Bergen has authored four books, three of which have appeared on The New York Times bestseller list, cementing his reputation as a prominent writer on terrorism and foreign policy.

Early Life and Education

Born in Minneapolis in 1962, Peter Bergen was raised in London. He attended Ampleforth College before earning a master's degree in Modern History from New College, University of Oxford, where he was awarded an open scholarship. His strong academic background laid the foundation for a distinguished career in journalism and national security analysis.

Bergen is married to Tresha Mabile, a documentary producer and writer. Their shared passion for media and storytelling complements his professional expertise in investigative journalism and documentary production.

Career in Journalism and Television

Bergen began his journalism career at ABC News in 1985, where he worked until 1990. Prior to that, he produced his first documentary, Refugees of Faith, which examined the conditions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. The film aired on Channel 4 in the UK.

He later joined CNN, where he gained recognition for producing national and international segments. One of his most notable achievements was producing and conducting the first televised interview with Osama bin Laden in 1997. During this groundbreaking interview, bin Laden made his initial public declaration of war against the United States, bringing global attention to the threat posed by al-Qaeda.

In 1997 and 1998, Bergen served as the program editor for CNN Impact, a joint production between CNN and TIME magazine. He also took on the role of producer and correspondent from 1998 to 1999, further solidifying his presence in investigative journalism.

National Security and Counterterrorism Expertise

Peter Bergen is widely regarded for his expertise in national security and counterterrorism. He has published in major American publications, contributing in-depth analysis and reports on global security issues. Additionally, he is a member of the editorial board of Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, a respected scholarly journal in this field.

Bergen has served as an editor for The New Republic and worked as a correspondent for both Discovery Television and National Geographic Television. His extensive fieldwork and deep understanding of terrorist networks have made him a key contributor to U.S. policy conversations, including testimonies before congressional committees.

He is also affiliated with the Homeland Security Project, developed as a continuation of the 9/11 Commission’s mission to enhance national safety. Bergen additionally co-edits the AfPak Channel, a platform jointly run by the New America Foundation and Foreign Policy magazine, which focuses on U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Documentary Recognition and Awards

In 1994, Bergen received the Edward R. Murrow Award from the Overseas Press Club for his CNN documentary Kingdom of Cocaine, which investigated the global cocaine trade. The program was later nominated for an Emmy Award, highlighting his excellence in long-form journalism and foreign affairs reporting.

Books and Publications

Bergen is the author of four influential books on terrorism and international security. His debut book, Holy War, Inc.: Inside the Secret World of Bin Laden, was published in 2001 and became a bestseller. He followed it with The Osama Bin Laden I Know, which was named one of the best non-fiction books of 2006 by The Washington Post.

His other notable works include The Longest War: The Enduring Conflict between America and Al-Qaeda and Manhunt: The Ten-Year Search for Bin Laden—from 9/11 to Abbottabad, both of which received critical acclaim for their insight and investigative depth.