Strategy and Statecraft

The CSIS Strategy and Statecraft Program conducts research and analysis to help answer the most significant strategic questions facing our country and our world. The program examines the fundamental shifts in the international landscape, including in the global balance of power. Examples include the implications of U.S. competition and cooperation with China, emerging technology and innovation, the industrial base, conflict in the Middle East, alliances, the war in Ukraine, and the intersection of economic, political, and military strategy and statecraft.

Several world-changing events have impacted society in recent years, including the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, conflict between Israel and Iran, and a growing Sino-American rivalry. These and other events have far-reaching consequences across the public and private sectors around the globe.

The CSIS Strategy and Statecraft Program also hosts a Fellowship. Each year, a group of extraordinary leaders in business, government, and academia come together for seven dinners and a closing summit. These conversations go far beyond surface-level analysis, delving into hard issues and delivering new strategic insights. More information can be found here.

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Featured Analysis

Photo: Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images

Photo: Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images

Russia’s Grinding War in Ukraine

Despite claims of success in Ukraine, new CSIS data shows that Russia is paying an extraordinary price for minimal gains, with over 1.2 million casualties. Russia is also in decline as a major economic power with slow growth, weak productivity, and declining manufacturing.

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Brief by Seth G. Jones and Riley McCabe — January 27, 2026

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Mapping Iranian Cyberattacks on U.S. Water Systems

Recent Iranian cyberattacks on U.S. water systems were months in the making. These charts combine press reporting and CSIS expert analysis to provide a clearer picture of the attacks and their impact on the U.S. water sector.

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — August 18, 2026

The Value of U.S. Land Power

Drones, AI, and long-range fires are reshaping warfare, but land power remains vital to achieving political and strategic objectives. CSIS’s Future of Land Power study examines why ground forces endure—and how they must adapt for future conflict as part of the joint force.

Commentary by Jerry McGinn and A.J. Dilts — August 17, 2026

Munitions Shortages After Epic Fury

Since Operation Epic Fury began, the United States has expended thousands of advanced munitions. Tom Karako and Mark Cancian discuss the state of U.S. stockpiles, replenishment challenges, and what depleted inventories mean for deterrence, allies, and future conflicts.

Event — August 5, 2026

Red Kraken: The Coming Age of Agentic Cyber Strategy

In a tabletop exercise, members of Congress faced Red Kraken, an AI agent trained to emulate Beijing. Benjamin Jensen and Emily Harding examine how China could target ports and logistics to delay U.S. mobilization and argue for AI-enabled gaming to strengthen cyber defenses.

Commentary by Benjamin Jensen and Emily Harding — July 28, 2026

The Last Line of Defense

Is Ukraine Winning? Inside the Battlefield of Drones, AI, and Autonomous Warfare

Host Seth Jones welcomes back Mick Ryan, retired Australian Army Major General, for the latest on the Ukraine-Russia battlefield. The pair discussed the Ukrainian air campaign, including the use of AI and drone warfare, as well as the conditions of Russia’s frontlines.

Podcast Episode by Seth G. Jones — July 22, 2026

The Last Line of Defence

Understanding Russia-Iran Collaboration in Cyberspace

Cyber collaboration between Russia and Iran in the U.S.-Iran conflict has been overstated based on currently cited evidence. While cross-border cyber cooperation is happening in some areas, the Russia-Iran cyber reality is much thornier and much trickier to interpret than some headlines suggest.

Commentary by Nikita Shah and Justin Sherman — July 14, 2026

The Value of U.S. Land Power

This working paper examines the utility and relevance of U.S. land forces in the contemporary global security environment and discusses the inherent advantages and limits of land forces as part of the joint force.

Report by Jerry McGinn, Jason Paul "JP" Gresh, and Alek Jovovic — July 14, 2026