Francois Zankih is a Syrian policy practitioner and activist focused on peace, conflict, security, and democratic governance. He is the founder and president of the Tukhum Institute for Syria–Israel Affairs, a Syrian-led think tank advancing diplomatic and geopolitical transparency, Track II and Track 1.5 diplomacy, and post-conflict policy frameworks.

Zankih also founded an organization focused on policy advocacy and frontline response for gender-marginalized and conflict-affected communities.

His political engagement began at an early age in direct response to his firsthand experiences of the war in Syria and the loss of family members at the hands of the Assad regime during the Syrian war—experiences that shaped his long-term commitment to accountability, civilian protection, and democratic alternatives to authoritarian rule.
Prior to 2020, Zankih conducted fieldwork and research in northwest Syria on conflict-related dynamics, including armed non-state actors, deradicalization, and human rights, with a particular focus on the interaction between security dynamics and civilian protection. His work exposed him to severe security risks, including kidnapping, torture, and direct persecution, ultimately forcing him into exile.

Zankih has published with international media and policy institutions, including the Atlantic Council, and has appeared on Voice of America. He has spoken on more than fourteen international panels on peace building, conflict, youth displacement, and gender, contributing to discussions hosted by institutions such as Cambridge University, the Council of Europe, and the United Nations.