Institute for National Strategic Studies

What Would a #Military Strike on #Iran Mean for the Middle East? A U.S.-Israeli military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities could have profound regional and global implications. Here's why: A full-scale offensive against Iran’s nuclear program may undermine U.S. national security priorities in the long run. It would require sustained force posture, continuous military operations, and resource commitments. This would detract from other U.S. priorities, particularly the strategic focus on countering China’s rise and influence. This diversion would strain U.S. capabilities elsewhere, weakening deterrence against other global adversaries. Read the full analysis by Mahsa Rouhi (#INSS) in Foreign Policy: https://lnkd.in/eu-q6EY8 #Geopolitics #NationalSecurity #MiddleEast #ForeignPolicy #Deterrence #IndoPacific #StrategicCompetition #MilitaryStrategy

How could China’s growing network of overseas ports and bases impact global security? This Atlantic Council piece by T.X. Hammes examines how the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could exploit these ports to gather intelligence, disrupt U.S. logistics, and pre-position military assets for conflict: https://lnkd.in/e4MPTqfS #INSS #China #DefensePolicy #IndoPacific #MaritimeSecurity #NationalSecurity #Security #Defense

We were pleased to host Mr. Manabu Imakyurei, President of #Japan’s National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS), at National Defense University for a discussion on regional issues. Mr. Imakyurei was greeted by NDU President Vice Admiral Pete Garvin and #INSS China Director Dr. Phil Saunders. NIDS is Japan's premier think tank under the Ministry of Defense. It focuses on research and education related to security and military history. It also serves as an academic institution for training senior officials of the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces. NIDS plays a key role in shaping Japan's defense policies and fostering international collaboration on security matters. INSS and NIDS share a longstanding and valuable collaborative relationship, often engaging in discussions and joint research projects on security and defense issues: https://lnkd.in/eeAjwcfd #INSS #DoD #Defense #Partnerships #AlliesandPartners #Military #Security

China’s military has entered a new era—it has acquired modern weapons, undergone restructuring under Xi Jinping, and been on the frontlines of territorial disputes with Japan, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines. China is readying forces to be able to seize Taiwan sometime in the next decade, and aims to be a "world-class" military on par with the United States. INSS China Center experts Dr. Phillip Saunders and Dr. Joel Wuthnow spoke at Georgetown University about their new book, China’s Quest for Military Supremacy and provided insight into China's evolving military strategy. Watch the full discussion here: https://lnkd.in/ewyyeG5F #INSS #DoD #China #ChineseMilitary #PLA #Defense #MilitaryStrategy #Modernization #NationalSecurity #GlobalSecurity

📖 New Book Alert! 📖 We're excited to share that "China’s Quest for Military Supremacy" by Joel Wuthnow & Phillip Saunders is now available in the U.S. This in-depth analysis explores #China’s military ambitions, their constraints, and what it would take for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to emerge as a dominant global force. A must-read for anyone interested in defense strategy, international security, and U.S.-China relations. Learn more👉 https://lnkd.in/eyjBktDz Congratulations to Phil and Joel, two of our experts from the #INSS China Center! 🎉 #ChinaMilitary #China #MilitaryStrategy #DefenseStrategy #Military #Modernization #GlobalSecurity #PLA #DoD

🎧 In a recent episode of the #ChinaPower Podcast by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Dr. Joel Wuthnow and Dr. Phil Saunders discuss their new book on the People’s Liberation Army (PLA): “China’s Quest for Military Supremacy.” Dr. Wuthnow outlines how the #PLA has entered a “new era” under Xi Jinping, characterized by greater confidence, structural reforms, and an expanding operational reach. Dr. Saunders then highlights how the PLA is increasingly being used to shape the Indo-Pacific region, citing #China’s recent live-fire exercises near Australia and New Zealand as an example of its more assertive posture. Both experts also delve into key challenges facing the PLA, from Xi Jinping’s efforts to tighten party control to persistent corruption and political reliability issues. Finally, the two experts assess the PLA’s progress becoming more joint, its nuclear modernization efforts, and the broader implications for U.S. and regional security. They conclude by discussing their views on how a second Trump administration could impact PLA behavior and China’s strategic calculations. Listen and learn more: https://lnkd.in/eSmUNA8N #INSS #DoD #ChineseMilitary #Military #MilitarySupremacy #NationalSecurity #GlobalSecurity

It was great to join NYU's Maria Adele Carrai and co-author Phillip S. for an early book talk podcast for "China's Quest for Military Supremacy" (book launches in the U.S. on March 18) on YouTube. https://t.co/f9zIiNV0wg

🛰️🌑🌌 #INSS is proud to contribute to conversations around space, nuclear weapons, and law. In February, Todd Pennington was featured on a panel at U.S. Space Command's Fifth Annual Legal Conference. The panel focused on Legal Issues Arising from Nuclear Weapons in Outer Space. Moderated by Madison Walker (United States Air Force Academy professor and Stanton Foundation Visiting Scientist), the panel also featured Major Brian Green (Chief of Space and Operations Law and Space Law Instructor, Space Training and Readiness Command) and Alex Gilbert (Director of Space & Planetary Regulation for Zeno Power). This year’s conference theme was Space Law in the Decisive Decade. 👉 https://lnkd.in/esbJtMS7 #DoD #INSS #Space #SpaceLaw #USSPACECOM #NationalSecurity

How is China reshaping its military strategy in the 21st century? Dr. Phillip Saunders and Dr. Joel Wuthnow, leading experts in Chinese military and security affairs, discuss insights from their latest book. They explore the modernization of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), China’s global military footprint, and the future of warfare. 📚 The book China’s Quest for Military Supremacy is out March 18. Watch the discussion here: https://lnkd.in/equ-hABM #INSS #DoD #China #ChineseMilitary #Military #Warfare #Podcast #PLA

🌌 Space technology is inherently "dual-use," meaning it serves both civilian and military purposes—often from the same satellite. This dynamic raises important questions about commercial space integration and national security law. #INSS Faculty Mr. Todd Pennington (pictured center) discussed these issues at a recent panel hosted by the Colorado Space Business Roundtable. The panel was about The New DoD and U.S. Space Force Policies on the Use of Commercial Space Assets and Dual-Use Issues. Todd was joined by experts across the field. The panel was moderated by Skip Smith (Chair of the Space and Satellite Industry Group at Greenberg Traurig, LLP). It also featured experts including Dennis Burnett (General Counsel for HawkEye 360), Professor Jack Beard (Director of the Space, Cyber, and National Security Law Program at University of Nebraska College of Law), and Matt Linton (General Counsel for True Anomaly). Read more: https://lnkd.in/et3hXd8J #INSS #DoD #Space #SpacePolicy #NationalSecurity #DualUseTechnology #SpaceStrategy #SpaceForce