Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS)

Institute for National Strategic Studies

The premier institute of strategic research at National Defense University
Institute for National Strategic Studies

The premier institute of strategic research at National Defense University
Institute for National Strategic Studies

The premier institute of strategic research at National Defense University
Institute for National Strategic Studies

The premier institute of strategic research at National Defense University

A U.S. Marine utilizes a drone at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Jan. 22.

RSIS | Oct. 20, 2021

Defence Dominance: Advantage for Small States

T.X. Hammes

Emerging technologies are leading to a period of defensive dominance on the battlefield. Small states can take advantage of the new small, smart, and numerous weapons systems to create highly lethal, survivable forces that can deter larger powers.

An Air Force unmanned aerial vehicle sits parked at night.

Lawfare | Oct. 12, 2021

Recalibrating U.S. Counterterrorism: Lessons Learned from Spain

Kim Cragin, Michael Bartlett, Will Crass

As the United States recalibrates its counterterrorism policy, law enforcement will play an even greater role. Kim Cragin, Michael Bartlett and William Crass of National Defense University point to Spain’s experience as a source of lessons for the United States. The authors describe Spain’s expeditionary use of law enforcement and identify steps the United States can take to improve coordination with foreign partners. Editor's Note - Daniel Byman

A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender lands at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota carrying evacuees from Afghanistan, Sept. 1, 2021.

WPR | Sept. 7, 2021

Afghanistan Will Put Russia's Regional Ambitions to the Test

Jeff Mankoff

While the failure of the United States’ two-decade campaign to reshape Afghanistan was a source of no little schadenfreude in Moscow, the collapse of Ashraf Ghani’s U.S.-backed government has thrust Russia into a challenging position. Even as President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russia has no intention of deploying troops to Afghanistan itself, the potential for radicalization and violence around Russia’s borders is foisting greater responsibility for regional security on Moscow at a time of mounting domestic difficulties.

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Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen in China on July 12, 2011. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley/Released)

INSS Event | July 27, 2021

Party-Army Relations in China: Is Another 100 Years Possible?

Oscar Gilroy, Phillip Saunders, Joel Wuthnow

On July 15, the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs hosted a webinar on party-army relations in China featuring three leading experts: Dr. Chen Yali (Hunter College), Dr. Andrew Scobell (U.S. Institute of Peace), and Dr. Joel Wuthnow (National Defense University). Center Director Dr. Phillip Saunders chaired the session. This report summarizes the presentations and key points from the discussion, which was on the record.