Defense and Security

The CSIS Defense and Security Department tackles the most complex issues shaping the global security landscape. 

Amid a rapid shift in the global balance of power, our research offers practical solutions to the hardest national security strategy questions—from the state of U.S. readiness to the role of emerging tech in defense, and beyond. We get national security, and we aim to make it stronger. 

Defense Industrial Base Defense Budget and Acquisition Gender and International Security Intelligence Missile Defense Nuclear Issues Space and Aerospace Technology Terrorism and Irregular Warfare Wargaming and Scenarios

Introducing the CSIS Defense and Security Department

Meet Our Experts and Programs

Featured Analysis
All Department Analysis

Photo: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Micah Taylor via DVIDS

Photo: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Micah Taylor via DVIDS
Report

Enabling Forward Sustainment

Report by Cynthia R. Cook, Nicholas Szechenyi, Henry H. Carroll, Audrey Aldisert, Sarah Hendrick, and Javier Nater — June 26, 2025

Department Experts

Emily Harding

Emily Harding

Vice President, Defense and Security Department; Director, Intelligence, National Security, and Technology Program
Kari Bingen

Kari A. Bingen

Director, Aerospace Security Project and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Daniel Byman

Daniel Byman

Director, Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program
Tom Karako

Tom Karako

Director, Missile Defense Project and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Williams

Heather Williams

Director, Project on Nuclear Issues and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Kathleen Mcinnis

Kathleen McInnis

Director, Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Benjamin Jensen

Benjamin Jensen

Director, Futures Lab, and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Cynthia Cook

Cynthia R. Cook

Director, Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Clayton Swope

Clayton Swope

Deputy Director, Aerospace Security Project and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Joseph Rodgers

Joseph Rodgers

Deputy Director and Fellow, Project on Nuclear Issues
Yasir Atalan

Yasir Atalan

Data Fellow, Futures Lab, Defense and Security Department
Nathan Lewis

Nathan Lewis

Military Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Scott Pence

Scott Pence

Military Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Scott Murphy

Scott Murphy

Military Fellow, Defense and Security Department
All Staff and Experts

Department Programs, Projects, and Initiatives