016
- What can be done to stop the conspiracy and distinguish between assailants, refugees, and economic migrants?, Track II Middle East Dialogue, 2015, Invited speaker
Affiliations
• Member – Middle East Next Generation of Arms Control Specialists (MENACS) Network
www.menacs.org
Languages
Arabic
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Curriculum Developer | Gulf Linguist & Cultural Specialist
Foreign Service Institute (FSI)
02.2024 - Current
Teaching Lead | ODA Specialist | Test Developer | Moodle Point of Contact
ICA Language Services
01.2022 - 02.2024
Fellow, Research Program
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
09.2021 - 12.2021
Arabic Test Developer (Political/Security Focus)
DLIFLC / ICA Language Services
09.2020 - 09.2021
Independent Gulf Analyst & Consultant
03.2019 - 08.2023
Intern, BWC Implementation Support Unit
United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
02.2016 - 04.2016
Arabic Teaching Assistant & Activity Coordinator
Middlebury Institute of International Studies
08.2014 - 07.2016
Case Manager (Refugees & Asylees)
Lutheran Family Services
06.2012 - 06.2013
BA - Political Science
University of Colorado
MA - Nonproliferation & Terrorism Studies
Middlebury Institute of International Studies