THE AUTHOR

Paraag Shukla [June 17, 1982 – January 28, 2020]
 
Paraag Shukla was highly regarded for his intellect and expertise in international relations and security, having contributed significantly at the Rand Corporation, Institute for the Study of War, History.net, and the Department of Defense. As an Intelligence Officer, he specialized in Afghan governance and strategic policy, and in 2010, he was deployed to the ISAF Joint Command in Afghanistan, where he received several honors, including the Joint Civilian Service Commendation Medal and the NATO Medal for Operation Enduring Freedom, for his work on governance and the 2010 Parliamentary Elections. Shukla co-authored the influential publication, Money in the Bank: Lessons Learned from Past Counterinsurgency (COIN) Operations, which was disseminated to key decision-makers in the Department of Defense. He provided expert advice to Congressional staff and U.S. policymakers, frequently appearing in interviews with national and international media. Additionally, he conducted in-depth research and wrote two unpublished books: one on the Kargil War, and another historical fiction novel about the Royal Flying Corps in World War I, as well as a romantic comedy screenplay titled “e-Preeti.”
 
Born in India and educated in the United States, Paraag is survived by his parents, sister, and two nephews.