Sep 21, 2022

By Dr. Thomas F. Lynch III, Dr. Todd Greentree, Dr. Conrad Crane

The rapid collapse of Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in August 2021 was widely anticipated and due to its structural constraints and qualitative decline from 2018–21. This article provides a targeted analysis of ANDSF operational liabilities and qualitative limitations, referencing often overlooked statements by US and Afghan political and military officials, data from official US government reports

Sep 20, 2022

By Dr. C. Anthony Pfaff

The special operations community could best address the perceived ethical crisis it faces by professionalizing as an institution. While earlier assessments have attributed special operations forces’ ethical issues to a focus on mission accomplishment that led to a broken force generation process and a high operations tempo, such diagnoses obscure a more comprehensive solution. Using sociologist Andrew Abbott’s work on professions as a framework, this article explores the benefits of building the kinds of institutions that can claim a jurisdiction, develop and certify expert knowledge, and establish and apply a code of ethics that addresses special operations unique concerns so that it builds trust and better serves the American people.

Sep 19, 2022

By Dr. Heather S. Gregg

The remarkable life of early-twentieth-century British adventurer Gertrude Bell has been well documented through her numerous travel books and biographies. Bell’s role as a grand strategist for the British government in the Middle East during World War I and the postwar period, however, is surprisingly understudied.

Sep 14, 2022

By Dr. Arthur I. Cyr

Decisive Point Podcast, Dr. Arthur I. Cyr, leadership, deterrence, Cuba, nuclear weapons, missile crisis

Sep 12, 2022

A newly redesigned Civilian Education System (CES) Foundation Course (FC) is now available.

Sep 10, 2022

Mr. Lyle Adams discusses various aspects of the Civilian Education System (CES) Advanced Course to include student goals, course themes, learning activities, and more.

Sep 3, 2022

By Dr. John Deni, Dr. Craig Nation, Dr. Steve Blank

Earlier this week, the last leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, passed. To discuss his leadership of the Soviet Union’s last years and his legacy today, SSI’s own Dr. Bob Hamilton, former SSI research professor Dr. Steve Blank, and former USAWC professor Dr. Craig Nation sat down with SSI Live host John Deni. How did Gorbachev differ

Sep 2, 2022

By Dr. John Deni, Dr. Heather Gregg

British strategist and diplomat Gertrude Bell shaped the modern Middle East and played a leading role in crafting London’s policies at a time of shifting great power dynamics. In this podcast, Dr. Heather Gregg discusses her monograph on Bell’s life and legacy and the implications for managing strategic competition today. What lessons can be drawn

Aug 31, 2022

By Dr. Roger Cliff

Although the People’s Liberation Army is not yet a global expeditionary force on par with the US military, the former has nevertheless significantly expanded its ability to operate abroad. Through enhanced technological capabilities, robust relationships with foreign militaries, increased access to overseas military bases and dual-use facilities, and the implementation of major structural reforms, the People’s Liberation Army has built a more integrated joint force capable of conducting a wider and more complex array of missions.

Aug 29, 2022

Dr. David Quisenberry, CES Intermediate Course Director, conducted the Oath of Office for two Army Civilian Professionals who graduated from the Intermediate Course class 22-011.

Aug 26, 2022

Download the Full IssueIn Focus From the Editor in Chief Antulio J. Echevarria II Why America’s Army Can’t Win America’s Wars John A. Nagl Sino-Russian Relations and the War in Ukraine Zenel Garcia and Kevin D. ModlinWar and Its Effects Deconstructing the Collapse of Afghanistan National Security and Defense Forces Thomas F. Lynch III Linking

Aug 25, 2022

By COL George Shatzer

In this episode, Colonel George Shatzer focuses on North Korea and the Kim family regime. He reviews Becoming Kim Jong Un: A Former CIA Officer’s Insights into North Korea’s Enigmatic Young Dictator by Jung H. Pak and Rationality in the North Korean Regime: Understanding the Kims’ Strategy of Provocation by David W. Shin and shows how these books might help readers better understand North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-Un and the implications of his actions for US foreign and military policy in the region. The books also provide insights for strategists attempting to plan for security in East Asia.