Benjamin R. Lotto

SWANA Affairs | Cybersecurity | Human Rights

Hey there. I'm Benjamin.

I'm a New York-based journalist and researcher. My editorial work has been featured in Al Jazeera, The New York Times, +972, Raseef22, and the Council on Foreign Relations, and I edit and write for various outlets. I'm a former Fulbright Scholar, having conducted a Fulbright Research Grant in Oman. I  investigated Oman's cybersecurity posture and political economy. 

I'm most curious about the history, cyber governance, and geopolitics of the Southwest Asia and North Africa region and human rights advocacy therein. In my free time, I also teach standardized test prep, elementary Arabic, and self-defense. I also coach debate in Modern Standard Arabic.

Outside of academia and professional pursuits, I can't think of better ways to spend my time beyond learning a language, practicing martial arts, and finding the next best shot of espresso. 

Present

Communications Director, Office of Assembly Member Zohran K. Mamdani

Past

Fulbright Scholar, Oman 2023-2024, U.S. Department of State

Special Advisor on Business Development, Journalist. English Editor, Raseef22

Freelance Arabic Translation Reviewer and Editor, Council on Foreign Relations

Arabic Debate Coach, New York University

Fellow, Moment Institute Middle East Fellows (MIMEF) Fellowship

Arabic Editor Assistant, The New York Times and Al-Jazeera

CASA 1 Fellow, The Center for Arabic Study Abroad

Campaign Manager, The People for Simone Pass Tucker

Intern, National Council on US-Arab Relations

US Senate Intern, Office of US Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer

Double B.A., International Relations and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, NYU