Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group

Strengthening our understanding of the relationship between the Department of Defense and its industrial base

DIIG provides timely, in-depth analysis on the critical issues at the cross-section of the Department of Defense and its industrial base. With a focus on defense acquisition trends, technological innovation, security cooperation, and ongoing reform efforts, DIIG monitors important developments in the global defense industry. DIIG’s products consist of major research projects, published reports, commentaries, interviews, and events.

About the Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group

Learn more about the CSIS Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group and the experts and staff that contribute to our analysis.

Cynthia Cook
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Photo: FABIAN BIMMER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Photo: FABIAN BIMMER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Overcoming the Barriers to Forward Deterrence

The United States relies on its unmatched network of allies to help fill gaps in U.S. industrial capacity and capability. But a variety of regulatory barriers inhibit cooperation and create challenges for allies who want to purchase from or work with the United States.

Commentary by Cynthia R. Cook and Audrey Aldisert — July 1, 2025

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

Enabling Forward Sustainment

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

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Defense Mobilization in the 21st Century

COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine exposed deep vulnerabilities in the U.S. defense industrial base. Decades of offshoring, cost-cutting, and reliance on adversarial suppliers have eroded resilience—putting national security at risk when global supply chains falter.

Congressional Testimony by Christine Michienzi — March 6, 2025

Enhancing Defense Industrial Cooperation Between Australia and the United States

In a time of deepening geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, the United States and Australia should strengthen their defense industrial cooperation to deter potential adversaries while integrating and expanding both nations’ defense industrial bases.

Report by Cynthia R. Cook, Charles Edel, Kathryn Paik, Gregory Sanders, Henry H. Carroll, Katy Buda, and John Augé — March 3, 2025

Alternative Funding Mechanisms in Review

DOD’s new Office of Strategic Capital will work to ensure that the future warfighter has the capabilities they need by attracting and scaling private capital to critical technologies for national security, with the advantages and risks of a portfolio investment approach.

Report by Erin L. Murphy, Cynthia R. Cook, Emily Harding, Gregory Sanders, Nicholas Velazquez, Julia Dickson, and Maeve Sockwell — November 21, 2024