Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
@markoskounalakis.com
•California's 1st "Second Gentleman"
•Journalist & author - geopolitics & tech
•Washington Monthly, Publisher Emeritus
•Stanford University IR scholar & lecturer. Hoover Institution Fellow
•Eleni's husband, Neo & Eon's dad
•Ducati motorcycle dude
•Journalist & author - geopolitics & tech
•Washington Monthly, Publisher Emeritus
•Stanford University IR scholar & lecturer. Hoover Institution Fellow
•Eleni's husband, Neo & Eon's dad
•Ducati motorcycle dude
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
California’s coast is not for sale.
Offshore drilling isn’t just reckless. It’s a threat to our communities, our economy, and our clean‑energy future. Here in California, we’ll always lead with innovation, protect our coast, and put people over Big Oil.
Offshore drilling isn’t just reckless. It’s a threat to our communities, our economy, and our clean‑energy future. Here in California, we’ll always lead with innovation, protect our coast, and put people over Big Oil.
Trump Is Said to Propose Opening California Coast to Oil Drilling
www.nytimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:46 PM
California’s coast is not for sale.
Offshore drilling isn’t just reckless. It’s a threat to our communities, our economy, and our clean‑energy future. Here in California, we’ll always lead with innovation, protect our coast, and put people over Big Oil.
Offshore drilling isn’t just reckless. It’s a threat to our communities, our economy, and our clean‑energy future. Here in California, we’ll always lead with innovation, protect our coast, and put people over Big Oil.
Make California a G7 Member
"Economic powerhouse of #California should be admitted into the #G7, given that the state’s $4.1 trillion GDP and throw-weight are greater than those of five of the current members"
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/11/12/m... @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social @ltg.ca.gov
"Economic powerhouse of #California should be admitted into the #G7, given that the state’s $4.1 trillion GDP and throw-weight are greater than those of five of the current members"
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/11/12/m... @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social @ltg.ca.gov
Make California a G7 Member
As Trump pulls the US out of global institutions, the fourth-largest economy, California, should take its seat at the table at the G7.
washingtonmonthly.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Make California a G7 Member
"Economic powerhouse of #California should be admitted into the #G7, given that the state’s $4.1 trillion GDP and throw-weight are greater than those of five of the current members"
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/11/12/m... @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social @ltg.ca.gov
"Economic powerhouse of #California should be admitted into the #G7, given that the state’s $4.1 trillion GDP and throw-weight are greater than those of five of the current members"
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/11/12/m... @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social @ltg.ca.gov
My latest on H-1Bs w/ Dinsha Mistree
"President Donald Trump has found yet another way to weaponize immigration...The policy lets POTUS kill two birds with one stone: By targeting mostly India, he also gets to punish California."
www.sfexaminer.com/forum/trump-... #India #California
"President Donald Trump has found yet another way to weaponize immigration...The policy lets POTUS kill two birds with one stone: By targeting mostly India, he also gets to punish California."
www.sfexaminer.com/forum/trump-... #India #California
H-1B fee kills two birds — and America's golden goose – with one stone
President Donald Trump found another way to weaponize immigration: a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applicants. It kills two birds with one stone: By targeting mostly India, he also gets to punish Cal...
www.sfexaminer.com
October 28, 2025 at 5:22 PM
My latest on H-1Bs w/ Dinsha Mistree
"President Donald Trump has found yet another way to weaponize immigration...The policy lets POTUS kill two birds with one stone: By targeting mostly India, he also gets to punish California."
www.sfexaminer.com/forum/trump-... #India #California
"President Donald Trump has found yet another way to weaponize immigration...The policy lets POTUS kill two birds with one stone: By targeting mostly India, he also gets to punish California."
www.sfexaminer.com/forum/trump-... #India #California
My latest
@monthly
“Venezuela’s tragic collapse from petrostate to failed state has a name: Nicolás Maduro.
It’s time for him to go."
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/17/v...
@monthly
“Venezuela’s tragic collapse from petrostate to failed state has a name: Nicolás Maduro.
It’s time for him to go."
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/17/v...
Venezuela’s Best Chance for Freedom
Trump and the U.S. should keep pressuring Maduro of Venezuela, but not use blunderbuss tactics that will backfire
washingtonmonthly.com
October 17, 2025 at 5:18 PM
My latest
@monthly
“Venezuela’s tragic collapse from petrostate to failed state has a name: Nicolás Maduro.
It’s time for him to go."
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/17/v...
@monthly
“Venezuela’s tragic collapse from petrostate to failed state has a name: Nicolás Maduro.
It’s time for him to go."
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/17/v...
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
Proud to see that @california-hcd.bsky.social will receive necessary funding to create more affordable housing for Californians.
Out of the 2,099 affordable homes created, 2,068 homes will be reserved for low- to extremely low-income residents like seniors, Veterans, large families and more.
Out of the 2,099 affordable homes created, 2,068 homes will be reserved for low- to extremely low-income residents like seniors, Veterans, large families and more.
$414 million in @california-hcd.bsky.social funds are headed out the door to create another 2,099 affordable homes.
California is outperforming the rest of the country in turning our state's homelessness crisis around — and creating more homes is a key component part of our strategy.
California is outperforming the rest of the country in turning our state's homelessness crisis around — and creating more homes is a key component part of our strategy.
September 22, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Proud to see that @california-hcd.bsky.social will receive necessary funding to create more affordable housing for Californians.
Out of the 2,099 affordable homes created, 2,068 homes will be reserved for low- to extremely low-income residents like seniors, Veterans, large families and more.
Out of the 2,099 affordable homes created, 2,068 homes will be reserved for low- to extremely low-income residents like seniors, Veterans, large families and more.
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
It was an honor to visit California’s very own Yosemite National Park as part of a tour through the beautiful Sierra Nevada 🏔️🌲
We hiked up to Yosemite’s iconic Mist Trail & saw how our trails are maintained to be safe & accessible. Protecting California’s treasures is a responsibility we all share.
We hiked up to Yosemite’s iconic Mist Trail & saw how our trails are maintained to be safe & accessible. Protecting California’s treasures is a responsibility we all share.
September 4, 2025 at 10:23 PM
It was an honor to visit California’s very own Yosemite National Park as part of a tour through the beautiful Sierra Nevada 🏔️🌲
We hiked up to Yosemite’s iconic Mist Trail & saw how our trails are maintained to be safe & accessible. Protecting California’s treasures is a responsibility we all share.
We hiked up to Yosemite’s iconic Mist Trail & saw how our trails are maintained to be safe & accessible. Protecting California’s treasures is a responsibility we all share.
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
August is #NationalBlackBusinessMonth, and I had such a great time visiting Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse in Downtown Sacramento, an iconic spot for BBQ, craft beers, and good vibes!
August 28, 2025 at 11:25 PM
August is #NationalBlackBusinessMonth, and I had such a great time visiting Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse in Downtown Sacramento, an iconic spot for BBQ, craft beers, and good vibes!
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
Another tragic mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school this morning, where two children were killed and many more injured. Their futures were stolen, and countless families will never be the same.
August 28, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Another tragic mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school this morning, where two children were killed and many more injured. Their futures were stolen, and countless families will never be the same.
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
I had the pleasure of touring Calaveras Big Trees State Park as part of my visit to Calaveras County 🌲
It was inspiring to meet with State Park Leaders to see their work protecting CA’s giant sequoias, and advocating for over 1,000 mature trees against the threats of wildfires & climate change.
It was inspiring to meet with State Park Leaders to see their work protecting CA’s giant sequoias, and advocating for over 1,000 mature trees against the threats of wildfires & climate change.
August 25, 2025 at 9:50 PM
I had the pleasure of touring Calaveras Big Trees State Park as part of my visit to Calaveras County 🌲
It was inspiring to meet with State Park Leaders to see their work protecting CA’s giant sequoias, and advocating for over 1,000 mature trees against the threats of wildfires & climate change.
It was inspiring to meet with State Park Leaders to see their work protecting CA’s giant sequoias, and advocating for over 1,000 mature trees against the threats of wildfires & climate change.
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
America is seeing its first decline in immigrants in over 50 years, with 1.4 million people gone in just months under Trump.
Immigrants drive $275 billion in economic output, contribute billions in tax revenue, and enrich our culture & communities.
This isn’t just cruel, it’s reckless.
Immigrants drive $275 billion in economic output, contribute billions in tax revenue, and enrich our culture & communities.
This isn’t just cruel, it’s reckless.
August 22, 2025 at 10:09 PM
America is seeing its first decline in immigrants in over 50 years, with 1.4 million people gone in just months under Trump.
Immigrants drive $275 billion in economic output, contribute billions in tax revenue, and enrich our culture & communities.
This isn’t just cruel, it’s reckless.
Immigrants drive $275 billion in economic output, contribute billions in tax revenue, and enrich our culture & communities.
This isn’t just cruel, it’s reckless.
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
Former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf has ended her campaign to become state treasurer and endorsed Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis for the role. Schaaf had a fraction of the campaign funds of Kounalakis.
Former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf ends bid for state treasurer after Kounalakis enters race
Former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf has ended her campaign to become state treasurer and endorsed Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis for the role. Schaaf had a fraction of the campaign funds of Kounalakis.
bit.ly
August 8, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf has ended her campaign to become state treasurer and endorsed Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis for the role. Schaaf had a fraction of the campaign funds of Kounalakis.
I'm with Eleni.
July 30, 2025 at 8:35 PM
I'm with Eleni.
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
Wallis Annenberg represented the best of California. Business success coupled with a lifetime of visionary philanthropy.
Her contributions to our state will forever serve as a testament to her extraordinary life.
Her contributions to our state will forever serve as a testament to her extraordinary life.
July 28, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Wallis Annenberg represented the best of California. Business success coupled with a lifetime of visionary philanthropy.
Her contributions to our state will forever serve as a testament to her extraordinary life.
Her contributions to our state will forever serve as a testament to her extraordinary life.
Foreign Minister of #Ukraine says it’s time to recognize Russia as a terrorist state @GLOBSEC #globsec2025
@AndriiSybiha makes case, incl. Russia’s abducting Ukrainian children.
Re-upping my 2014 Russia as terrorist state argument.
amp.sacbee.com/opinion/op-e...
@AndriiSybiha makes case, incl. Russia’s abducting Ukrainian children.
Re-upping my 2014 Russia as terrorist state argument.
amp.sacbee.com/opinion/op-e...
amp.sacbee.com
June 13, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Foreign Minister of #Ukraine says it’s time to recognize Russia as a terrorist state @GLOBSEC #globsec2025
@AndriiSybiha makes case, incl. Russia’s abducting Ukrainian children.
Re-upping my 2014 Russia as terrorist state argument.
amp.sacbee.com/opinion/op-e...
@AndriiSybiha makes case, incl. Russia’s abducting Ukrainian children.
Re-upping my 2014 Russia as terrorist state argument.
amp.sacbee.com/opinion/op-e...
Good to be at GLOBSEC 2025 in Prague. 20 years strong! My first Forum since joining the International Advisory Board.
Impressed by CZ President Petr Pavel’s clarity and commitment to regional security and transatlantic relations.
@globsec.bsky.social
Impressed by CZ President Petr Pavel’s clarity and commitment to regional security and transatlantic relations.
@globsec.bsky.social
June 13, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Good to be at GLOBSEC 2025 in Prague. 20 years strong! My first Forum since joining the International Advisory Board.
Impressed by CZ President Petr Pavel’s clarity and commitment to regional security and transatlantic relations.
@globsec.bsky.social
Impressed by CZ President Petr Pavel’s clarity and commitment to regional security and transatlantic relations.
@globsec.bsky.social
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
So excited to be at @cademocrats.bsky.social’s #CADEMConvention this weekend with democratic volunteers, delegates, leaders and activists who are ready to fight, organize and take back our country 💪🏼 #CAStrong
May 31, 2025 at 10:50 PM
So excited to be at @cademocrats.bsky.social’s #CADEMConvention this weekend with democratic volunteers, delegates, leaders and activists who are ready to fight, organize and take back our country 💪🏼 #CAStrong
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
Women’s leadership matters, role models matter, and lifting up the next generation of female leaders matters.
As of today, 49% of California legislators are women, which is up from 22% in 2022. This is progress but the work doesn’t stop here! 💼
#FemaleLeaders #WomenLeadership
As of today, 49% of California legislators are women, which is up from 22% in 2022. This is progress but the work doesn’t stop here! 💼
#FemaleLeaders #WomenLeadership
May 30, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Women’s leadership matters, role models matter, and lifting up the next generation of female leaders matters.
As of today, 49% of California legislators are women, which is up from 22% in 2022. This is progress but the work doesn’t stop here! 💼
#FemaleLeaders #WomenLeadership
As of today, 49% of California legislators are women, which is up from 22% in 2022. This is progress but the work doesn’t stop here! 💼
#FemaleLeaders #WomenLeadership
Every #MemorialDay I post my short feature film, "The War Prayer". A short story by Mark Twain, it is a scathing indictment of #war - particularly of blind patriotic and religious fervor as motivations for war.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRVo...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRVo...
The War Prayer
YouTube video by Markos Kounalakis, PhD
www.youtube.com
May 27, 2025 at 4:28 AM
Every #MemorialDay I post my short feature film, "The War Prayer". A short story by Mark Twain, it is a scathing indictment of #war - particularly of blind patriotic and religious fervor as motivations for war.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRVo...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRVo...
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
In California, we don’t just defend the right to choose—we lead the fight to protect it. That is why I’m proud to co-sponsor Assemblymember Cecilia Aguilar-Curry’s #AB260 to ensure Mifepristone remains legal & available in CA.
Great to see this bill pass the Assembly & move forward to the Senate.
Great to see this bill pass the Assembly & move forward to the Senate.
May 20, 2025 at 12:45 AM
In California, we don’t just defend the right to choose—we lead the fight to protect it. That is why I’m proud to co-sponsor Assemblymember Cecilia Aguilar-Curry’s #AB260 to ensure Mifepristone remains legal & available in CA.
Great to see this bill pass the Assembly & move forward to the Senate.
Great to see this bill pass the Assembly & move forward to the Senate.
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
Sending prayers to President Biden and his family as he battles this diagnosis.
Thanks to his leadership with the Cancer Moonshot and NIH and NCI investments as President, there are new and more effective therapies than ever 🙏
Thanks to his leadership with the Cancer Moonshot and NIH and NCI investments as President, there are new and more effective therapies than ever 🙏
May 18, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Sending prayers to President Biden and his family as he battles this diagnosis.
Thanks to his leadership with the Cancer Moonshot and NIH and NCI investments as President, there are new and more effective therapies than ever 🙏
Thanks to his leadership with the Cancer Moonshot and NIH and NCI investments as President, there are new and more effective therapies than ever 🙏
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
Horrified by news of the bombing of a reproductive health clinic in Palm Springs today.
My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Palm Springs community during this difficult time.
My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Palm Springs community during this difficult time.
May 18, 2025 at 12:53 AM
Horrified by news of the bombing of a reproductive health clinic in Palm Springs today.
My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Palm Springs community during this difficult time.
My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Palm Springs community during this difficult time.
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
This is a politically motivated attack on reproductive freedom, period. Mifepristone has been FDA-approved for 20+ yrs & is used in 60%+ of abortions nationwide.
CA will keep fighting for safe, legal reproductive care & every person’s right to make their own medical decisions.
CA will keep fighting for safe, legal reproductive care & every person’s right to make their own medical decisions.
Yesterday, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. said people shouldn't go to him for medical advice.
Now, Kennedy wants a dangerous, politically-motivated "complete review" of Mifepristone — the safe, long-standing medication used for most U.S. abortion care.
Unbelievable.
Now, Kennedy wants a dangerous, politically-motivated "complete review" of Mifepristone — the safe, long-standing medication used for most U.S. abortion care.
Unbelievable.
May 16, 2025 at 5:55 PM
This is a politically motivated attack on reproductive freedom, period. Mifepristone has been FDA-approved for 20+ yrs & is used in 60%+ of abortions nationwide.
CA will keep fighting for safe, legal reproductive care & every person’s right to make their own medical decisions.
CA will keep fighting for safe, legal reproductive care & every person’s right to make their own medical decisions.
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
Honored to celebrate #EuropeDay with @ec.europa.eu @euintheus.bsky.social —reaffirming California’s deep and growing partnership with the #EU.
With $65.5B in two-way trade and the EU as our #1 source of foreign investment, California is proud to be your most trusted transatlantic ally.
With $65.5B in two-way trade and the EU as our #1 source of foreign investment, California is proud to be your most trusted transatlantic ally.
May 14, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Honored to celebrate #EuropeDay with @ec.europa.eu @euintheus.bsky.social —reaffirming California’s deep and growing partnership with the #EU.
With $65.5B in two-way trade and the EU as our #1 source of foreign investment, California is proud to be your most trusted transatlantic ally.
With $65.5B in two-way trade and the EU as our #1 source of foreign investment, California is proud to be your most trusted transatlantic ally.
Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.
Proud to co-sponsor #AB379 by Assemblywoman Maggy Krell, which passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee today—a step forward in protecting victims of sex trafficking. At the same time, I’m deeply disappointed that a key provision was stripped: 🧵👇🏽
April 29, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Proud to co-sponsor #AB379 by Assemblywoman Maggy Krell, which passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee today—a step forward in protecting victims of sex trafficking. At the same time, I’m deeply disappointed that a key provision was stripped: 🧵👇🏽