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The Defense360 microsite is the home for research conducted by experts from the CSIS International Security Program (ISP). Defense360 features reliable, nonpartisan analysis and commentary from ISP experts on key elements of national security policy including strategy, budget, forces, acquisition, and reform. This analysis informs policymakers' decisions on the threats and opportunities shaping U.S. interests at home and abroad.

In addition to commentary and analysis, the microsite features Defense360 Series, collections of timely research that address the most pressing questions in national security and provide recommendations for a way forward. Current series include research on defense reform, the outlook for the defense sector, and the presidential transition and its implications on national security.

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The Costs and Global Trade-Offs of U.S. Military Action Against Venezuela

U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, now in their sixth month, cost $31 million per day, $3 million of which is unbudgeted. The larger cost is the strategic trade-off in the allocation of military assets: Forces in the Caribbean are not available for other hotspots.

Commentary by Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park — January 15, 2026

The Drone Supply Chain War: Identifying the Chokepoints to Making a Drone

China controls the critical materials that underpin modern drone warfare. The U.S. defense industrial base is dangerously dependent. This article reveals the five strategic chokepoints and four steps for building industrial resilience to secure future combat power.

Commentary by Macdonald Amoah, Morgan Bazilian, Jahara Matisek, and Katrina Schweiker — December 9, 2025

The Unfinished Plan for Peace in Ukraine: Provision by Provision

President Trump is pressuring Ukraine to sign his 28-point “peace agreement,” amid criticism that the plan is pro-Russian and too vague to implement. This is not an agreement but may be a starting point. Indeed, the Europeans have put forth their own, more balanced version.

Report by Mark F. Cancian and Maria Snegovaya — November 24, 2025

Will the Tomahawks Save Ukraine?

About a thousand Tomahawk missiles in the U.S. stockpile today are available for transfer to Ukraine. They could have a major impact on the war, but the Pacific theater needs and Russian opposition could disrupt any deal.

Critical Questions by Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park — October 17, 2025

Caribbean Update: Fifth Suspected Drug Runner Destroyed

U.S. attacks on suspected drug boats have become routine. They will likely continue until the administration decides to return the counterdrug mission to law enforcement agencies or a tragic incident heightens domestic and regional opposition to U.S. operations.

Commentary by Mark F. Cancian — October 16, 2025

Trump’s War on Drug Cartels: Interdiction in the Caribbean or Invasion of Venezuela?

Trump’s notification to Congress determining an “armed conflict” with drug cartels marks the latest escalation in ongoing U.S. operations in the Caribbean against Venezuelan drug boats. While raising concerns of potential military intervention in Venezuela, assets currently deployed fall short of what an invasion or raid would require. 

Analysis by Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park — October 3, 2025

Takeaways from Secretary Hegseth’s Quantico Meeting

The meeting of generals and admirals at Quantico brought no purges or oath changes but augured big changes. Hegseth’s theatrical performance demanded fitness and a warfighting focus. Trump's campaign-style speech hinted at combat in U.S. cities. Was he serious?

Commentary by Mark F. Cancian — October 2, 2025