About CNAS
Mission
The mission of the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is to develop strong, pragmatic and principled national security and defense policies. Building on the expertise and experience of its staff and advisors, CNAS engages policymakers, experts and the public with innovative, fact-based research, ideas and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. A key part of our mission is to inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow.
CNAS is located in Washington, and was established in February 2007 by co-founders Kurt M. Campbell and Michèle A. Flournoy. CNAS is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Its research is independent and non-partisan. CNAS does not take institutional positions on policy issues.
Leadership
CNAS is led by its Chief Executive Officer Robert Work, President Richard Fontaine and Vice President and Director of Studies Shawn Brimley.
Alumni
CNAS board members, founders, leaders, scholars, and interns have gone on to prominent positions in the U.S. government, at the departments of Defense and State; the White House; the Central Intelligence Agency; Congress; and the private sector. CNAS enjoys a strong network of supporters in all corners of the policymaking community as a result.
What People are Saying about CNAS
CNAS is “…a remarkable and much needed institution.” Former President Bill Clinton (January 2012)
“You can’t walk for long in the E-ring there at the Pentagon, and not bump into somebody from [CNAS].” Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta (November 2012)
“I think CNAS is doing some of the most thoughtful and relevant work on U.S. national security policy today.” Senator John S. McCain (April 2013)
“One of the things that CNAS brings to the fight is context. It’s taking a look at problems ... I applaud what [CNAS has] been doing and I applaud what [CNAS is] going to do for at least the next five years.” Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey (January 2012)
“I think the Center has been doing some tremendous work and I certainly wanted to show my support for their efforts going forward.” Robert Zoellick, Former World Bank President (June 2012)
“…one of Washington's most influential defense think tanks” Foreign Policy magazine (January 2013)
“[CNAS] does, in my view, the smartest thinking, the smartest research and writing, on national security affairs in this town and in an incredibly collegial and non-partisan way.” Rajiv Chandrasekaran, The Washington Post
“The ‘It’ Think Tank – When CNAS talks, people listen.” The Washington Post (June 2009)
For more information: About CNAS 
