Kaitlin Lavinder is a freelance writer based in Washington, DC. She holds an MA in International Economics and European Studies from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and a BA in Broadcasting, Telecommunications and Mass Media from Temple University. She previously worked as a national security reporter and Europe analyst. She has conducted on the ground research in Germany, Poland, Estonia, Czech Republic, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. She is fluent in English and German.