Defense Budget Analysis

The Defense Budget Analysis Program leads the Center’s efforts to provide in-depth, nonpartisan research and analysis of defense funding issues

Led by fellow Seamus Daniels, the program explores trends in the overall defense budget, military readiness, force structure, defense acquisitions, and military compensation in a broader effort to assess the alignment of the country’s defense strategy and its resources.

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Defense Futures Simulator

The Center for Strategic and International Studies, the American Enterprise Institute, and War on the Rocks collaborated to address a shared concern: a lack of understanding about how defense strategy and security objectives are translated into concrete budget choices. To meet this challenge, the three organizations built the Defense Futures Simulator.

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All Defense Budget Analysis Content

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How Would Sequestration Impact DoD in FY 2020?

Congress will likely pursue a budget agreement that raises the Budget Control Act spending limits from their original levels for FY 2020. This new CSIS brief explains how If Congress fails, the Department of Defense will face sequestration for the first time since 2013.

Brief by Seamus P. Daniels — May 16, 2019

What to Look for in the FY 2020 Defense Budget Request

CSIS International Security Program experts outline their questions and expectations for the Trump administration’s forthcoming FY 2020 defense budget request.  

Brief by Mark F. Cancian Todd Harrison Seamus P. Daniels Andrew Philip Hunter and Kathleen H. Hicks — January 31, 2019

How Much Will the Space Force Cost?

This CSIS Brief provides rough estimates for the number of personnel, annual budget, and additional funding that would be needed for a Space Force.

Report by Todd Harrison — November 19, 2018

Why We Need a Space Force

The way in which the U.S. military and intelligence community are organized for space is a serious national security issue as CSIS director of the Aerospace Security Project Todd Harrison writes in a new commentary.

Commentary by Todd Harrison — October 3, 2018

Analysis of the FY 2019 Defense Budget

Analysis of the FY 2019 Defense Budget from the CSIS Defense Budget Analysis program provides an in-depth assessment of the Trump administration’s request for national defense funding in FY 2019. 

Report by Todd Harrison and Seamus P. Daniels — September 20, 2018

The State of Military Readiness: Is There a Crisis?

Amid a recent Military Times investigation detailing a surge in military aviation accidents over the past five fiscal years calls for a solution to the military’s “readiness crisis” continue to be heard despite recent budget increases. But what is readiness and how does it relate to the recent spell of deadly incidents?

Critical Questions by Mark F. Cancian and Seamus P. Daniels — April 18, 2018