Table of Contents
Biography
Claudia Major is a German political scientist and leader of a research group for security policy at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. She was born on August 15, 1976, in East Berlin.
Claudia Major completed her Abitur at the Hans-und-Hilde-Coppi-Gymnasium in Berlin-Karlshorst in 1996. She holds a diploma in political science from Freie Universität Berlin and Sciences Po Paris, and earned her Ph.D. from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.
Before joining GMF, Major was the Director of the International Security Division at Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), Germany’s premier foreign policy think tank in Berlin. There, she played a critical role in shaping German and European security debates through research, policy advice, and public commentary.
Major’s research and policy work focus on German security and defense policy, European defense structures, particularly NATO and the EU, Transatlantic relations, and the role of the United States in European security, Nuclear deterrence and non-proliferation, Franco-German defense cooperation, Civil-military relations, and leadership culture within defense institutions.
A key focus of her current work is on the strategic and geopolitical consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine. She explores the implications for the European security order, NATO deterrence posture, transatlantic solidarity, and options for a just and sustainable end to the conflict.
Major has held influential positions across European and transatlantic institutions, Center for Security Studies, ETH Zurich, the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), the EU Institute for Security Studies, Paris, the NATO Division, the German Federal Foreign Office, and Sciences Po Paris.
In addition, she has served on high-level advisory boards; Advisory Board for Civilian Crisis Prevention of the German Federal Foreign Office (2010–2024), Advisory Board on Leadership Development and Civic Education (Innere Führung) of the German Federal Ministry of Defense (since 2023), German-British Königswinter Conference, promoting bilateral dialogue.
Claudia Major Parents
There is no information about her parents.
Claudia Major Age, Birthdate, Height, Weight
She was born on 15 August 1976, and as of 2025, she is 48 years old. However, her height and weight are unknown.
Claudia Major Husband, Children
There is no information about her husband and children.
Claudia Major Net Worth
