Jared Cohen – The Visionary Bridging Technology, Policy, and Global Leadership
Who Is Jared Cohen?
Jared Andrew Cohen is a distinguished American businessman, author, and presidential historian, currently serving as the President of Global Affairs and Co-Head of the Goldman Sachs Global Institute at Goldman Sachs. Born on 24 November 1981 in Weston, Connecticut, United States, Cohen has earned global recognition for his contributions to international affairs, technology innovation, and historical scholarship.
A Rhodes Scholar and New York Times bestselling author, Jared Cohen has built a career at the intersection of diplomacy, technology, and leadership. His influence spans from the corridors of the U.S. State Department to Silicon Valley and Wall Street, reflecting his unique ability to merge policy expertise with forward-thinking business strategy.
Early Life and Education
Jared Cohen’s intellectual curiosity and global outlook were evident from an early age. He completed his schooling at Weston High School before enrolling at Stanford University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science in 2004. During his undergraduate years, he developed an interest in international relations, African politics, and youth movements, topics that would later shape his career and literary pursuits.
His exceptional academic record earned him a place at the University of Oxford, where he completed an M.Phil. in International Relations in 2006 as a Rhodes Scholar. This academic journey not only honed his analytical and diplomatic skills but also positioned him for a dynamic role in both government and global business leadership.
Professional Journey and Career Milestones
Early Career at the U.S. Department of State
Cohen began his professional journey in 2006 as part of the Policy Planning Staff at the U.S. Department of State, serving under Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton. During his four-year tenure, he was known for his innovative thinking on digital diplomacy and global youth engagement.
He worked on policy initiatives related to counter-extremism, technology in foreign policy, and the empowerment of young people in regions affected by conflict. His experience at the State Department gave him deep insight into how technology and communication could reshape diplomacy and governance.
A Decade at Google and the Founding of Jigsaw
In 2010, Jared Cohen joined Google as the Director of Google Ideas, a forward-looking think tank within the company aimed at tackling global challenges through technology. His leadership and creativity led to the evolution of Google Ideas into Jigsaw, an independent technology incubator under Alphabet Inc., which he founded and led as CEO from 2016 to 2022.
At Jigsaw, Cohen’s work focused on addressing some of the most complex issues facing the internet age—cybersecurity threats, misinformation, online toxicity, censorship, organised harassment, and digital extremism. His mission was to use technology as a force for good, creating tools to make the digital world safer and more resilient.
Jigsaw became a pioneer in applying machine learning and AI to social and political challenges, demonstrating Cohen’s long-standing belief that innovation should serve both markets and humanity.
Leadership at Goldman Sachs
In August 2022, Jared Cohen joined Goldman Sachs as President of Global Affairs and Co-Head of the Goldman Sachs Global Institute, also becoming a Partner and member of the firm’s Management Committee. In this capacity, he helps shape the firm’s strategic engagement with global markets, governments, and institutions.
Cohen sits on several key committees, including the Firmwide Client Franchise Committee and the Firmwide Risk Committee, reflecting his integral role in the bank’s decision-making and global strategy. His leadership combines geopolitical insight with financial acumen, bridging the worlds of policy and commerce in an era of rapid transformation.
Academic and Advisory Roles
Beyond corporate leadership, Jared Cohen has held numerous influential advisory and academic positions. He is a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), where he contributes expertise on technology, international relations, and governance. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Gilded, Stanford University’s Freeman-Spogli Institute, and the Chapin School.
Cohen’s advisory affiliations extend to prestigious organisations such as RAND, the National Counterterrorism Center, Schmidt Futures, and the Anti-Slavery Collective. He is also a member of the Trilateral Commission, underscoring his deep involvement in global thought leadership.
Books and Publications
A Prolific Author and Historian
Jared Cohen has authored six books, blending historical insight with geopolitical analysis and technological foresight. His works reveal his fascination with power, leadership, and the forces shaping human progress.
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One Hundred Days of Silence: America and the Rwanda Genocide – A powerful analysis of U.S. foreign policy during the Rwandan genocide.
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Children of Jihad: A Young American’s Travels Among the Youth of the Middle East – A first-hand exploration of youth perspectives across the Middle East.
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The New Digital Age: Transforming Nations, Business, and Our Lives (co-authored with Eric Schmidt) – A seminal work on how digital technologies are reshaping global systems.
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Accidental Presidents: Eight Men Who Changed America – A historical reflection on U.S. vice presidents who ascended unexpectedly to the presidency.
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Life After Power: Seven Presidents and Their Search for Purpose Beyond the White House – A forthcoming study of how former U.S. presidents redefined leadership after office.
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Speaking of America – An upcoming children’s book celebrating U.S. presidents and the power of their words.
His writing has appeared in leading publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Foreign Affairs, TIME Magazine, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Financial Times. Through these platforms, Cohen continues to shape conversations on technology, governance, and leadership.
Recognition and Global Influence
Jared Cohen’s thought leadership and public service have earned him numerous accolades. He has been recognised in:
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TIME 100 – The list of the world’s most influential people.
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Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Global Thinkers.
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Fortune’s 40 Under 40.
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Vanity Fair’s Next Establishment.
These honours highlight his unique role as a bridge between diplomacy, academia, and the private sector—someone equally comfortable in boardrooms, policy summits, and university lecture halls.
Personal Life and Interests
Jared Cohen is married to Rebecca Zubaty, an attorney, and they have three daughters. Fluent in Swahili, Cohen has travelled to over 120 countries, including North Korea and Iran, experiences that have deeply informed his worldview and writing.
Despite his demanding professional life, he remains an avid historian, often describing himself as “a foreign policy person by trade, author and historian by night.” Based in New York City, he continues to balance his global responsibilities with his passion for writing and education.
The Legacy of Jared Cohen
Jared Cohen’s career reflects a rare synthesis of intellect, innovation, and influence. From shaping U.S. foreign policy to building technology solutions at Google, from founding Jigsaw to leading global affairs at Goldman Sachs, his trajectory exemplifies modern leadership in a world where technology, politics, and finance are increasingly intertwined.
He embodies a new generation of leaders—strategic, interdisciplinary, and globally aware—who see technology not as a tool of disruption alone but as a medium for solving humanity’s most urgent challenges.
In his dual roles as a corporate strategist and historian, Jared Cohen continues to redefine what it means to lead in the 21st century—anchored in ethics, inspired by history, and driven by innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Jared Cohen?
Jared Cohen is an American businessman, author, and historian who serves as President of Global Affairs and Co-Head of the Goldman Sachs Global Institute. He is also a former Google executive, founder of Jigsaw at Alphabet, and Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.
2. How old is Jared Cohen?
He was born on 24 November 1981, making him 43 years old as of 2025.
3. Who is Jared Cohen’s wife?
Jared Cohen is married to Rebecca Zubaty, who works as an attorney. The couple live in New York City with their three daughters.
4. How many children does Jared Cohen have?
He has three daughters, whom he often mentions as the source of his inspiration and balance between work and life.
5. What are Jared Cohen’s most famous books?
His notable works include Accidental Presidents, The New Digital Age, Children of Jihad, One Hundred Days of Silence, Life After Power, and Speaking of America. These books cover themes from technology and diplomacy to presidential history and leadership.
