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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.

Check out the “Civics as a National Security Imperative” public event featuring a conversation with Justices Sotomayor and Gorsuch.


Past Programs

past EVENT
Civics as a National Security Imperative: A Conversation with Secretary Bob Gates
September 21
 
PAST EVENT
Civics as a National Security Imperative: A Conversation with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro
May 5

 

PAST EVENT
Civics as a National Security Imperative: A Conversation with U.S. Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil M. Gorsuch
April 14

 

PAST EVENT
A Conversation with FBI Director Wray and National Security Lawyers on Civic Education as a National Security Imperative
March 12

 

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


Relevant Project Analysis

CRITICAL QUESTIONS
Civics at Work: Constitution Day Training for Federal Employees
September 9, 2021 | Suzanne Spaulding, Devi Nair

To face today’s challenges, the federal government must recognize the national security imperative of reinvigorating civic education, and that starts with reinvigorating its own civics programs this Constitution Day.

 
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.

International Security Program

  • About the International Security Program
  • Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy
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Find Additional Content
Media Queries
Contact H. Andrew Schwartz
Chief Communications Officer
Tel: 202.775.3242

Contact Paige Montfort
Media Relations Coordinator, External Relations
Tel: 202.775.3173

Experts

Suzanne Spaulding
Senior Adviser, Homeland Security, International Security Program

Most Recent

On Demand Event
‘Civics at Work’ Launch Event
May 4, 2022
Commentary
Early Lessons for Democracies
By Suzanne Spaulding
March 8, 2022
On Demand Event
Civics as a National Security Imperative: A Conversation with Secretary Bob Gates
September 21, 2021
Critical Questions
Civics at Work: Constitution Day Training for Federal Employees
By Suzanne Spaulding, Devi Nair
September 9, 2021
View all content associated with this program
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Media Queries
Contact H. Andrew Schwartz
Chief Communications Officer
Tel: 202.775.3242

Contact Paige Montfort
Media Relations Coordinator, External Relations
Tel: 202.775.3173

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