INSS Research Fellows and Faculty stand next to a group of researchers from Japan's National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS) and s group of Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) officers from NIDS’ National Security Strategist Studies Program at National Defense University (NDU).
INSS Hosts Japan's National Institute for Defense Studies
On 2 June, INSS hosted researchers from Japan's National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS) and a group of Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) officers for a research dialogue and discussion on the US-Japan alliance and strategic and security affairs in the Indo-Pacific.
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National Defense University hosted a delegation from the NATO Defense College’s Senior Officer Course for discussions on major security challenges shaping the transatlantic and global strategic environment. INSS facilitated panel discussions, including "U.S. National Defense Strategy and its Implications for NATO and Europe." Speakers are pictured left to right: Dr. David Auerswald, Professor, National War College, NDU; Dr. Justin Anderson, Senior Fellow, INSS, NDU; Dr. Lisa A. Aronsson, Research Fellow, Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS), NDU (Moderator); and Dr. Elena Pokalova, Professor, College of International Security Affairs (CISA), NDU.
INSS Facilitates Discussions During NATO Defense College Visit
INSS joined NDU colleagues for discussions on U.S. national defense priorities, Indo-Pacific security, and global security challenges.
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INSS Hosts National Security Talk on Iran
On 13 March, INSS led a timely, regional security discussion with Dr. Mahsa Rouhi on Operation Epic Fury.
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NDU President VAMD Peter Garvin and Dr. Robert Kadlec, Assistant Secretary of War for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense, Policy and Programs
Framework for Biological Weapons Deterrence: Report Rollout Event
On 12 March, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and the National Defense University (NDU) co-hosted the Framework for Biological Weapons Deterrence: Report Rollout event.
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A military vehicle travels down a dirt road at twilight.

MWI | Dec. 11, 2023

Imagining the Future of Landpower

Frank Hoffman

Book review of The Arms of the Future: Technology and Close Combat in the Twenty-First Centry by Jacking Watling.
“Every critical infrastructure system in the United States, including that of the USG, depends on commercial telecommunications infrastructure”

Orbis | Dec. 4, 2023

AI’s Impact on War’s Enduring Nature

Frank Hoffman, Axel D'Amelio

Despite the remarkable progress in generative AI, the authors contend that war’s essential nature will be impacted to a degree but will not be substantially altered.
Baltic servers data center

CNA | Dec. 1, 2023

Assessing Russian Cyber and Information Warfare in Ukraine

Jaclyn A. Kerr

This article examines Russian use of cyber and information capabilities to influence the course of the Ukraine war by analyzing prior expectations, public knowledge of wartime realities, potential reasons for disparity between the two, and the distinct and sometimes contradictory takeaways that have been drawn to date within the analytical community.

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Highlighted Articles

A street sign depicting OODA Loop sits on display February 3, 2020, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The looping street is a play on the acronym for which it's named: Observe, Orient, Decide, Act. These steps are performed in a loop to determine courses of action. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Quay Drawdy)

Decision Advantage in Cognitive Warfare, Part 1

John Murray, Dr. Elise Annett, and Dr. James Giordano

The functions of observation and orientation, central components of the OODA (Observe-Orient-Decide-Act) loop posited by Colonel John Boyd, U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, military strategist, and influential theorist of decision-making, have long been used to explain the cognitive processes that underpin military leadership and operational effectiveness.

Statue of Don Quixote in Guadalaja, Mexico

Don Quixote as Morality Play: Lessons for Warfighter Identity and Ethos

Dr. Elise Annett and Dr. James Giordano

Professional Military Education (PME) has long been anchored in the canonical insights of Clausewitz and Sun Tzu, foundational thinkers whose frameworks continue to inform an understanding of strategy and operational engagement.

AI image for the article

Cognitive Engagement as a Strategic Imperative of Irregular Warfare

Jocelyn Garcia and Dr. James Giordano

Irregular warfare is one of the most enduring modalities of human conflict; persisting across epochs because it exploits asymmetries inherent in human cognition, sociopolitical organization, and technical capability.

Cover of the China Military Studies Review, Volume 2, 2026

From Pandemic to Purges: China's Military Diplomacy from 2018 to 2025

Dr. Phil Saunders and Samuel King

The China Military Studies Review has published “From Pandemic to Purges: China's Military Diplomacy from 2018 to 2025” by INSS China Center Director Dr. Phillip Saunders and research intern Samuel King.
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Featured Experts

Dr. James Giordano
James Giordano
Senior Fellow, Disruptive Technology and Future Warfare

Areas of Expertise: Emerging Science and Technology; Neurocognitive Technology; Bioweapons, Biowarfare, and Biosecurity; Ethics

Distinguished Research Fellow, CSR / Director, CSCMA
Phillip C. Saunders
Director, Center for Chinese Military Affairs

Areas of Expertise: China, Asia, Weapons of Mass Destruction

 

Distinguished Research Fellow, CSR
Thomas F. Lynch III
Distinguished Fellow, Global Strategic Competition, Indo-Pacific

Areas of Expertise: Global Strategic Competition and the Indo-Pacific

T.X. Hammes, Distinguished Research Fellow, CSR
T.X. Hammes
Distinguished Fellow, Technology, Future Conflict

Areas of Expertise: Future conflict and technology

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