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

Then-US vice-president Joe Biden shakes hands with then-Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Moscow on March 10, 2011.

The Washington Quarterly | Nov. 16, 2021

Russia in the Era of Great Power Competition

Jeffrey Mankoff

Russia has come to occupy an anomalous position in Western strategic thought. While former US president Barack Obama dismissed Russia as a “regional power” following its 2014 occupation of Crimea and invasion of eastern Ukraine, both the Trump and Biden administrations have identified Russia as one of the United States’ principal rivals in an era defined by strategic competition among great powers. To a significant degree, though, the United States continues to think about Russia as more of a disruptor than a true great power rival. Though widespread, that view misreads both the nature and the durability of Russian power and underestimates the extent to which Russia remains a potent competitor whose preferences Western leaders will have to take into account.

An unarmed Trident II D5LE missile launches from the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, during Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO) 31.

WOTR | Nov. 3, 2021

Extending that "Loving Feeling" to Undersea Warfare

Frank Hoffman

It is time to extend that “loving feeling” to submarine warfare — including, and perhaps especially, to the submarine forces of U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

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