Global Security Forum

A forum on the top challenges facing U.S. and global security. Made possible with the generous support of Leonardo DRS

The Global Security Forum is the CSIS International Security Program’s flagship annual conference. The Forum convenes leaders from the defense and national security communities to discuss the top security challenges facing the country and the world.

The theme of the 2024 Global Security Forum is "Gathering Strength in a Gathering Storm." Speakers will address how the United States can muster its strengths to counter multiple global challenges, posture for uncertainty, and prepare U.S. forces to deter and defeat aggression.

This year's conference will feature keynote discussions with General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Honorable Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence.

It will also include conversations with the Honorable Dr. William A. LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (A&S) and the Honorable Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (R&E).

The conference will be held at CSIS headquarters and virtually. See the event page for further details.

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Global Security Forum 2024: Gathering Strength in a Gathering Storm

Join the CSIS International Security Program for its annual Global Security Forum on April 24, 2024, featuring keynote discussions with General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Honorable Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence.

Event — April 24, 2024

Transatlantic Defense during Wartime

Transatlantic defense is at a key juncture as Russia's war in Ukraine has brought greater unity but also thrown into relief the challenges of producing military capability. The European Union and NATO have an opportunity to build on their strengths to address this crisis.

Report by Cynthia Cook, Max Bergmann, Mark F. Cancian, Gregory Sanders, Sissy Martinez, Otto Svendsen, and Nicholas Velazquez — September 5, 2023

Global Security Forum 2023: Transatlantic Defense

The 2023 Global Security Forum, the CSIS International Security Program’s flagship annual conference, took place on April 5, 2023. This year’s conference theme was transatlantic defense and featured a keynote address by Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Christopher W. Grady.

Event — April 5, 2023

Global Security Forum 2021

A new major CSIS International Security Program report explores whether and how domestic political, geographic, racial, socioeconomic, and other divisions impact U.S. national security and engagements abroad and identifies opportunities for cooperation.

Report by Erol Yayboke, Emily Harding, Catherine Nzuki, and Sierra Ballard — March 7, 2022

Online Event: A New Era for U.S. Alliances

The CSIS International Security Program hosts a discussion that examines the challenges and opportunities for the U.S.-led system of alliances in the next decade and beyond.

Event — December 14, 2020

Global Security Forum 2020: A New Era for U.S. Alliances

The 2020 Global Security Forum Report distills insights for alliance strategy from a bipartisan group of 60 experts who assessed 3 hypothetical future scenarios.

Report by Alexander Kaplan, Samuel Brannen, and Emma Bates — December 14, 2020