The Global Defense Strategy, Planning and Requirements team examines challenges arising in the formulation and conduct of U.S. national security policy and defense strategy. The Institute for National Strategic Studies has been collaborating with the Project on National Security Reform since late 2006. The project is a non-partisan initiative sponsored by the Center for the Study of the Presidency and dedicated to reforms that will resolve the long-standing inability of the United States government to integrate effectively all elements of national power in pursuit of national security. Toward this end, the project includes a rigorous study of the interagency process that is modeled on the historic Goldwater-Nichols legislation that helped transform the American military and its unprecedented world-class capability for joint warfare. This presumptive study objectives are recommendations on: (1) changing the sixty-year-old National Security Act; (2) presidential directives to implement other reforms; and (3) new Congressional committee structure and practice. For more information on the project, visit www.pnsr.org.

      INSS hosted a special book seminar on Thursday September 20, 2007--"Increasing SOF's Strategic Value." The seminar included two panels, the first featuring authors Dr. Chris Lamb, INSS Senior Fellow and Dr. David Tucker, Associate Professor at the Naval Postgraduate School. The second panel included commentary on the book and questions from the audience to the panel featuring the Honorable Jim Locher of the Project on National Security Reform; Retired Special Operations Forces officers Major General Geoffrey Lambert and Colonel David McCracken; and Colonel Kevin McDonnell, Director of the USSOCOM Washington Office. Click on one of the titles below to view the slide presentations given by panelists:

Selected Output:

U.S. Special Operations Forces, with David Tucker, forthcoming from Columbia University Press in August 2007.

“The U.S. Country Team: Restructuring America’s First Line of Engagement,” by Robert B. Oakley and Michael Casey, Jr, Strategic Forum No. 227, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University, forthcoming in July 2007.

“Reforming Pentagon Strategic Decision Making,” by Christopher J. Lamb and Irving Lachow, Strategic Forum No. 221, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University, July 2006.

“Restructuring Special Operations Forces for Emerging Threats,” by David Tucker and Christopher J. Lamb, Strategic Forum No. 219, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University, January 2006.

"Review of Psychological Operations Lessons Learned from Recent Operational Experience," by Christopher J. Lamb, September 2005.

"Transforming Defense," by Christopher J. Lamb, September 2005.

“ Insurgency: Modern Warfare Evolves into a Fourth Generation,” by T.X. Hammes, Strategic Forum No. 214, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University, January 2005.

Click for Global Defense Strategy, Planning & Requirements reports:

Key Staff: Elaine Bunn, Christopher Lamb, Jim Murtha, Robert Oakley

Click here to visit the INSS Research Directorate page for related studies.

Click here to visit the NDU Press home page to view other related publications.

Click here to visit the INSS Research Directorate page for more information about this and related studies.

Click here to visit the NDU Press home page to view other related publications.

CTNSP / INSS Special Report: Transatlantic Homeland Defense
This report is a joint project of the Center for Technology and National Security Policy and the Institute for National Strategic Studies at National Defense University. It was prepared by Neyla Arnas, Hans Binnendijk, Stephen J. Flanagan, Stuart E. Johnson, Richard L. Kugler, Leo G. Michel, Anne M. Moisan, Jeffrey Simon, and Kimberley L. Thachuk.

Excerpt: "NATO plays an essential role in defense of the transatlantic homeland from terrorism and other transnational threats, but it could do more, including in support of national, European Union, and Partner efforts to enhance societal security. This paper proposes an initiative to enhance NATO’s planning and capabilities in this area at the Alliance’s November 2006 Riga Summit. This back-to-basics approach is designed to ensure that NATO can deal effectively with new threats to the transatlantic homeland. It would also enhance NATO’s relevance in the eyes of the public on both sides of the Atlantic."

France and NATO: Getting to “Oui”
by Leo Michel

French President Nicolas Sarkozy visited Washington on 6-7 November 2007. In a commentary written for Atlantic Partnership, INSS Senior Research Fellow Leo Michel offers his perspective on ways to increase French participation in NATO--a possibility raised by President Sarkozy and his defense and foreign ministers.

Russian Foreign Policy beyond Putin
by Eugene Rumer

Russia clearly has rebounded from its post-Soviet period of decline and is now seeking a place in world affairs commensurate with its size, history, and self-image. But is the expansive vision of Russia's leaders and people consistent with the resources realistically available to them over the long run? What are the critical factors driving Moscow's behavior in the economic, political and security spheres? Are fears of a new Cold War realistic? What options are available to Western policymakers in responding to a resurgent Russia? INSS Senior Fellow Eugene Rumer examines these and related questions in his new study, Russian Foreign Policy Beyond Putin, recently published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London as part of its prestigious Adelphi Papers series.

Central Asia: Views from Washington, Moscow and Beijing by Eugene Rumer et al.

Despite their impact on some of the most pressing issues facing American policymakers today, developing a coherent and effective strategy toward the Central Asian republics of the former USSR continues to prove a daunting challenge. The United States has a number of key interests at stake in Central Asia, ranging from the war on terrorism and democracy promotion to energy security and counterproliferation. At the same time, these five countries at the heart of the Eurasian landmass are also the potential focal point for a destabilizing competition between the U.S. and the panoply of rising and resurgent powers surrounding them. In Central Asia: Views from Washington, Moscow, and Beijing, INSS Senior Fellow Eugene Rumer and his Russian and Chinese co-authors consider how Central Asia's fragile political and security equilibrium would be affected by competition or cooperation among the major outside powers.

7 OCTOBER 2007 PRESENTATION
BY LEO MICHEL
NATO-EU CO-OPERATION IN OPERATIONS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Some NATO-EU tensions likely are inevitable, as the organizations are different and national political calculations will come into play in any specific case. But with better tools in place to cooperate, the chances of an effective response will increase if and when the political will exists to do so.

Sarko’s Window of Opportunity

France’s NATO equities--measured in force contributions to its operations, military representation in its structure, and budget shares--far exceed its concrete investments in the EU’s European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP), but the latter enjoys pride of place in French political discourse. See Leo Michel's recent commentary in European Voice, a Brussels weekly newspaper dedicated to European Union issues.

What Place For France in NATO?

Will the new French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, follow his predecessor's policies regarding NATO and European defense or reshape France's approach in ways that strengthen both Europe and transatlantic relations? Read Senior Research Fellow Leo Michel's opinion piece published by Le Monde, a leading French newspaper, on June 5, 2007. Both French and English versions are available.

Transatlantic Relations and Radical Novelties in the 21st Century

On 14-15 May 2007, the NATO Defense College (NDC), Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS), and the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) jointly organized a seminar at NDC (Rome) to explore "Transatlantic Relations and Radical Novelties in the 21st century." The seminar, conducted under "Chatham House Rules," addressed recent political developments in selected Allied countries and longer-term challenges (including demographic changes, the changing nature of warfare, and various impacts of "globalization") and their implications for the Atlantic Alliance. Seminar participants were officials from NATO Headquarters, Allied Command Transformation, Allied Command Operations, and experts from NATO nations, including INSS Director Dr. Stephen Flanagan and Senior Research Fellows Dr. Jeffrey Simon and Mr. Leo Michel. Here are the links for for a summary of the general findings of the seminar and "scope papers" outlining the principal issues.

NATO’s “French Connection”: Plus ça change…?
by Leo Michel

Will the next French president’s NATO agenda differ from his or her predecessor’s? The ongoing campaign has yielded few clues, as the leading candidates sound remarkably similar themes. But analysts of French defense policy predicting that plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose (“the more things change, the more they remain the same”) could be wrong. Senior Research Fellow Leo Michel explains why the winner of the May 6 run-off might want to reshape French policy regarding two near-term challenges—the relationship between NATO and the European Union, and the French role in Afghanistan—and, over the longer-term, re-evaluate the level of French participation in NATO structures.

NATO-EU Cooperation in Operations
by Leo Michel

NATO Defence College (Rome)

United States – France: The Logic of Cooperation
by Leo Michel

La Lettre Diplomatique (Paris)

The importance of close cooperation between France and the United States was demonstrated during the summer 2006 crisis over Lebanon, but there are many other areas where Washington and Paris share similar—albeit not identical—analyses on international security threats. Hence, closer political-military cooperation between the two is logical and desirable.

En Francais

Why NATO Must Remain Engaged in Afghanistan for Some Time to Come
by Leo Michel

Le Soir (Brussels) [A version of this article also appeared in Rzeczpospolita (Warsaw), 27 November 2006]

NATO’s commitment in Afghanistan is a major preoccupation of Alliance governments. Some consider that the peacekeeping mission they expected has metamorphosed into a “war”; others fear that their soldiers will be left to fight this “war” practically alone. NATO must address these preoccupations during its summit, in Riga, on 28-29 November.

En Francais

“The U.S. Interests and Role in Central Asia after K2,” by Eugene Rumer, The Washington Quarterly, Summer 2006

Central Asia is remote, poor, and has few historical or cultural ties to the United States. Yet, the region's importance to Washington exceeds its value as a stepping stone to Afghanistan and a neighbor of both China and Russia.

In the Media

China's Rise As A Global Economic and Political Power. By Phillip C. Saunders

China and East Asia expert Phillip Saunders talks about China's rise as a global economic and political power. He talks with VOA former Beijing correspondent Stephanie Ho and host Carol Castiel about China's increasing stake in Africa, its changing relationship with Taiwan and its sometimes competitive and sometimes cooperative relationship with the United States.

5 years later, Afghanistan pays for sins of omission By Ali Ahmad Jalali

On the fifth anniversary of the U.S.-led military invasion, Afghanistan faces the worst crisis since the ouster of the Taliban in 2001. Attacks by a resurgent Taliban and acts of suicide terrorism have taken the lives of more than 2,000 people this year; poor governance and a lack of economic opportunities erode human security daily; drug production has increased to a record high; the government is losing control of an increasing number of districts to insurgents or warlords; and corruption is rampant.

Minister Ali Ahmad Jalali is Distinguished Research Fellow at the Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University. He formerly served as Interior Minister of Afghanistan.

October 8, 2006 The Baltimore Sun :Click here to view article in full.

Iraq Isn't About Us Anymore By Judith S. Yaphe

The U.S. has few options in Iraq. American pundits and politicians have sketched out simple but flawed exit strategies. Staying the course in Iraq will not solve all of Iraq's problems, and it will, sadly, mean more casualties in the short term. But withdrawal will not end the violence, ensure that Iraqis live happily ever after in their enclaves or end anti-American terrorism. We will still be targets, as will pro-American friends and U.S. interests in the region.

JUDITH S. YAPHE is Distinguished Research Fellow at the Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University. For more than 20 years, she was a political analyst on the Middle East at CIA.

July 30, 2006 Los Angeles Times :Click here to view article in full.

McNair Paper 69
"Reassessing the Implications of a Nuclear-Armed Iran"
by Judith S. Yaphe and Charles D. Lutes, October 2005

What is motivating Tehran to seek a nuclear weapons capability, and what impact might such a capability have upon the greater Middle East region and beyond?. In this new study, authors Judith S. Yaphe and Charles D. Lutes show that Iran’s nuclear intentions are clearer now, while U.S. policy options to forestall such intentions may be more limited .

Occasional Paper #4

Phillip C. Saunders
October, 2006

- Chinese leaders are pursuing a long-term strategy based on maintaining a peaceful international environment that allows China to build the economic and technological foundations necessary to become a rich and powerful country. China's increased global activism in different regions has evolved along largely independent strategic and economic tracks.

2007 Western Hemisphere Security Colloquium

Please join U.S. Army War College, National Defense University, U.S. Southern Command and Florida International University at:

INSS has since 1994 sought to further research on hemispheric security and defense issues and to contribute to the professional education of United States and foreign practitioners.

Click here to visit the INSS Research Directorate page for "Colleagues for the Americas" reports, and for more information on related topics.

CRISIS-SIMULATION EXERCISES

The Strategic Policy Forum, an initiative of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, brings Members of Congress, senior executive branch officials, and military leaders together for crisis simulation exercises that give insight into the complexity of policymaking in the current global security environment. Exercises are designed to stimulate discussion of emerging national security issues, explore the capabilities and limitations of the main instruments of national power, and examine the international implications and other consequences of U.S. actions.

The Strategic Policy Forum (SPF) conducted its second state exercise in Anchorage, AK on August 7, 2007. Senior Federal executive branch and military officials, such as Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Ryan Henry, joined senior state level representatives, including the Governor, and Lieutenant Governor for an exercise in a new SPF program that aims to bring the benefits of Congressional gaming outside Washington to the states. Senator Stevens and Governor Palin opened the exercise, speaking of the importance of pandemic preparedness and planning to Alaska and the federal-state partnership.

SPF’s state exercise program can, at the request of a state’s leadership, execute our Congressional exercises for a state audience, in an effort to promote federal-state dialogue on issues of current national and, especially, homeland security importance. Our next state exercise, an updated Global Tempest, assessing changes and lessons learned in pandemic preparedness is already scheduled to return to Hawaii in January 2008

For more information about the iteration of Global Tempest conducted in Alaska, see the exercise report in the menu below. Additional information about the state exercise program can be found on the SPF website here.

On July 17, 2007 SPF conducted exercise Persian Gold at National Defense University. Ten Members of Congress participated along with subject matter experts from the Departments of Defense, State, and the National Intelligence Council. The exercise examined Iranian activities in the broader Middle East and their impact on regional security and U.S. national security interests. (More information about Exercise Persian Gold can be found in the exercise report in the menu below.)

SPF’s 2008 exercise schedule will be posted soon. For more information or for an invitation for any interested Member of Congress, please contact Col Chris Goggins, Director, Strategic Policy Forum at: gogginsc@ndu.edu or (202) 685-4827.

Click on one of the titles below to view past exercise reports:

Interagency Coordination Symposium

December 12 - December 14, 2006

The ITEA Interagency Coordination Symposium seeks to promote better interagency communication, coordination, and cooperation within the executive branch of government, including the growing network of agencies responsible for national and international security; and enhance the Government’s understanding of the different cultures, mandates, and capabilities that are found within each department and agency as well as within non-
governmental and international organizations by providing a networking opportunity to collaborate in a non-threatening environment.

Click here to visit the ITEA website for more information.