Smart Women, Smart Power
SWSP is creating space for women in one of the most powerful decision-making spaces in the world: national security and foreign affairs
The Smart Women, Smart Power (SWSP) Initiative has a simple starting point: people are policy. We are committed to creating a platform for respectful and inclusive discussion of the many ways in which women influence and impact the international security, foreign policy and business agendas. The Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative launched in December 2014.
Contact Information
- Alexis Day
- Program Manager, Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative and Outreach Manager, International Security Program
- aday@csis.org
Featured Podcasts

Gender, National Security, and the Capitol
Smart Women, Smart Power sat down with Elizabeth King, Majority Staff Director for the Senate Armed Services Committee to discuss her role on the Hill over the years.
Podcast Episode by Kathleen McInnis — September 7, 2022

Covering the Fall of Kabul: The View from the Newsroom
Podcast Episode by Kathleen McInnis — July 27, 2022

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”: An Insider’s View
Podcast Episode by Kathleen McInnis — July 13, 2022

Rescuing Heroes: The White Helmets in Syria
Podcast Episode by Kathleen McInnis — June 29, 2022
FEATURED EVENTS
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Russia’s Operations in Ukraine: A Conversation with ASD Celeste Wallander
Transcript — October 3, 2022

Towards Inclusive & Equitable Workplaces — Women in National Security
Event by Kathleen McInnis , Hadeil Ali , Emily Perkins , Elana Aquino , and Princess Bazley-Bethea — September 26, 2022

A Conversation with Ambassador Kristen Silverberg, President and COO of Business Roundtable
Event by Kathleen McInnis and Ambassador Kristen Silverberg — September 22, 2022

The Overturn of Roe v. Wade Raises Fundamental Questions for the Department of Defense
Critical Questions by Kathleen McInnis — July 25, 2022

A Conversation with the Honorable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence of Canada
Event by Kathleen McInnis and The Honourable Anita Anand, MP — April 28, 2022

A Conversation with Dr. Stacey Dixon, Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence
Event by Suzanne Spaulding , Nina Easton , and Dr. Stacey Dixon — April 13, 2022

Gender Equality and Sustainability Challenges: A Conversation with the Honorable Michèle Flournoy
Event by Suzanne Spaulding , Nina Easton , and The Honorable Michèle Flournoy — March 7, 2022

A Conversation with Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks
Event by Nina Easton , Beverly Kirk , and Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks — October 1, 2021

A Mission to Mars: A Conversation with Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Technology
Event by Nina Easton , Beverly Kirk , and Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri — August 31, 2021

U.S. National Security Policy in the Indo-Pacific: A Conversation with Senator Tammy Duckworth
Event by Nina Easton , Beverly Kirk , and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) — August 10, 2021
