Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS)
Director: Dr. Denise Natali
The Institute for National Strategic Studies serves as the principal focus for research at NDU and is comprised of four centers.
Founded in 1984, the Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS) is the National Defense University’s dedicated research component. The INSS mission is to conduct research in support of NDU academics; provide strategic and research support to the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Services, and combatant commands; and engage with the broader national security community in service of the common defense. INSS and its three research centers provide timely, objective analysis and feedback and policy recommendations to senior decisionmakers and support NDU educational programs in the fields of international security, defense policy, and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) education.
INSS research faculty play a pivotal role in fulfilling NDU’s education mission by not only teaching and advising students but also conducting research, knowledge creation, and external engagement on security matters. This comprehensive approach aims to advance strategic thinking and cultivate the next generation of national security leaders. The work of INSS supports the development of informed and effective national security policies and strategies and helps to build the capacity of national security professionals to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing security environment. INSS consists of three research centers and NDU Press.
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Center for Disruptive Technology and Future Warfare
The INSS Center for Disruptive Technology and Future Warfare (CDTFW) produces cutting edge research on disruptive technologies and future warfare, to include artificial intelligence and autonomous and semi-autonomous weapons systems and assesses the implications for defense and national security policy and strategy. The CDTFW works at the intersection of technology and defense strategy and policy.
Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction
CSWMD is at the forefront of education and research on the impact of weapons of mass destruction on U.S. and global security.
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Center for Strategic Research
CSR provides advice to the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and combatant commands through studies, reports, briefings, and memorandums; conducts directed research and analysis in the areas of strategic and regional studies; and engages in independent and leading-edge research and analysis in related areas.
Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs
CSCMA serves as a national focal point and resource center for multidisciplinary research and analytic exchanges on the national goals and strategic posture of the People’s Republic of China and the ability of that nation to develop, field, and deploy an effective military instrument in support of its national strategic objectives.
NDU Press
NDU Press plays a central role in supporting NDU’s mission by disseminating knowledge intrinsic to advanced JPME and leader development. Through its publications, NDU Press provides expert insights, cutting-edge research, and innovative solutions that contribute to shaping the national security discourse and preparing the next generation of leaders in the field. NDU Press publishes Joint Force Quarterly, INSS Strategic Perspectives, and INSS Strategic Forum, and other research products that include books and edited volumes, policy briefs, and monographs on a wide range of topics related to national security, defense policy, and military strategy.
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