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U.S. National Security and Defense Policy

CNAS performs groundbreaking work on the U.S. role in current and future conflicts and the implications of the rapidly evolving global security environment for U.S. interests and strategy.  Past projects include studies on defense planning under conditions of uncertainty and fiscal austerity, cyber security, the economic and financial instruments of U.S. national security policy, development and diplomacy in U.S. national security policy, links between transnational crime and security, and the contested global commons.

Related Content

  • Counterinsurgency and the Future of NATO
    Type of Publication: Working Papers
    Date: 10/01/2010

    In this first working paper produced by The Transatlantic Paper Series, CNAS President John Nagl and Non-Resident Senior Fellow Richard Weitz evaluate how NATO can best implement counterinsurgency in Afghanistan.

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  • Crime Wars: Gangs, Cartels and U.S. National Security
    Crime Wars: Gangs, Cartels and U.S. National Security
    Type of Publication: Report
    Date: 09/28/2010

    As illustrated by the unprecedented violence in Mexico, drug trafficking groups have evolved to not only pose significant challenges to that country, but to governments and societies across the Western Hemisphere, including the United States. Crime Wars: Gangs, Cartels and U.S. National Security surveys organized crime throughout the Western Hemisphere, analyzes the challenges it poses for the region and recommends the United States replace the "war on drugs" paradigm with comprehensive domestic and foreign policies to confront the interrelated challenges of drug trafficking and violence ranging from the Andean Ridge to American streets.

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  • Fueling the Future Force: Preparing the Department of Defense for a Post-Petrole
    Fueling the Future Force: Preparing the Department of Defense for a Post-Petroleum Era
    Type of Publication: Report
    Date: 09/27/2010

    This report argues that the Department of Defense (DOD) must prepare to transition smoothly to a future in which it does not depend on petroleum – no small task given that 77 percent of DOD’s energy needs depend on petroleum for fuel. Authors Christine Parthemore and John Nagl offer 12 specific guiding principles that map a path forward for the Department, helping to ensure that DOD can weather change, protect its own interests, reduce its vulnerability to extreme price spikes and – most importantly – ensure that it can meet its mandate to protect the nation’s security.

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  • An Indispensable Force: Investing in America’s National Guard and Reserves
    An Indispensable Force: Investing in America’s National Guard and Reserves
    Type of Publication: Report
    Date: 09/21/2010

    This report argues that the United States must undertake a number of initiatives to ensure that the National Guard and Reserves remain an indispensable force capable of defending the American homeland and protecting U.S. security interests around the world.

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    South Asia’s Geography of Conflict
    Author(s): Robert Kaplan
    Type of Publication: Report
    Date: 09/08/2010

    September 8, 2010 - In South Asia’s Geography of Conflict, CNAS Senior Fellow and acclaimed author Robert D. Kaplan provides a detailed analysis of South Asia's history and geography including the broad arc of territory from Afghanistan southeastward into northern India and highlights India’s pivotal role in the region. Watch a CNAS exclusive interview with Bob Kaplan on South Asia’s Geography of Conflict here.

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  • Eye to the Future: Refocusing State Department Policy Planning
    QDDR | Eye to the Future: Refocusing State Department Policy Planning
    Type of Publication: Policy Brief
    Date: 08/27/2010

    Linking plans to actions in an era of rapid change constitute the key challenges to effective planning at the Department of State. As the ongoing Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR) process weighs whether State possesses the capabilities necessary to maximize American influence in the 21st-century diplomatic environment, S/P should also come under scrutiny. The Policy Planning staff has itself taken responsibility for coordinating the QDDR process, and it should take the opportunity to examine closely its own role during and after this review. This policy brief aims to offer several tentative conclusions and recommendations aimed at enhancing S/P’s effectiveness.

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  • QDDR | Planning Diplomacy and Development
    QDDR | Planning Diplomacy and Development
    Author(s): Brian Burton
    Type of Publication: Working Papers
    Date: 08/26/2010

    A comprehensive reexamination of State and USAID strategy, operations and capabilities is needed to enhance the ability of those organizations to effectively advance broader national security and foreign policy objectives. The QDDR process provides an opportunity to apply a top-down strategic planning effort to align resources and regional strategies with national priorities, and to effectively communicate State and USAID requirements to the policy and legislative communities.

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  • Rebuilding Diplomacy: A Survey of Past Calls for State Department Transformation
    QDDR | Rebuilding Diplomacy: A Survey of Past Calls for State Department Transformation
    Type of Publication: Policy Brief
    Date: 08/25/2010

    As the State Department prepares to unveil the QDDR, it is important to recognize that this most recent effort is not the first call to reform the U.S. State Department. Over the past decade alone, numerous reports have identified underlying challenges faced by the Department and recommended steps to address them. This policy brief summarizes key themes to inform the QDDR and its execution.

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  • Perspectives on Reconciliation Options in Afghanistan
    Type of Publication: Congressional Testimony
    Date: 07/27/2010

    CNAS Non-Resident Senior Fellow David Kilcullen testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on the options for reconciliation in Afghanistan. Kilcullen’s testimony focused on stabilization issues within Afghanistan, including corruption, international aid and the drug trade.

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  • Recommendations for Congress – Contracting in Conflicts: The Path to Reform
    Recommendations for Congress – Contracting in Conflicts: The Path to Reform
    Type of Publication: Factsheet
    Date: 07/15/2010

    Recent congressional hearings on government contractors in conflict zones illustrate the acute awareness on Capitol Hill and across all branches of government of the urgent need for contracting reform. This factsheet details specific policy recommendations for Congress as laid out in the CNAS report Contracting in Conflicts: The Path to Reform.

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  • Defense Realities Loom For Next President
    Type: News Item
    Source: Aviation Week

    October 8, 2012 — Dr. Nora Bensahel comments in Aviation Week on the next administration's daunting prospects for defense spending.

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  • Afghanistan war claims 2,000th US soldier, but pace slowing
    Type: News Item
    Source: Christian Science Monitor

    September 30, 2012 — In the Christian Science Monitor, Senior Fellow LTG David Barno discusses insider attacks in Afghanistan and the current row between U.S. forces and their Afghan counterparts.

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  • Change of U.S. command expected in Afghanistan
    Type: News Item
    Source: Los Angeles Times

    September 28, 2012 — Senior Fellow LTG David Barno discusses the looming change of ISAF command in Afghanistan in the Los Angeles Times.

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  • The Real Pivot
    Type: News Item
    Source: Foreign Policy

    September 25, 2012 — In Foreign Policy, Senior Fellow LTG David Barno argues that it is time to put President Karzai and his troops in the lead in Afghanistan.

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  • Don't give up on India
    Type: News Item
    Source: Washington Post

    September 20, 2012 — CNAS President Richard Fontaine argues for a closer partnership between the U.S. and India in an op-ed for The Washington Post, co-authored with Daniel Twining.

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  • Over-promising and under-delivering? Ambitions and risks in US defence strategy
    Type: News Item
    Source: International Affairs

    September 17, 2012 — In Chatham House's International Affairs, Non-Resident Fellow Travis Sharp writes on the risks emerging from the Obama administrations shift in U.S. defense policy.

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  • Broadening Intelligence on the Ground Key to Embassy Security in Changing Middle East
    Type: News Item
    Source: World Politics Review

    September 14, 2012 — Visiting Fellow Melissa Dalton discusses the recent Middle East embassy attacks and embassy security in World Politics Review.

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  • Yochi Dreazen on NPR's Diane Rehm Show
    Type: News Item
    Source: The Diane Rehm Show - National Public Radio

    August 20, 2012 — CNAS Writer-In-Residence Yochi Dreazen discusses this week's top international stories, including Russia, Syria, Iran, and Afghanistan on NPR's Diane Rehm Show. 

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  • Ex-Obama Official Warns: Take Israel Iran Threat 'Very Seriously'
    Type: News Item
    Source: Al-Monitor

    August 14, 2012 — CNAS Senior Fellow Dr. Colin Kahl discusses the likelihood of an Israeli strike against Iran this fall, in an interview with Al-Monitor.

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  • Can U.S. help Gulf shield itself against Iran?
    Type: News Item
    Source: CNN.com

    August 14, 2012 — In an op-ed for CNN.com, Senior Director of the Asia-Pacific Security Program Dr. Patrick Cronin discusses recent efforts by Gulf nations to collaborate on a theater-wide missile defense system and assesses the likelihood of success. 

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  • ADM Jonathan W. Greenert, USN
    Asia-Pacific Rebalance: Strengthening Regional Maritime Security
    May 21, 2013 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
    Willard InterContinental Hotel
    Washington, District of Columbia

    On May 21, 2013, Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations, will address the U.S. Navy posture in the Asia-Pacific region in a speech entitled "Asia-Pacific Rebalance: Strengthening Regional Maritime Security and Partnerships" at the Willard InterContinental Hotel.

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  • Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, USA
    National Security Leaders' Forum with General Raymond T. Odiernio, USA
    April 5, 2013 - 12:00pm - 1:30pm
    The Willard InterContinental Hotel
    Washington, District of Columbia

    The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) hosted a discussion featuring current Army Chief of Staff General Raymond Odierno on Friday, April 5, 2013. GEN Odierno discussed how the Army is restructuring itself to meet today's security environment while facing the challenges associated with budget cuts and drawdown from two overseas wars.

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  • A Roundtable Discussion on Nigeria with Assistant Secretary of State Michael H.
    Roundtable Discussion on Nigeria with Assistant Secretary of State Michael H. Posner
    January 28, 2013 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
    Center for a New American Security
    Washington, District of Columbia

    On Monday, January 28, the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) hosted a roundtable discussion on the security situation in Nigeria featuring Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Michael H. Posner.

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  • A Conversation with the Honorable Leon Panetta
    A Conversation with the Honorable Leon Panetta
    November 20, 2012 - 6:45pm - 7:30pm
    The Willard InterContinental Hotel
    Washington, District of Columbia

    The Center for a New American Security hosted "A Conversation with the Honorable Leon Panetta, U.S. Secretary of Defense" on November 20, 2012. Secretary Panetta discussed U.S. national security and defense priorities. The event featured an introduction by The Honorable Michele Flournoy, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and member of the CNAS Board of Directors.

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  • Thomas Ricks, The Generals, Center for a New American Security
    Book Launch Event: The Generals by Thomas E. Ricks
    November 8, 2012 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
    The Willard InterContinental Hotel
    Washington, District of Columbia

    The Center for a New American Security hosted the book launch for The Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today by Thomas E. Ricks, CNAS Senior Fellow, on Thursday, November 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Ricks discussed his study of the history of American military leaders and the growing divide between military performance and accountability. Susan Glasser, Editor in Chief of Foreign Policy, interviewed Ricks, followed by Q&A with the audience. 

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  • Election 2012 - The Global Challenge for the Next President
    Election 2012 - Informing the National Security Agenda Event Series
    October 10, 2012 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
    The Willard InterContinental Hotel
    Washington, District of Columbia

    The Center for a New American Security, the American Enterprise Institute and the New America Foundation are pleased to introduce Election 2012: Informing the National Security Agenda to this presidential campaign season. The most recent event in the series took place in Washington, DC on October 10.

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  • Robert Kaplan, Revenge of Geography
    Robert D. Kaplan's The Revenge of Geography Book Launch Event
    September 13, 2012 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
    The Willard InterContinental Hotel
    Washington, District of Columbia

    The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) hosted the book launch for The Revenge of Geography: What the Map Tells Us About Coming Conflicts and the Battle Against Fate by Robert D. Kaplan, CNAS Non-Resident Senior Fellow and Chief Geopolitical Analyst at Stratfor, on Thursday, September 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. David Ignatius, Associate Editor and Columnist at The Washington Post, interviewed Kaplan, followed by Q&A with the audience.

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  • A Conversation on U.K.-U.S. Defense Cooperation with U.K. Secretary of State for
    A Conversation on U.K.-U.S. Defense Cooperation with U.K. Secretary of State for Defense Philip Hammond
    July 18, 2012 - 12:30pm - 1:30pm
    The Willard InterContinental Hotel
    Washington, District of Columbia

    On Wednesday, July 18, CNAS hosted The Right Honourable Philip Hammond MP, the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defense, for a conversation on U.K.-U.S. Defense Cooperation. The Honorable William Lynn, CEO of DRS Technologies and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, provided introductory remarks and moderated the conversation.

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  • cnas, rajiv chandrasekaran, steve coll, little america, afghanistan
    Little America: The War within the War for Afghanistan Book Launch
    June 26, 2012 - 6:00pm - 8:30pm
    The Willard InterContinental Hotel's Grand Ballroom
    Washington, District of Columbia

    The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) hosted the book launch for Little America: The War within the War for Afghanistan by Rajiv Chandrasekaran, senior correspondent and associate editor at The Washington Post on Tuesday, June 26 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Chandrasekaran discussed the complex relationship between America and Afghanistan reaching back to the Cold War. Steve Coll, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and former foreign correspondent and senior editor at The Washington Post, interviewed Chandrasekaran, followed by Q&A with the audience.

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  • CNAS 2012 Annual Conference
    CNAS 2012 Annual Conference
    June 13, 2012 - 8:45am - 6:00pm
    The Willard InterContinental Hotel
    Washington, District of Columbia

    The Center for a New American Security's 2012 annual conference, "Rethinking U.S. Security: Navigating a World in Transition," took place in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, June 13, 2012.

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  • Iraq, U.S. military, Iraq War, middle east
    Five Big Moments In The Iraq War
    Date: 12/17/2011
    Media: Audio

    CNAS Senior Fellow Tom Ricks talks with National Public Radio about the most influential turning points of the Iraq War.

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  • Iraq, U.S. military, Iraq War, middle east
    An Uncertain Future for Iraq As U.S. Leaves
    Date: 12/16/2011
    Media: Video

    CNAS President John Nagl talks with Reuters about the future of Iraq following the withdrawal of all American troops.

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  • Patrick Cronin, Channel A, Korea, Television
    'Angaetsok Election' Next Administration Korea Policy?
    Date: 12/13/2011
    Media: Video

    Patrick Cronin, CNAS Senior Director of the Asia-Pacific Security Program, is interviewed on Korea's Channel A on U.S. political influence in South Korea.

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  • Afghanistan, withdrawal, troop, ISAF, NATO, transition, Afghan National Security
    Audio - Press Briefing for "The Next Fight: Time for a Change of Mission in Afghanistan"
    Date: 12/05/2011
    Media: Audio

    On December 5, the Center for a New American Security held a press briefing on its recent policy brief, "The Next Fight: Time for a Change of Mission in Afghanistan." Authored by Lieutenant General David W. Barno, USA (Ret.), Dr. Andrew Exum and Matthew Irvine, the brief calls for a change of mission in Afghanistan and offers policy recommendations for the Obama Administration, the ISAF/U.S. Forces Commander, the U.S. Army and Marine Corps and the U.S. Special Operations Command. The authors were joined by CNAS President John Nagl, who offered key takeaways from his recent trip to Afghanistan.

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  • China, Burma, Patrick Cronin, Voice of America, Encounter, CNAS
    Pivot Toward the Pacific
    Date: 11/28/2011
    Media: Video

    On the Voice of America's Encounter, Patrick Cronin, CNAS Director of the Asia-Pacific Security Program, discusses the assertion of U.S. power in Asia in the midst of China's growing influence.

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  • Command Post, military suicide, military wellness, joining forces
    Command Post: "What Can The Rest of Us Do to Help Prevent Military Suicides?"
    Date: 11/24/2011
    Media: Video

    Families and communities -- the rest of us, in other words -- can play a role in helping to cut down on the epidemic of military suicides. Dr. Elspeth "Cam" Ritchie, a Battleland contributor and former top Army psychiatrist, and Dr. Margaret Harrell, a military personnel expert at the Center for a New American Security -- who recently co-wrote a study on the topic -- discuss steps the rest of us can take, with CNAS's John Nagl and your Battleland scribe.

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  • Command Post, Iraq
    Command Post: "Is the Change the U.S. Brought to Iraq Likely to Last?"
    Date: 11/22/2011
    Media: Video

    U.S. forces will be out of Iraq by the end of next month, after a nearly nine-year stay. Just how permanent are the changes the U.S. military and diplomatic corps have tried to bring to a post-Saddam Hussein nation? John Nagl, of the Center for a New American Security, and I discuss the likelihood of a lasting success in Iraq with Michael O'Hanlon, a military expert at the Brookings Institution, and Lawrence Korb, a Reagan-era Pentagon official now at the Center for American Progress.

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  • Command Post, military suicide, military wellness, joining forces
    Command Post: "Does Fear of Getting Mental-Health Help Drive Up Suicide in the Military?"
    Date: 11/17/2011
    Media: Video

    The military has long known that many troops won't take advantage of the roster of mental-health care options the military offers. That's because they fear the stigma it might generate could hurt their career prospects. Does that aversion contribute to the military's increased suicide rate? Dr. Margaret Harrell, a Center for a New American Security military personnel expert who just co-wrote a study on the topic, and Dr. Elspeth "Cam" Ritchie, a Battleland contributor who recently retired as the Army's top psychiatrist, join CNAS president John Nagl and me to discuss the issue.

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  • Command Post, Iraq
    Command Post: "What Will Iraq Be Like in 2012?"
    Date: 11/15/2011
    Media: Video

    Thousands of U.S. troops are now heading home from Iraq every week. By New Year's Eve, the 45,000 who were there on Oct. 21 when President Obama announced their final pullout, will be down to zero. So what does Iraq's near-term future look like once all the U.S. troops have come home? The Obama Administration has said it had no choice but to pull out of Iraq by year's end after the Iraqi parliament made it clear it would not grant U.S. troops immunity from Iraqi law for any alleged wrongdoing. Was that a reason -- or an excuse -- to come home? John Nagl, of the Center for a New American Security, and I debate the pluses and minuses of the pullout plan with Lawrence Korb, a Reagan-era Pentagon official now at the Center for American Progress, and Michael O'Hanlon, a military expert at the Brookings Institution.

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  • A STRATFOR Conversation: George Friedman and Special Guest Robert Kaplan
    Date: 11/15/2011
    Media: Video

    CNAS Senior Fellow Bob Kaplan is interviewed by STRATFOR on China's ambitions for naval expansion and the extent to which U.S. global dominance is threatened.

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  • David Barno
    Lieutenant General David W. Barno, USA (Ret.)
    Senior Advisor and Senior Fellow

    General Barno, a highly decorated military officer with over 30 years of service, has served in a variety of command and staff positions in the United States and around the world, to include command at every level. He served many of his early years in special operations forces with Army Ranger battalions, to include combat in both the Grenada and Panama invasions. In 2003, he was selected to establish a new three-star operational headquarters in Afghanistan and take command of the 20,000 U.S. and Coalition Forces in Operation Enduring Freedom. For 19 months in this position, he was responsible for the overall military leadership of this complex political-military mission, devising a highly innovative counterinsurgency strategy in close partnership with the U.S. embassy and coalition allies.

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  • Richard Fontaine
    President

    Richard Fontaine is the President of the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). He served as a Senior Advisor and Senior Fellow at CNAS from 2009-2012.  He previously served as foreign policy advisor to Senator John McCain for more than five years.  He has also worked at the State Department, the National Security Council and on the staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

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  • Kristin M. Lord
    Vice President and Director of National Security | Read Full Bio |
  • Kristin Lord
    Dr. Kristin M. Lord
    Executive Vice President, United States Institute of Peace

    Kristin Lord is Executive Vice President at the United States Institute of Peace. She was until January 2013 Executive Vice President and Director of Studies at the Center for a New American Security where she oversaw the center’s research and served as one of three members of the center’s leadership team.  Prior to joining CNAS, Dr. Lord was a Fellow in the Foreign Policy Studies Program and Saban Center for Middle East Policy at The Brookings Institution. At Brookings, Dr. Lord directed the science and technology initiative of the Project on U.S.

    | Read Full Bio |