Tara L. Thwing

Guest Author

Tara L. Thwing (LinkedIn, Substack) is a researcher and policy analyst focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence, democracy, and global governance. She is a Research Team Lead with Arcadia Impact’s AI Governance Taskforce, examining multilateral governance models for advanced AI, and contributes to international AI policy analysis as a Research Group member at the Centre for AI and Digital Policy. She writes on technology and governance through her Substack publication, Continental Currents.

Prior to transitioning to AI governance, Thwing spent 17 years at the U.S. Agency for International Development as a Senior Africa Regional Advisor and Democracy Specialist, where she advised on U.S. foreign policy across Sub-Saharan Africa and shaped priorities for up to $300 million in annual democracy, rights, and governance programming across 35+ countries. She regularly briefed Congressional staff on sensitive political developments and coordinated interagency responses to democratic backsliding, post-coup transitions, and contested elections.

Thwing holds an MA in International Affairs from The George Washington University and a BA from Colby College, and a Graduate Certificate in Public Interest Technology from UMass Amherst.

Articles by this author:

Then-U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen sits at the center of a row of U.S. officials on the left of the image, across the table from Zambian President Hichilema, also flanked by other Zambian officials. At the far end of the flower-decked table, in the background, is a large white sign on the wall saying U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Washington D.C. 2022.

The Lessons of Zambia’s RightsCon Cancellation for International Democracy Promotion

Jun. 5, 2026 Andrew Friedman and Tara L. Thwing