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ISW is a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy research organization that advances an informed understanding of military affairs through reliable research, trusted analysis, and innovative education.

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Russia & Ukraine

Russian Partial Battlefield Air Interdiction Enabled Recent Russian Advances in Pokrovsk 

Executive Summary Russian advances in Pokrovsk resulted not from a sudden breakthrough but rather from months of dedicated battlefield shaping. …

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Middle East

The New Syrian Army: Order of Battle

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Contemporary & Future WarRussia & Ukraine

The Russian Military: Forecasting The Threat

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Middle East

Post-Iraqi Election Disunity Among Iranian-backed Parties Could Threaten Their Influence in Iraq 

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Russia & Ukraine

Seizing the Initiative against Russia: Putting the United States in Control

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Russian Efforts to Centralize Drone Units May Degrade Russian Drone Operations

The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) launched a coordinated effort in August 2024 to create a centralized separate branch…

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Israel is Defeating Hamas, But Destroying Hamas Will Require a Post-War Vision

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North Korea Joins Russia’s War Against Ukraine: Operational and Strategic Implications in Ukraine and Northeast Asia

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A Defense of Taiwan with Ukrainian Characteristics: Lessons from the war in Ukraine for the Western Pacific

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Ukraine and the Problem of Restoring Maneuver in Contemporary War

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Middle East

Iran & ProxiesIraqSyria

Iran Update, November 20, 2025

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INSTITUTE FOR THE

STUDY OF WAR

The Institute for the Study of War advances an informed understanding of military affairs through reliable research, trusted analysis, and innovative education. We are committed to improving the nation’s ability to execute military operations and respond to emerging threats in order to achieve U.S. strategic objectives.

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David H. Petraeus Center for

Emerging leaders

The Petraeus Center selects, develops, and launches emerging national security leaders.

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General Jack Keane Center for

National Security

The Keane Center produces open-source intelligence on ongoing conflicts, issues early warnings, proposes policy options, and identifies strategic risks and opportunities for the United States and its allies.

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