As a Research Analyst at The Plakhov Group, Jacob is working on various short-form intelligence products including Quick Takes, Background Notes, and more.

His research interests focus on industrial policy, trade weaponization, and European security. His thesis research examined the defence-industrial strategies of key NATO states, analyzing production specialization and capacity building efforts over the past decade. He served as a Balsillie Graduate Fellow from 2024 to 2025, and is a current Emerging Scholar at the Network for Strategic Analysis (RAS-NSA). His professional experience spans both the federal government and private industry.

Jacob is completing his master’s degree in Global Governance from the University of Waterloo’s Balsillie School of International Affairs. He holds a BBA in Strategic Management and International Public Policy from Wilfrid Laurier University.