RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Through its publications, INSS provides rigorous, forward‑looking research and analysis on critical national security issues that support the joint warfighter and inform Department of War decision‑makers.

 

Research and Commentary

Results:
Category: Events

Title slide reading “Substrate Vulnerability: Neural Factors in Cognitive Security” by Dr. James Giordano, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University. INSS and NDU logos appear at the top, with a stylized portrait of Giordano on the right against a dark, abstract background.

May 5, 2026

Substrate Vulnerability: Neural Factors in Cognitive Security | James Giordano

A realist approach to cognitive security must appreciate the dynamic interaction of biological, psychological and socioenvironmental factors as both (1) constituent to human function and (2) opportune targets of influence, and effect.

Graphic for the U.S. Cyber Command Legal Conference.

April 30, 2026

INSS Participates in 2026 U.S. Cyber Command Legal Conference

Mr. Todd Pennington, Senior Fellow for Space Strategy and Policy, participated in a panel on "Ambiguity in the Electromagnetic Spectrum: Legal and Policy Clarity at the Intersection of Cyber and Electromagnetic Operations" at the 2026 U.S. Cyber Command Legal Conference, held at Fort Meade, Maryland.

April 30, 2026

NATO Defense College Visit

Panel discussions at National Defense University to gain insights into U.S. national security policy and the enduring importance of the transatlantic link.

Dr. Phillip Saunders, director of NDU's Institute for Strategic Studies, Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs, leads an interactive discussion on the impacts of senior PLA leadership purges on the second day of the conference.

April 27, 2026

INSS Participates in 2026 Carlisle Conference on the PLA

INSS's Dr. Phillip Saunders, Dr. Elliot Ji, and Dr. Joel Wuthnow participated in the US Army War College Strategic Studies Institute’s annual Carlisle Conference on the PLA on March 25 and 26, 2026, at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

Screengrab of webinar "CYBORGUARDIANS: Ethical Frontiers of BCIs in Military Contexts," hosted by Arizona State University. Zeina Barakeh (left) speaks to Dr. James Giordano (right).

April 15, 2026

INSS Joins ASU Webinar to Discuss Ethical Frontiers of BCIs in Military Contexts

There are growing considerations of using current and emerging neurotechnology to develop brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) aimed at optimizing performance of the joint warfighter.

An image of Earth from the point of view in space with a satellite in the frame. Assured PNT Summit written in the top left.

April 9, 2026

INSS Participates in 6th Annual Assured PNT Summit

Mr. Todd Pennington was a panelist at the 6th Annual Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Summit.

Thumbnail showing South Korea’s flag over a map of the Korean Peninsula, with South Korean President and former U.S. President Donald Trump on either side. Text references South Korea’s military control and the U.S.-Korea alliance, with a play button indicating a video.

March 31, 2026

South Korea Doesn’t Fully Control Its Own Military. Can Lee Jae-myung Finally Change That?

Dr. Clint Work was interviewed by The Diplomat about his seven-part "Variables of OPCON" article series.

A graphic for the episode, "Strategy in Cislunar Space and Beyond" for The Space Advisory Podcast, featuring Mr. Todd Pennington. Todd Pennington is featured prominently on the right-hand side in front of a blue background with details about the podcast on the left-hand side.

March 31, 2026

Strategy in Cislunar Space and Beyond

Mr. Todd Pennington was the featured guest on this month's episode of the Space Advisory Podcast, discussing his recent paper on strategy in space frontier areas (xGEO and cislunar space, and beyond).

Dr. Phillip Saunders (center) presented his new book with Joel Wuthnow, "China’s Quest for Military Supremacy" at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. Mr. Drew Thompson, Senior Fellow at the RSIS | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (right), joined as discussant. The event was chaired by Prof Chin-Hao Huang (left), Co-Director of the Centre on Asia and Globalisation.

March 25, 2026

INSS gives talk on "China's Quest for Military Supremacy" at National University of Singapore

On 19 March, INSS China Center Director Dr. Phillip C. Saunders gave a talk on China’s Quest for Military Supremacy at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at National University of Singapore (NUS). 

NDU President VAMD Peter Garvin and Dr. Robert Kadlec, Assistant Secretary of War for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense, Policy and Programs

March 19, 2026

A Framework for Biological Weapons Deterrence 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.