The Institute for National Strategic Studies serves as a focal point for analysis of critical national security policy and defense strategy issues.
Search
March 9, 2021
Post-Conflict Stabilization in Yemen
Dr. Denise Natali discusses the impact of the bipartisan Global Fragility Act on US policy and other challenges in a Al-Monitor podcast.
Feb. 17, 2021
Reviving the Nuclear Deal Gives the U.S. More Leverage Over Iran
As officials in Washington consider returning to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, much of the debate has
Feb. 4, 2021
Intellectual Overmatch Is Impossible If We Teach Only Half the Team: A Call for Professional Civilian Education
Last May, the Joint Chiefs of Staff published a combined vision for military education and talent management that correctly emphasized the need for both technical and intellectual overmatch to successfully compete in the modern warfare environment. However, without a parallel emphasis in developing the intellectual skills of the civilian workforce (in DOD and across the Federal national security enterprise), we will not achieve the overmatch we need.
Jan. 31, 2021
A Middle East Forum Can Help Biden Succeed
A Middle East-wide forum could facilitate dialogue and transparency on a range of short-term measures, engendering momentum to then take on other more complex items, such as regional arms control.
Jan. 6, 2021
National Security in the Post-Pandemic Era
The geopolitical implications of COVID-19 are profound in the near term, and will have a ripple
Dec. 18, 2020
Regaining the Initiative: Can the US Lead Again?
Restoring US leadership in global affairs will require a number of strategic shifts to change the trajectory set by the Trump administration. These substantial choices have to be made quickly by the new Biden team, which faces daunting domestic and political obstacles to its more internationalist approach.
A Kinder, Gentler Bear? Why Rumors of Russia’s Post-Soviet Retreat Are Premature
While 2020 has been an annus horribilis pretty much everywhere, it has been particularly challenging
Nov. 24, 2020
Russia’s Escalating Use of Private Military Companies in Africa
In May 2020, fourteen unmarked Russian Mig-29 and Su-24 combat aircraft appeared in the possession of Russian paramilitaries in Libya. This transfer was unprecedented. While outdated, the aircraft have air-to-air and ground-attack capabilities similar to the United States (U.S.) Air Force F-15 and A-10. Why would Moscow send this equipment to a ragtag group of former military personnel moonlighting in Libya? As the United States military refocuses its attention on strategic competition with great powers, it will need to answer not only this question, but also broader questions related to how and why Russia utilizes its proxy forces.
Nov. 12, 2020
China – Next Steps
If we are to compete successfully with China for influence in Asia and across the globe, where to begin? In short, back to basics – our alliances.
Nov. 10, 2020
Podcast: Change or Die
The successful military is the one that adapts and innovates. Dave Barno, Nora Bensahel, and Frank Hoffman join Ryan to talk about how the U.S. military changes, or fails to do so. They have two new books on the subject between them: Adaptation under Fire: How Militaries Change in Wartime, by Dave and Nora, is out now. And Mars Adapting: Military Change During War, by Frank, will be out soon.