RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Through its publications INSS provides cutting-edge research, analyses, and innovative solutions on critical national security issues in support of the joint warfighter and Department of War stakeholders.

 
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Category: Military Strategy

A human woman and a humanoid robot face each other in profile, illuminated by contrasting red and green lighting against a gradient background, suggesting a moment of confrontation or connection between human and artificial intelligence.

Jan. 26, 2026

AI-powered military neurotech: Mind enhancement or control?

Neurable, a consumer neurotechnology startup, has partnered with the Air Force to study whether electrode-studded headphones can track service members’ cognitive fitness, much like Garmin smartwatches have monitored Space Force members’ physical fitness, company and government officials said this month.

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.

First 6 regiments of the Soviet military contingent withdrawal.

Dec. 16, 2025

The Imperial Trap: Russia’s War in Ukraine and the Lessons of Failed Conquests

Since the release of the U.S. 28-point draft peace plan in late November, many officials and observers have suggested that a ceasefire in Ukraine may be on the horizon.

Soldier in camouflage holding a small quadcopter drone with visible wiring and a strapped-on battery outdoors.

Nov. 6, 2025

We Can’t Buy Our Way Out: It’s Time to Think Differently

Current U.S. force structure and major platforms are likely to fail in the emerging operational environment.

Soldiers loading sea mines during a military exercise in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Sept. 15, 2025

The Greatest Danger in the Taiwan Strait

Dr. Joel Wuthnow writes a piece for Foreign Affairs on how a war between China and Taiwan could result from an accident or miscalculation that spirals out of control.

Illustration of two soldiers facing each other: a Chinese soldier on the left with a red background featuring the Chinese flag, and a U.S. soldier on the right with a blue and green background featuring the American flag. Bold text in the center reads “How to Preserve Peace.” The image is a thumbnail for a National Committee on U.S.-China Relations video discussing how the U.S. and China use deterrence to maintain peace, featuring INSS China Center Senior Research Fellow Joel Wuthnow.

Aug. 6, 2025

How the U.S. and China Use Deterrence to Preserve Peace

On 1 August 2025, INSS China Center Senior Research Fellow Joel Wuthnow appeared in a National Committee on U.S.-China Relations Faultlines video on “How the U.S. and China Use Deterrence to Preserve Peace.”

Promotional image for the "China Desk Podcast" by Federal Newswire, featuring host Steve Yates. The background is red with white and yellow text. Steve Yates is shown in a suit and tie at the bottom left. The podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Aug. 6, 2025

INSS China Center Researchers join China Desk Podcast

On 5 August 2025, INSS China Center Director Phillip Saunders and Center Senior Research Fellow Joel Wuthnow appeared on the China Desk podcast with Steve Yates to discuss their book China’s Quest for Military Supremacy.

On 25 Feb, INSS China Center Director Dr. Phillip Saunders and Senior Research Fellow Dr. Joel Wuthnow (INSS) spoke about their new book China’s Quest for Military Supremacy on the podcast, Mapping Global China Initiative, hosted by Maria Carrai at NYU Shanghai.

March 10, 2025

China's Quest for Military Supremacy: A Conversation

On 25 Feb, INSS China Center Director Dr. Phillip Saunders and Senior Research Fellow Dr. Joel Wuthnow (INSS) spoke about their new book China’s Quest for Military Supremacy on the podcast, Mapping Global China Initiative, hosted by Maria Carrai at NYU Shanghai.

China Coast Guard vessels shoot water cannons at fishermen on 10 December 2023 in Bajo de Masinloc (also known as Scarborough Shoal), disputed territory claimed by the Philippines and China.

Nov. 26, 2024

Confronting Irregular Warfare in the South China Sea: Lessons Learned from Vietnam

"Confronting Irregular Warfare in the South China Sea" was released by the U.S. Army professional journal, Military Review. This short article by Dr. Kim Cragin, examines irregular warfare activities of the Chinese maritime militia and Vietnam's response, drawing lessons learned for the U.S. military.

Red background with the letters C and P converged in the middle. A pair of headphones sit atop the letters. The word "ChinaPower" is below, with CSIS on the upper right-hand corner.

May 9, 2024

Unpacking China’s PLA Restructuring: A Conversation with Dr. Joel Wuthnow

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Dr. Joel Wuthnow joins us to discuss China’s recent restructuring of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and particularly the disbanding of its Strategic Support Force and establishment of a new Information Support Force.