Unconstrained Analytics

OVERVIEW

Unconstrained Analytics is a 501(c)(3) research firm co-founded by Stephen Coughlin and Rich Higgins. Coughlin is a former Joint Chiefs of Staff intelligence analyst, and Higgins was fired from the NSC in 2017 after writing a controversial memo alleging a "deep state" conspiracy involving Islamists. The organization produces reports promoting the "civilization jihad" conspiracy theory.

KEY FIGURES

Stephen Coughlin (Co-founder) — Former Joint Chiefs intelligence analyst and lawyer. Author of Catastrophic Failure: Blindfolding America in the Face of Jihad (2015). Also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Center for Security Policy and Lincoln Fellow at the Claremont Institute.

Rich Higgins (Co-founder, VP; d. 2022) — Former Director for Strategic Planning at the NSC under Trump. Fired by H.R. McMaster after writing a 7-page memo ("POTUS and Political Warfare") alleging a conspiracy involving Islamists, media, and both political parties.

Patrick Poole — Co-founded the organization with Coughlin.

KEY REPORTS

• "Defeating the Islamic Movement Inside the United States: A Strategic Plan"
• Reports on CVE programs, Muslim Brotherhood in North America
• Coughlin's Catastrophic Failure is influential in counter-jihad circles

NETWORK CONNECTIONS

• Center for Security Policy — Coughlin is a Senior Fellow
• Claremont Institute — Coughlin is a Lincoln Fellow
• Trump NSC — Higgins' memo and firing connected the organization to White House policy debates