Source description last updated: 30 May 2023

In brief: The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is a policy think tank based in Washington, D.C. that seeks to inform US military strategy by providing analysis on armed conflicts and security issues. 

Coverage on ecoi.net:

Selected reports, Crisis Updates, Assessments, maps.

Covered twice per week on ecoi.net for countries of priorities A-C.

Mission/Mandate/Objectives:

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) seeks to advance an “informed understanding of military affairs” through research, analysis, and education (ISW website: Mission Statement, undated). Founded in 2007 (ISW website: Who We Are, undated), ISW conducts analysis of current conflicts and security issues (ISW website: Mission Statement, undated) that aims to be “continuous, timely, accurate, and independent” (ISW website: Research, undated). By informing military and civilian decision-makers, journalists, and the wider public through reports and organised events, ISW strives to improve the USA’s ability to conduct military operations and respond to new security threats (ISW website: Mission Statement, undated). Members of ISW’s board include several retired senior US military officials, as well as leading figures from US politics, business, and think tanks (ISW website: Who We Are, undated).

Funding:

ISW is registered in the USA as a non-profit organisation. ISW states that it is entirely funded through contributions from foundations, corporations, and private individuals (ISW website: Research, undated), including membership fees (ISW website: Announcing our new Membership Program, undated). ISW emphasises that it does not accept any funds from governments (ISW website: Our Supporters, undated). In 2020, the most recent year for which financial data are available, ISW’s total revenue reportedly amounted to USD 1,410,184, most of which came from contributions (USD 1,394,112) (Pro Publica website: Nonprofit Explorer; Research Tax-Exempt Organizations – Institute for the Study of War Inc, undated).

Scope of reporting:

Geographic focus: Ukraine, Russian Federation, Afghanistan, Pakistan, MENA region (including Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Türkiye, and the Gulf States)

Thematic focus: armed conflict, security issues (including terrorism)

Methodology:

ISW’s analysis is based on open-source data (ISW Website: Mission Statement, undated), both from primary and secondary sources (ISW website: Research, undated). Analysts also travel to conflict zones to conduct their own assessments (ISW Website: Mission Statement, undated). In order to be able to understand the underlying causes of specific developments, ISW analysts are required to “wholly understand the systems of enemy and friendly forces”, as well as the “population demographics, physical terrain, politics, and history” of the relevant area (ISW website: Research, undated).

Some publications are produced with partner organizations such as the Critical Threats Project (CTP) and the American Enterprise Institute (AEI).

Language of publication:

English

Further reading / links:

Taylor, T.: TRISTEN TAYLOR: Neoconservatism and the Institute for the Study of War, 27 October 2022 (available at BusinessLIVE)
https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/2022-10-27-tristen-taylor-neoconservatism-and-the-institute-for-the-study-of-war/

 

All links accessed 10 May 2023.