Deputy Director of the Program on Extremism, George Washington University; Global Advisor, Eradicate Hate Global Summit

Seamus Hughes is an expert on terrorism, homegrown violent extremism, and countering violent extremism (CVE). Hughes serves as the Deputy Director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, a research center that focuses on extremism in America.  

Hughes previously worked at the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), serving as a lead staffer on U.S. government efforts to implement a national CVE strategy. He also served as the Senior Counterterrorism Advisor for the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where he authored two reports for the Senate related to homegrown extremism and domestic terrorism. Hughes has also authored numerous legislative bills, including sections of the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act and the Special Agent Samuel Hicks Families of Fallen Heroes Act. 

Hughes is a graduate of the University of Maryland and a recipient of the National Security Council Outstanding Service Award and two NCTC Director’s Awards for outstanding service. He teaches classes at George Washington University and Georgetown University.