Mira Resnick, the deputy assistant secretary for the Regional Security Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, is at the forefront of managing the United States’ complex arms transfers, particularly in the wake of crises in Ukraine and Israel. With an annual oversight of approximately $40 billion in global arms transfers, Resnick’s role is pivotal in shaping the country’s foreign policy and military engagements.
Resnick’s responsibilities are not just limited to crisis management; she also oversees peacetime security aid to countries like Egypt. Her office ensures that nations have the military grant assistance and the financing they need to purchase U.S. equipment. She collaborates closely with other federal agencies, including the Pentagon, to ensure that defense equipment and weapons reach their intended destinations.
Her job demands constant vigilance and communication. Resnick usually travels twice a month, engages in daily intelligence briefings, and maintains frequent contact with leadership. Her workdays are long, but as she puts it, “We are in constant motion here.”
Raised in a politically aware family with a focus on the U.S.-Israel relationship due to her Jewish background, Resnick has always been interested in foreign policy, according to the Hill. She has a master’s degree in security studies from the Pentagon-funded National Defense University and has worked for multiple Democratic lawmakers. Her extensive experience on Capitol Hill has been invaluable in her current role, where she works closely with Congress to ensure everyone is “on the same page.”
The recent conflict in Israel has had a profound impact on Resnick. She has expedited the delivery of emergency air defense munitions to Israel and is pushing for more assistance through foreign military financing. Her office’s frenzied response to Israel’s needs is reminiscent of the early days of the Ukraine crisis in February 2022, where urgent requirements and communication with partners were paramount.
Resnick emphasizes that a key part of her job is to help partners diversify away from Russia by meeting their security needs. Countries around the globe, including Taiwan, which faces increasing threats from China, rely on her and the U.S. for their security needs.
One of Resnick’s most significant contributions has been the overhaul of guidelines on conventional weapons transfers. The revised code now requires a stricter review to ensure that any arms transfer is unlikely to violate human rights or international war laws. For Resnick, putting human rights at the center of foreign policy is not just a job requirement; it’s a commitment.
