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The Defense360 microsite is the home for research conducted by experts from the CSIS International Security Program (ISP). Defense360 features reliable, nonpartisan analysis and commentary from ISP experts on key elements of national security policy including strategy, budget, forces, acquisition, and reform. This analysis informs policymakers' decisions on the threats and opportunities shaping U.S. interests at home and abroad.

 

In addition to commentary and analysis, the microsite features Defense360 Series, collections of timely research that address the most pressing questions in national security and provide recommendations for a way forward. Current series include research on defense reform, the outlook for the defense sector, and the presidential transition and its implications on national security.

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Bad Idea: Wishing Away Global Commitments

The forthcoming National Defense Strategy will likely call for reductions in day-to-day deployments to focus on China. But if the administration cannot specify the necessary tradeoffs, it must build the force necessary for continued global engagement.

Commentary — December 3, 2021

2021 Defense Acquisition Trends: Topline DoD Trends after a Half Decade of Growth

Defense contract obligations grew by 8 percent in FY 2020, driven by spending on products manufactured by the Big Five defense contractors. On the cusp of a new National Security Strategy, this piece explores how a half-decade of growth has changed defense acquisition.

Critical Questions by Gregory Sanders , Won Joon Jang , and Alexander Holderness — December 2, 2021

Need a Role Model for Shared Cyber Incident Response? Look to the Coast Guard

A cyber attack on a major U.S. port in August was thwarted by the port’s use of threat detection software and quick coordination with a capable, trusted public-sector responder: the U.S. Coast Guard. Close coordination and information sharing between industry and the Coast Guard prevented a potential disaster.

Commentary — December 1, 2021

U.S. Military Forces in FY 2022: Air Force

The Air Force continues developing and procuring next-generation aircraft to meet the demands of great power conflict. While fielding new aircraft has slowed the increase in fleet age, the Air Force is not buying enough new aircraft to sustain current force levels.

Commentary — November 30, 2021

More DEI Equals Smarter Diplomacy

In this article for the Represent series, Abigail Golden-Vazquez writes about how impactful representation is for the Foreign Service and diplomacy writ large and provides solutions and policy improvements that will improve leadership, recruitment, and retention.

Commentary — November 19, 2021

U.S. Military Forces in FY 2022: Marine Corps

The Marine Corps continues a major restructuring to develop capabilities for great power conflict in the Pacific by cutting units and personnel. The restructuring remains controversial and a work in progress.

Commentary — November 16, 2021

U.S. Military Forces in FY 2022: Navy

The Biden administration’s emerging fleet plan incorporates smaller ships and large numbers of unmanned systems, as proposed by many strategists, but high costs, production limitations, and congressional opposition may prevent full implementation.

Report by Mark F. Cancian — November 2, 2021