Analysis

All Analysis

Filter by

1 - 10 of 119 results

Putting the Industrial Base on a Wartime Footing

Putting the industrial base on a wartime footing will require strong leadership and consistent funding, with an investment in readiness for day one of any conflict, and the ability to maintain, repair, and replace the capabilities needed to prevail in any future fight. 

Commentary by Jerry McGinn and Cynthia R. Cook — December 5, 2025

What to Expect from Secretary Hegseth’s November 7 Speech on the Arsenal of Freedom

Secretary Hegseth’s upcoming “Arsenal of Freedom” address signals a possible historic shift in U.S. defense acquisition and the industrial base—aimed at undoing decades of consolidation, revitalizing industrial capacity, and reforming how the Pentagon delivers capabilities to the warfighter.

Commentary by Jerry McGinn — November 5, 2025

How Does the Government Shutdown Impact the U.S. Industrial Base?

The government shutdown will have a substantial impact on the industrial base. While work will continue on contracts that are already funded, no new obligations of funds are permitted unless tied to an excepted activity. 

Critical Questions by Jerry McGinn, Katy Buda, and Audrey Aldisert — October 6, 2025

The Future of Seapower

Ukraine has neutered the Russian fleet using uncrewed systems and long-range strike. Yet, operations in the Red Sea and elsewhere reaffirm the value of traditional naval assets. How should navies balance investments in old and new capabilities?

Commentary by Mark F. Cancian — September 16, 2025

The Evolution of Irregular Warfare

The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated that irregular warfare is a defining feature of contemporary conflict and a strategic domain in its own right. Ignoring it would be a grave miscalculation in an era of persistent geopolitical competition.

Commentary by Daniel Byman, Seth G. Jones, and Sofia Triana — September 16, 2025

Reflections from the UK's Chief of the Defence Staff

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff of the United Kingdom, joined the CSIS Defense and Security Department to reflect on his four-year tenure, including Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East, NATO defense spending, and more.

Transcript — August 14, 2025

Aid Cuts Make Peace Negotiations in Ukraine Less Likely

Cutting U.S. aid to Ukraine now would not hasten peace. It would encourage the Kremlin to believe what it has long hoped for—that U.S. resolve is fleeting, and that time is on Russia’s side.

Commentary by Riley McCabe — June 16, 2025

Russia’s Battlefield Woes in Ukraine

Russia has performed poorly on the battlefield in Ukraine and will likely hit the 1 million casualty mark in the summer of 2025. New CSIS data details Russia's slow rate of advance, heavy losses of equipment, and significant casualties.

Brief by Seth G. Jones and Riley McCabe — June 3, 2025