Institute for the Study of War

A think tank focused on providing information and analysis about war and conflict, the Institute for the Study of War conducts research, publishes reports, and offers strategic insights into military operations and policy.

CCI Score

0.62

April 18

Latest Event

ISW Critiques Authoritarian Information Suppression

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) highlighted that President Putin faces an 'authoritarian’s dilemma' as his regime’s own censorship hampers access to accurate military information. The think tank emphasized the constructive role of independent milbloggers in countering state-controlled narratives, thereby fostering transparency and democratic oversight.

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OBJECTOR

Institute for the Study of War is currently rated as an Objector.

0 to +9 CCI Score

These companies deliberately avoid direct involvement with authoritarian practices. While they do not actively challenge oppressive regimes, they maintain a neutral stance to ensure they are not complicit in supporting such systems.

Latest Events

FEB

05

2024

ISW Critiques Authoritarian Information Suppression
62.07

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) highlighted that President Putin faces an 'authoritarian’s dilemma' as his regime’s own censorship hampers access to accurate military information. The think tank emphasized the constructive role of independent milbloggers in countering state-controlled narratives, thereby fostering transparency and democratic oversight.
+70

Public and Political Behavior

April 1

ISW’s analysis directly challenges the authoritarian practices of information suppression by the Russian regime. By exposing the deliberate concealment of military failures and endorsing independent critical voices (milbloggers), ISW supports democratic accountability and transparency, which are vital in resisting authoritarian control.

Putin Facing 'Authoritarian's Dilemma'
JUN

12

2022

ISW’s Role in Biased American Propaganda and Defense Industrial Complex Influence
-27.06

The article critiques the Institute for the Study of War for its consistently biased reporting and subtle propaganda that favors robust military spending. It highlights how ISW’s analyses downplay negative news regarding Russian military actions while emphasizing favorable narratives for Ukraine. The organization’s close connections with defense contractors raise concerns about its role in perpetuating and normalizing a militaristic and pro-defense industrial complex stance.
-40

Public and Political Behavior

April 1

ISW’s daily analyses and battlefield updates have a noticeable bias that serves to prop up pro-military narratives and deflect negative news. This promotion of a skewed narrative bolsters support for aggressive military policies, aligning with neoconservative and defense industry agendas, which is problematic from an anti-fascist perspective.

A case study in American propaganda | Responsible Statecraft
-30

Economic and Structural Influence

April 1

ISW’s funding ties with defense contractors such as General Dynamics, Raytheon, and others, and its close advisory relationships with influential military leaders, embed it structurally within a system that profits from militarism. This economic collaboration reinforces entrenched power structures that support aggressive foreign policies.

A case study in American propaganda | Responsible Statecraft
APR

07

2017

Approval of Military Action in Syria
-17.91

In 2017, ISW analyst Christopher Kozak publicly praised President Donald Trump for the Shayrat missile strike in Syria and advocated for further military action, reflecting a consistent endorsement of aggressive intervention tactics.
-40

Public and Political Behavior

April 1

The public commendation of a military strike and the call for additional actions signal a clear support for aggressive, interventionist policies. Such actions contribute to a militarized approach to foreign policy, which can undermine democratic diplomacy and foster authoritarian practices.

Institute for the Study of War - Wikipedia
JAN

01

2013

Hawkish Policy Recommendations on Syrian Conflict
-14.61

In 2013, ISW founder Kimberly Kagan called for supplying arms and equipment to 'moderate' rebels in Syria, advocating for an aggressive intervention strategy aimed at establishing a US‐friendly state after Assad's rule. This stance reflects a hawkish policy that aligns with neoconservative, interventionist ideologies.
-50

Public and Political Behavior

April 1

The recommendation to arm Syrian rebels in hopes of toppling a regime aligns with policies that promote aggressive military intervention. Such hawkish stances risk exacerbating conflict and paving the way for authoritarian practices post-conflict. From an anti-fascist perspective, endorsing military aggression over diplomatic solutions is deeply problematic.

Institute for the Study of War - Wikipedia