Institute for National Strategic Studies

About the Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS) Founded in 1984, the Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS) is the National Defense University’s dedicated research component. The INSS mission is to conduct research in support of NDU academics; provide strategic and research support to the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Services, and combatant commands; and engage with the broader national security community in service of the common defense. INSS and its three research centers provide timely, objective analysis and feedback and policy recommendations to senior decisionmakers and support NDU educational programs in the fields of international security, defense policy, and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) education. INSS research faculty play a pivotal role in fulfilling NDU’s education mission by not only teaching and advising students but also conducting research, knowledge creation, and external engagement on security matters. This comprehensive approach aims to advance strategic thinking and cultivate the next generation of national security leaders. The work of INSS supports the development of informed and effective national security policies and strategies and helps to build the capacity of national security professionals to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing security environment. INSS consists of three research centers and NDU Press.