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