Karim Farishta

Karim Farishta is a Graduate Lecturer at the George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs. In the classroom, he equips students to rethink the foreign policy toolbox as cities and states increasingly shape global problem-solving, challenge traditional diplomacy, and influence national and global security.

Karim brings experience across the private sector, government, and philanthropy to academia. Most recently, he served as Senior Director for State and Local Government at C3 AI, where he led AI-driven digital transformation initiatives helping government leaders modernize operations and improve public service delivery. Previously, he served as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Defense and as a Program Manager at the White House. At the Pentagon, he built partnerships across federal, state, and local governments on issues including semiconductors and artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure, and crisis response. In philanthropy, Karim served as Chief of Staff and Director of Strategic Alliances at The Asian American Foundation, where he helped spearhead a $1.1 billion philanthropic launch supporting national anti-hate initiatives, including the creation of the Anti-Hate and Belonging National Network and advocacy for the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. Across sectors, his work has focused on leveraging technology and democratic institutions to build systems that promote community safety and trust.

Karim holds a Master in Public Policy from Harvard University and a B.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University. He is a Harry S. Truman Scholar and a Fulbright Scholar and is affiliated with the International Strategy Forum, Atlantic Council, and the Center for a New American Security.