This week the national security and defense policy-focused think tank Center for a New American Security (CNAS) announced a new research agenda and website.
CNAS introduced seven new/expanded research programs, as follows:
Asia-Pacific Security
Under the leadership of Senior Director Dr. Patrick Cronin and Deputy
Director Dr. Ely Ratner, the Asia-Pacific Security program provides
cutting-edge analysis and policy recommendations that seek to inform the
exercise of U.S. power across the Asia-Pacific region. Through
research, publications and events, including dialogues with officials,
public events and expert working groups, the Center’s Asia-Pacific
Security program focuses on such issues as the rebalance of America’s
strategic priorities and resources to Asia, the effort to account for
China’s rise and refashion traditional alliances, and the need to build
new partnerships and strengthen multilateral institutions in Asia.
Responsible Defense
Directed by Senior Fellow and Senior Advisor LTG David W. Barno, USA
(Ret.) with Senior Fellow Dr. Nora Bensahel, the Responsible Defense
team conducts analysis and crafts recommendations for senior
policymakers on how to best ensure the nation’s security in a climate of
shrinking budgets and changing global threats. The team also addresses
the underlying structural reform necessary to put the Defense
Department on a sustainable path and examines the challenges to
American’s position of technological dominance in the military arena
posed by the diffusion of advanced technology.
Energy, Environment and Security
The Energy, Environment and Security (EES) research program, which is
led by Senior Fellow Elizabeth Rosenberg, analyzes the implications of a
changing global energy landscape and the national security
opportunities and challenges it presents. From the national security
implications of shifting energy market dynamics to the role of a
changing natural environment in shaping security considerations, the EES
team develops practical strategies to help decision makers anticipate,
shape and respond to these security challenges.
Middle East Security
Despite the desire to “rebalance” American foreign and defense policy
towards Asia and the departure of U.S. forces from Iraq and (soon)
Afghanistan, the Middle East continues to be an important focus of U.S.
national security policy. Given the continued need for U.S. military,
diplomatic, and economic engagement with the region, the Middle East
Security team, under the direction of Senior Fellow Dr. Colin Kahl,
provides in-depth and innovative analysis and solutions to ongoing
national security challenges, including Iranian nuclearization, the
Syrian conflict, Iraq, and the implications of the democratic movements
and unrest sweeping across the region.
Military, Veterans, and Society
The Military, Veterans, and Society (MVS) program addresses the issues
facing America’s service members, veterans, and military families.
Senior Fellow Phillip Carter leads this unique research program, which
focuses on such issues as the long-term trends within the veterans and
military population, the future of the All-Volunteer Force, and
civil-military relations. The MVS program provides ideas and
recommendations to inform and guide public, private and nonprofit
activity supporting the veterans and military community.
Technology and National Security
Senior Fellow Ben FitzGerald heads a growing team exploring the nexus
of strategy, technology and business. The Technology and National
Security program offers solutions that take advantage of opportunities
and mitigate risks connected to rapid technological development. The
program aims to provide realistic analysis and recommendations to both
the public and private sector to guide national security policy and
business practices in a manner that best maintains the U.S.
technological advantage.
Strategy and Statecraft
In January 2014, CNAS will inaugurate a new Strategy and Statecraft
research program, aimed at renewing and elevating the debate on
America’s unique role in the world and the best way to defend and
promote U.S. national security interests in a smart, sustainable way.
With the foreign policy consensus in the United States crumbling, and
with many questioning whether the United States requires a strong,
forward-engaged diplomatic, development, and defense posture, this
program will help guide analysts and policymakers to the key questions
and hard choices that will truly matter in the years ahead.
Here is a recent Think Tank Watch post on the recent shakeup on the CNAS Board of Directors.
In the recently released University of Pennsylvania think tank rankings,
CNAS was ranked as the 14th best think tank in the US. It was also
ranked as the 24th best security and international affairs think tank in
the world. It was ranked 25th in the world in terms of think tanks
having the most significant impact on public policy.
