Civics as a National Security Imperative

As a part of the CSIS’ Defending Democratic Institutions project, this initiative looks to reinvigorate and prioritize civics and civic education as an essential part of our national security. Working with leaders in the public and private sector, this project focuses on the opportunity and imperative to rediscover our shared values, relearn the fundamentals of our constitutional republic, and re-form a sense of civic identity and commitment in our communities and across the nation.

Upcoming Programs

UPCOMING EVENT

Civics as a National Security Imperative: A Conversation with U.S. Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil M. Gorsuch

April 14

 

 

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Past Programs

PAST EVENT

Online Event: Civics as a National Security Imperative: A Conversation with Microsoft's Brad Smith and Civics and Technology Experts

January 19

 

 

PAST EVENT

Online Event: Civics as a National Security Imperative: A Conversation with Senior Military Officers

December 14, 2020

 

 

PAST EVENT

Online Event: Civics as a National Security Imperative: Addressing Racial Injustice (Part 2 of 2)

July 2, 2020

Part 2: The Role of Civics in Addressing Racial Injustice

 

PAST EVENT

Online Event: Civics as a National Security Imperative: Addressing Racial Injustice (Part 1 of 2)

July 1, 2020

Part 1: Racial Injustice as a National Security Threat

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Relevant Project Analysis

CRITICAL QUESTIONS

Understanding Insurrection and Sedition

January 29, 2021 | Suzanne Spaulding, Devi Nair

CSIS security experts define acts of sedition and insurrection and evaluate the seriousness of both charges.

 

CRITICAL QUESTIONS

Restore Trust in National Security Institutions

January 22, 2021 | Suzanne Spaulding, Devi Nair

Trust in U.S. democratic institutions has been declining for some time. To start rebuilding and sustaining public confidence in democracy and in U.S. national security institutions, civic education must be elevated as a national security imperative.

STRATEGY

Bad Idea: Prioritizing STEM Education at the Expense of Civic Education

December 4, 2020 | Suzanne Spaulding, Devi Nair

 

 

OPINION

How national security and civic education must address racism

June 30, 2020 | Suzanne Spaulding

 

OPINION

Election Security: Fundamental and Threatened

September 2020 | Suzanne Spaulding, Devi Nair

 

 

REPORT

Creating an Expectation of Service: Civic Education as a National Security Imperative (Testimony)

July 10, 2019 | Suzanne Spaulding

Suzanne Spaulding, Senior Adviser, Homeland Security, International Security Program, testifies before National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service on "Creating an Expectation of Service: Civic Education as a National Security Imperative."

This project is made possible by Craig Newmark Philanthropies.