Modern War Institute

Modern War Institute
Name	Modern War Institute
Formation	2015
Type	Research institute
Headquarters	West Point, New York
Parent organization	United States Military Academy
Key people	Liam Collins, John A. Nagl
Website	https://mwi.usma.edu/

Modern War Institute. The Modern War Institute is a research center at the United States Military Academy at West Point dedicated to the study of contemporary and future conflict. Established in 2015, it serves as a bridge between the United States Army, the broader Department of Defense, and the academic community. The institute focuses on analyzing evolving threats and developing innovative solutions for the United States Armed Forces.

History

The institute was founded in 2015 under the leadership of then-Brigadier General Timothy E. Trainor, the Dean of the Academic Board at West Point. Its creation was driven by a recognized need for a dedicated center at the United States Military Academy to examine the rapidly changing character of warfare in the 21st century. Key early figures included John A. Nagl, a noted counterinsurgency scholar and former Headmaster of The Haverford School, who helped shape its initial direction. The institute quickly established itself as a hub for critical dialogue on issues ranging from hybrid warfare and cyberwarfare to the strategic challenges posed by competitors like Russia and the People's Liberation Army.

Mission and focus

The primary mission is to study the changing character of conflict and develop the people, ideas, and networks that will advance the security of the United States. Its research focus is deliberately broad, encompassing both traditional and emerging domains of warfare. Core areas of analysis include irregular warfare, urban warfare, the impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and unmanned systems, and the evolving roles of special operations forces. The institute also examines the ethical, legal, and strategic dimensions of modern combat, often through the lens of historical case studies from conflicts like the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War.

Publications and research

The institute produces a wide array of publications that disseminate research and analysis to military professionals, policymakers, and scholars. Its flagship output is the Modern War Institute podcast, which features interviews with experts like H. R. McMaster and David Petraeus. It regularly publishes long-form articles, commentary, and policy papers on its website, covering topics from the Battle of Mosul to information warfare tactics. The institute's scholars also contribute to major outlets like War on the Rocks and The Strategy Bridge, and its research often informs curriculum development at the United States Military Academy and discussions within the Pentagon.

Educational programs

Educational outreach is a central pillar, directly supporting the development of future Army leaders. The institute runs the Modern War Institute Fellowship for select West Point cadets, providing them with hands-on research experience. It hosts an annual Student Conference on United States Affairs at West Point, bringing together cadets and students from civilian universities like Georgetown University and Harvard University. The institute also conducts workshops, wargames, and speaker series that feature prominent figures from the Central Intelligence Agency, United States Special Operations Command, and academia, integrating these events into the broader academic life of the United States Military Academy.

Leadership and organization

The institute is led by a Director and a team of senior fellows and research staff, many of whom are veteran military officers and scholars. The founding Director was John A. Nagl, who was succeeded by Liam Collins, a former United States Army Special Forces officer with extensive experience in Afghanistan and Iraq. The organization operates under the oversight of the USMA's Department of Military Instruction and maintains close collaborative ties with other entities at West Point, such as the Combined Arms Center. Its advisory board includes retired generals and respected academics who guide its strategic priorities.

Impact and recognition

Through its publications, events, and direct engagement with the United States Army, the institute has established a significant voice in contemporary defense discourse. Its analyses are frequently cited in professional military education circles, including at the United States Army War College and the Naval War College. The institute's work on topics like great power competition with China and Russia, the future of NATO, and counterterrorism strategy following the War against the Islamic State contributes to ongoing policy debates within the Department of Defense. It is recognized as a key intellectual asset of the United States Military Academy, helping to prepare the United States Armed Forces for complex global security challenges.

Category:Research institutes in the United States Category:United States Military Academy Category:Military think tanks based in the United States Category:Organizations established in 2015