INSS research aligns with nine themes derived from the Department of War (DoW) and USG strategic documents. These themes are:
China
INSS research focuses on Chinese national objectives and strategy, military modernization, regional strategy and territorial disputes, and the foundations of national power and innovation. Focus areas include military reforms aimed at increasing jointness, nuclear modernization, space and cyber capabilities, relations with the United States and neighboring countries, and efforts to use diplomatic, economic, and military instruments to expand Chinese influence regionally and globally.
Russia
INSS research and analysis focus on critical threats arising from strategic competitors, such as the Russian Federation. Recent studies and strategic support address Russia’s “concert of civilizations. This research informs U.S.strategy towards Russia across all dimensions of competition, including campaign and operational concepts that improve U.S. readiness, interoperability, and combat capability.
Strategic Deterrence
INSS research on strategic deterrence provides research, policy support, and education initiatives for DoW and USG interagency sponsors focused on deterring potential adversaries from leveraging or employing nuclear or non-nuclear strategic capabilities against the United States and U.S. allies and partners.
Defense Industrial Base
INSS research and analysis assesses the defense industrial base (DIB) and ways to improve and reform the United States’ DIB. Recent studies examine iterative acquisition during the Ukraine crisis, fielding weapons of affordable mass, legacy vs autonomous systems, the German defense industrial zeitenwende, and Türkiye’s role in the transatlantic DIB.
Disruptive Technology
INSS research focuses on biotechnology and biomanufacturing, directed energy, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and quantum technologies that enhance warfighter capabilities, readiness, and survivability; and which are being employed to shape the future operational environment and character of warfare.
WMD Threats
INSS research on WMD threats provide research, policy support, and education initiatives for DoW and USG interagency sponsors on ways and means to prepare the Joint Force to defend, counter, and prevail against a weapon of mass destruction (WMD)-armed adversary, and defend the homeland against WMD threats.
Allies and Partners
INSS fellows conduct research and analysis on U.S. military allies and strategic partners, including NATO, the U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) Alliance, and the U.S.-Japan Alliance. INSS fellows also have continuing studies related to the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD). Recent projects address NATO’s eastern flank, the Nordic-Baltic alignment, Indo-Pacific deterrence, and QUAD defense activities within the Indian Ocean region.
Other Nation-State Adversaries
INSS research and analysis focus on critical threats arising from strategic competitors, such as the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Russian Federation, as well as threats posed by regional state and non-state adversaries. Recent studies and strategic support address Russia’s “concert of civilizations,” the future of Iran’s nuclear program, and PRC irregular warfare in the South China Sea, and DoW-sponsored wargames.
Homeland Defense
INSS fellows conduct research and analysis on homeland and missile defense, including space strategy and policy, border security, and counterterrorism. Recent projects examine space-based missile defense interceptors, the U.S. military’s use of commercial space, novel orbits, U.S. border security and the active-duty force, as well as the evolution and adaptation of foreign terrorist fighters.