A Call for Persistence
Simone Williams reflects on the intersection of racism and national security, and the need to invest time, funding, and intention to fully achieve equality and inclusion in the national security community.
Topic: Reform
Read the most recent CSIS research on defense reform efforts.
Statement from the Editors on the March 16, 2021 Attacks in Atlanta, Georgia
We are deeply grieved and appalled by the March 16 shootings in Atlanta, GA that took the lives of eight women and men, including six Asian-Americans, from their families, friends, and community.
Submissions for the Represent Series
Please read the entirety of this statement to see if Represent would be a good fit for your work. If you have questions before submitting, please reach out to represent@csis.org. About Represent There are many reasons to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in American national security. One of the reasons motivating us is that genius…
Defense Acquisition in the Biden Administration
Defense acquisition policy has undergone significant reform over the past several years. The Biden administration will likely focus on implementing those reforms as it prioritizes developing emerging technologies and achieving domestic policy goals.
Arms Trade Reform Options for the New Administration and Congress
President Biden’s suspension of arms transfers in support of the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen is a major break from the Trump administration. However, there is still likely to be significant continuity over the next four years in U.S. security cooperation policy.
Operation Overwatch
In this article for the Represent series, Megan Gemar suggests a comprehensive program to address the concerning female retention rates in the Army and build inter-service connections amongst women.
Cultivating a Defense Department Workforce for the Digital Era
Among the top priorities for President Biden’s Department of Defense should be retaining and cultivating a skilled STEM workforce at all levels in the Pentagon.
Restore Trust in National Security Institutions
For some time, trust in U.S. democratic institutions has been declining. There is an immediate need to rebuild and sustain public confidence in democracy and in U.S. national security institutions, and that starts by elevating civic education as a national security imperative.
Statement from the Editors on the Attack on the Capitol of January 6, 2021
Like other Americans, we were appalled by the seditious attack on the Capitol last Wednesday. We watched as the mob’s disregard for the Constitution and democracy threatened the safety of elected government servants, congressional staff, and law enforcement officers. At least five people have died as a consequence of these actions. But the sickening element…
Bad Idea: Eliminating, Rather Than Reforming, Overseas Contingency Operations Funding
Nothing in D.C. has the ability to unite political adversaries like a mutual hatred of the Pentagon’s OCO funding. But eliminating OCO — instead of reforming it — could further imperil the greater transparency and accountability that its detractors seek.