How I Got Here
In her article for “Represent,” Wardah Amir shares her story and struggles of a being a Muslim American joining the U.S. national security community and offers hope for creating a more diverse and inclusive field.
Topic: Reform
Read the most recent CSIS research on defense reform efforts.
What Russian Meddling Teaches Us About America
Terrell Jermaine Starr provides historical examples of Russia exploiting pre-existing racial tensions in the United States and argues that America will continue to be vulnerable until it course-corrects from its racist past and present.
Transphobia and National Security
Shawn Skelly presents the data about transgender Americans and explains why banning them from military service affects more than just the military.
Our Achilles’ Heel
In her piece for the “Represent” series, Beverly Kirk addresses how Russian influence exploited America’s racial divide, and while media literacy can help combat influence campaigns racism will continue to be a vulnerability until it is addressed.
The Leaky Pipeline
Dr. Naazneen H. Barma outlines how the national security academic pipeline leaks diversity at every step of the way, and what steps it can take to prevent the problem and promote more inclusion, equity, and representation.
Ableism in National Security Spaces
In her piece for “Represent,” Rebecca Cokley addresses challenges facing people with both visible and invisible disabilities in the federal work force, particularly the SF-86, a federal form required for security clearances.
“The Talk”
In Part I of a two-part article for the “Represent” series, Tony Johnson addresses the threat structural racism poses to U.S. foreign policy and national security and the “supply and demand” aspects of this problem.
Letter from the Editors: Welcome to Represent
As part of its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the CSIS International Security Program introduces “Represent,” an ongoing essay series where some of the most thoughtful and talented professionals in national security share their stories and provide their recommendations to improve America’s national security.
Getting to Less? The Minimal Exposure Strategy
In this brief, the authors discuss a strategy that they have labeled the Minimal Exposure Strategy. The strategy’s core premise is that the United States is largely secure from military threats due to continental U.S. geography and the deterrent quality of its nuclear and other strategic capabilities.
Getting to Less? The Progressive Values Strategy
In this brief, the authors explore a defense approach they have labeled the Progressive Values Strategy. The strategy is grounded in a view that the military instrument is not well suited to meeting many of the security challenges facing the United States. It focuses on achieving a level of military sufficiency that deters adventurism by others—as well as itself.