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: Allies and Partners

Group photo of participants at the Nordic-Baltic + Regional Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Engagement on June 9-11, 2026, in Oslo, Norway.

June 23, 2026

NDU Facilitates Counterproliferation Tabletop Exercise During Nordic-Baltic PSI Engagement in Norway

The United States and Norway co-hosted the Nordic-Baltic + Regional Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Engagement on June 9-11, 2026, in Oslo, Norway.

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).

June 4, 2026

INSS Hosts Counterparts from Japan's National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS)

On Tuesday, 2 June, INSS hosted a group of researchers from Japan's National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS) and a group of Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) officers from NIDS’ National Security Strategist Studies Program for a research dialogue and general discussion on the US-Japan alliance and broader strategic and security affairs in the Indo-Pacific.

Speakers part of the "U.S. National Defense Strategy and its Implications for NATO and Europe" panel sit in front of a large screen with NDU's logo. From 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).

May 13, 2026

INSS Facilitates Strategic Discussions During NATO Defense College Visit

On 6 May 2026, National Defense University hosted a delegation from the NATO Defense College for discussions on U.S. national defense priorities and the evolving global security environment.

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.

Members of Komala of the Toilers of Kurdistan, an Iranian Kurdish dissident group, gather in Khalifan, Iraq.

March 18, 2026

Iranian Kurds Can Fight, but How Effectively?

As Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion dismantle the Iranian regime’s nuclear and military infrastructure, Iranian Kurdish opposition groups have expressed their willingness to join the fight—even though U.S. objectives are not premised on supporting or arming a local force.

Republic of Korea Air Force F-15K Slam Eagles taxi to parking after arriving at Kunsan Air Base, ROK, Nov. 3, 2025, during Freedom Flag 25-2. FF 25-2 is a routine, regularly scheduled training event designed to prepare joint and combined forces for combat to defend the Republic of Korea.

Feb. 11, 2026

Beyond the Peninsula: What OPCON Transfer Means for the Indo-Pacific

On the surface, wartime OPCON transition can appear a niche topic, marked by a change in the leadership of the South Korea-U.S. alliance’s combined military command structure.

The icebreaker USCGC Healy (WAGB 20) keeps station while conducting crane operations alongside a multi-year ice floe for a science evolution in the Beaufort Sea, Aug. 9, 2023. Healy is the Coast Guard’s only icebreaker specifically designed for Arctic research, as well as the nation’s sole surface presence routinely operating in the Arctic Ocean.

Jan. 22, 2026

The Arctic is a Strategic Distraction

Over the past five years, numerous articles have called for increased U.S. defense resources focused on the Arctic. This is a strategic mistake, a distraction.

U.S. and Republic of Korea Army soldiers stand guard near the border of North and South Korea during a Swedish Delegation visit to the Joint Security Area, Oct. 15, 2025.

Dec. 22, 2025

What Would OPCON Transfer Mean for the UN Command in Korea?

Considered by some as an artifact of the Cold War, the United Nations Command (UNC) continues to serve several critical roles, from maintaining the armistice agreement to coordinating multinational support for the South Korea-U.S. alliance.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stands behind a podium wearing a suit, and delivers a fiery speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Dec. 3, 2025

Strategic Ambiguity: Erdoğan’s Turkey in a Multipolar World

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Finland and Sweden made the historic decision to seek membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Gen. Dan Caine visits South Korea for the 50th MCM and 57th SCM.

Dec. 2, 2025

Can Seoul Take the Lead & The Alliance Expand Its Aperture?

South Korea taking a lead role in conventional deterrence of North Korea, appears linked with enabling the U.S. conventional posture and the alliance's combined posture on the peninsula to better handle multiple threats to the alliance on, around, and beyond it.