PUBLICATIONS

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.

 

Publications

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Tag: future warfare

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.

Biohazard symbol inside a high-containment lab

March 17, 2026

Biodeterrence in an Era of Convergent Threats

A recent report reveals that the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) has increasing focus upon and fiscal dedication to biosciences and biotechnology, with an estimated economic commitment of 5-8% of its total national research and development spending, amounting to approximately $32 billion in comparable USD in annual funding.

A circuit board contains multiple examples of important microelectronics innovation. The Defense Department's microelectronics commons aims to close gaps in America's ability to bring new microelectronics technology to market.

July 14, 2025

Major Concerns About Microelectronics

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is decisively shaping the future of warfare. It accelerates decision cycles, extends operational reach, and enables exercised control of the informational, and cognitive dimensions of engagement.

Col. Thomas x. Hammes (Ret.), Senior Research Fellow at the National Strategic Studies, National Defense University, right, participates in a discussion with service members from U.S. Air Force and the Afghan National Army Air Corps about the development of the Air Corps over the last few years.

July 5, 2024

Small, smart, many and cheaper: Competitive adaptation in modern warfare

Q&A with T. X. Hammes, a nonresident senior fellow in the Forward Defense program of the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security and a distinguished research fellow in the Center for Strategic Research.

A military vehicle travels down a dirt road at twilight.

Dec. 11, 2023

Imagining the Future of Landpower

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”

Dec. 4, 2023

AI’s Impact on War’s Enduring Nature

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.

181113-M-EC058-0125

Nov. 6, 2023

Maneuver Warfare is not Dead, but It Must Evolve

The attrition versus maneuver argument is an irrelevant distraction.

“Every critical infrastructure system in the United States, including that of the USG, depends on commercial telecommunications infrastructure”

Jan. 17, 2023

The PLA's Strategic Support Force and AI Innovation

If China’s strategic ambitions for AI are clear, how it intends to integrate AI into the PLA remains opaque. The CCP’s goals for militarized AI are still shrouded in mystery, even as the PLA clearly views AI as a technology that will be vital for driving next-generation warfare. Our research into the SSF took a deep dive into open-source information, convened subject matter experts, and looked to scholarly analysis to form a more precise understanding of what role the SSF might be playing in the PLA’s AI innovation—and what role it definitely is not.