Polish analyst and former Pentagon expert Janusz Bugajski died on October 17, 2025, at 71, after a career shaping U.S. policy on Eastern Europe and Russia.
Obituary Announced
News of Janusz Bugajski’s death was posted on the website januszbugajski.com. “In the 71st year of a wonderful life, on the evening of 17 October 2025, the great son of Poland, relentless fighter for the freedom of oppressed peoples, uncompromising defender of human rights and great friend of Ukraine—Janusz Bugajski—has passed,” the notice read.
Tributes From Colleagues
Former director of the Polish Institute of International Affairs Sławomir Dębski said, “I deeply mourn the news of my friend Janusz Bugajski’s death. He was an outstanding analyst and security expert.” He added that Bugajski was “a man full of joy, optimism and a brilliant sense of humor,” and called him “a bold advocate for nations resisting Russian imperialism.”
Former ambassador to the United States and the United Kingdom Piotr Wilczek wrote, “Janusz’s insightful geopolitical intuition, unwavering commitment to democratic values and relentless work at the Jamestown Foundation and beyond had a profound influence on our understanding of Europe’s security landscape. Rest in peace.”
Career and Expertise
Born on 23 September 1954, Bugajski has lived in the United States since 1986. He is a political scientist, analyst, and former director of the New Democracies program at the Washington Strategic and International Studies Center, as well as a Pentagon analyst and adviser to U.S. defense and development agencies, the International Republican Institute, and the Jamestown Foundation.
Bugajski was also a prolific writer, publishing several books on Russia and Central‑Eastern Europe, and contributed to international media outlets such as the BBC.
Personal Background
Bugajski’s life was noted for his sustained commitment to human rights and his friendship with Ukraine. He is remembered as a relentless fighter for the freedom of oppressed peoples.
