Dr. Marckwardt is a scholar-practitioner whose work bridges diplomacy, defense policy, and academic leadership. He serves as faculty co-lead for the Americas at Johns Hopkins SAIS, where he teaches graduate-level courses and directs the regional programming focused on the Western Hemisphere. He is also the founder and administrator of the SAIS Latin America Studies Initiative (LASI), a dynamic research community dedicated to advancing scholarly knowledge and fostering policy discussions on Latin America affairs. In 2024, he received the Johns Hopkins University Outstanding Recent Graduate Award in recognition of his contributions to scholarship and public service.
In addition to SAIS, he serves as faculty lead for Institutional Capacity Building at the Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU), where he develops and delivers curriculum on defense governance and institutional reform for U.S. officials.
A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and Foreign Area Officer, Dr. Marckwardt served for over 29 years in a range of policy and security cooperation positions. His prior roles include Country Director for Colombia and Venezuela at the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy; Defense Strategic Intelligence Planner for the Americas at the Defense Intelligence Agency; Political-Military Advisor and Liaison Office Director at the U.S. Embassy in Honduras for Joint Task Force–Bravo; and Senior Leader Engagement Officer for Mexico at U.S. Army North, where he worked closely with Mexico’s SEDENA. He is also a graduate of Argentina’s Escuela Superior de Guerra (Superior War School), where he studied strategic studies as an exchange officer.
Earlier in his career, he deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as an Armor Officer in command and staff roles. While in Iraq he co-authored a book The Defense of Jisr al-Doreaa, the premiere tactical primer on counterinsurgency for junior leaders. His research and writings have appeared in Joint Forces Quarterly, Small Wars Journal, and other outlets, focused on regional security, institutional reform, and military diplomacy.
Dr. Marckwardt earned his Doctor of International Affairs and Master of International Public Policy degrees at the Johns Hopkins SAIS, and earned a BA in International Business from Florida International University.
- Marckwardt, A., & Burgoyne, M. (2024). "Five Truths for Foreign Officers." NDU Joint Forces Quarterly.
- Marckwardt, A., & Burgoyne, M. (2024). "Blackjack." Small Wars Journal.
- Marckwardt, A. (2023). "Can Sticks Make Carrots? The Economic Impact of Colombia’s Defense Industrialization." Johns Hopkins University.
- Marckwardt, A., & Burgoyne, M. (2023). "Perspective: War with the Cartels Is More Complicated Than It Sounds." Small Wars Journal.
- Marckwardt, A., & Gonzalez, F. (2019). "Why is Mexico so Violent? Governors, Caciques, and Cartels." In Mexico Under Misplaced Economies (Chapter 6). Routledge.
- Marckwardt, A., & Burgoyne, M. (2019). "Was it all Just a Dream? Revisiting The Defense of Jisr Al-Doreaa Ten Years Later." Small Wars Journal.
- Marckwardt, A., & Burke, C. (2013). "The Revenge of Geography: Why Mexico Matters." Small Wars Journal.
- Marckwardt, A. (2011). "Broadening the Army Officer for a New Tomorrow." Armor Magazine.
- Marckwardt, A., & Burgoyne, M. (2009). Defense of Jisr Al Doreaa. University of Chicago Press.
This course provides an introduction to the study and analysis of both the history and the evolution of the security policy sphere. This policy sphere is defined in a broad sense—from nation states, to guerrillas and insurgencies, to organized crime, gangs, traffickers, that is, all enemies of the state. The main lens of analysis is the study of the multiple strategies that the US has implemented to confront the evolving conflict and security challenges in Latin America: some debatably successful like Plan Colombia, and others less so, such as the interventions in Nicaragua. The lack of economic opportunity, rampant corruption, weak rule of law and fragile government institutions continue to riddle Latin America and serve as migration factors. Newer initiatives such as the Merida Initiative, the Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) and the Alliance for Prosperity are also analyzed to learn from the past and the present to address shortfalls and potential solutions in a region beleaguered by insecurity and violence, in spite of the absence of international wars.
This seminar is a culminating 4-credit course designed to thoroughly analyze the most pressing security policy challenges in the Latin America and cultivate the student’s ability to formulate effective policy recommendations under time constraints. The course will cover challenges such as improving environmental protection in addressing deforestation and illegal fishing; confronting and containing the growing and expanding influence of gangs; limiting and reducing corruption in public institutions; and address the political stalemate of Venezuela. The course is designed into three-week modules. Each module will focus on a specific subject and will analyze in depth the evolution of the policy challenge and pursue solutions through the analysis and synthesis of best practices from around the world, customized to fit each particular challenge. The modules will consist of readings, guest lecturers, and a simulation exercise. Students will be expected to write a policy memo at the end of each module that clearly identifies the problem and provides policy recommendations based on the instruments of national power.
The Latin America Research Seminar is a capstone course that is paired with a week-long research trip to Colombia during the spring break. The course is designed to provide students with practical field research experience and will guide students during the semester in developing a strong research question, in conducting rigorous analysis, and in providing clear, actionable recommendations for policy makers. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of Colombia on the specific area of their research, which will be complemented by meetings and interviews in Colombia. The course will give students practical experience in planning, executing, and leading a research trip overseas. The final deliverable for the course will be a 5,000 to 6,000 word capstone research paper on Colombia addressing a well-defined research question accompanied with a final capstone presentation (approximately 10 minutes) followed by Q&A. Note: successful completion of this course fulfills the capstone requirement for second-year MAIR students.