Ian Wallace Biography

Ian Wallace is a visiting fellow in cybersecurity at Brookings' Center for 21st Century Security and Intelligence, part of the Foreign Policy department. He formerly worked as a senior official in the British Ministry of Defence (MOD), where he assisted in the development of UK cyber strategy as well as the UK's cyber partnership with the US. His research focuses on the international aspects of cybersecurity policy, such as the consequences of cyber for armed forces and the proper responsibilities of the public and private sectors. Wallace's experience covers national security policy and strategy in the United Kingdom and the United States. He joins Brookings after three and a half years as the British Embassy's defense policy and nuclear counsellor in Washington, where he was in charge of both the embassy's nuclear and strategic deterrent and chemical and biological defense teams, as well as its defense policy team, which included cyber and space policy. Prior to joining the embassy, he was a fellow at Harvard University's Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, where he conducted research on the military implications of emerging cyber capabilities. Wallace began his career in the UK MOD in 1997, where he held a variety of policy planning and operational posts. His policy planning background is diverse. From late 2005 to 2007, he oversaw the team in charge of the MOD's aviation, marine, and nuclear projects, including the UK's replacement nuclear deterrence and nuclear capabilities sustainment initiatives. He was the assistant director of the MOD's Defence Resources and Plans directorate from 2003 to early 2005, where he oversaw the day-to-day operation of the department's resource allocation process. Wallace has served as a deployed policy and political adviser for three different commanders: the Deputy Commander, Multi-National Force, Iraq (based in the US Embassy in Baghdad, 2007-8); the Commanding General, Multi-National Division South East, Iraq (based in Basra, 2005); and the Commander, Multi-National Brigade Centre, Kosovo (based in Pristina, 2001-2002). Furthermore, from early 2002 to 2003, he was the head of strategy at the UK's Permanent Joint HQ (Unified Combatant Leadership equivalent), during which time he oversaw the UK's command of ISAF I in Afghanistan as well as the preparation and early phases of the UK's participation to Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Wallace worked as a private secretary to the UK Defence Secretary from 2000 to 2001, with duties in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Central Asia. In this capacity, he was also extensively involved in supporting the United Kingdom's intervention in Sierra Leone in 2000. During the 1999 NATO Kosovo conflict, he also worked in the Balkans Secretariat and was part of the team that oversaw the execution of the UK's 1998 Strategic Defence Review. Wallace earned his M.A. in Ancient and Modern History in 1996 from Christ Church, Oxford University.

As a renowned expert and highly sought-after speaker, Ian Wallace's expertise is in high demand. To book Ian Wallace for your next event, conference, or workshop, please contact our speaker booking agency. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and help secure Ian Wallace's participation. With our professional guidance and seamless booking process, you can ensure a memorable and impactful experience for your audience. Don't miss the opportunity to engage your audience with Ian Wallace's compelling insights and inspire positive change within your organization. Fill out the booking request form to take the first step in securing Ian Wallace for your next speaking engagement.