Center for a New American Security - CNAS

05/01/2026

The United States and China dominate the frontier of artificial intelligence, with control of roughly 90 percent of global computing power and ownership of all 50 of the world’s top foundation models. Alarmed by this concentration of AI power, governments worldwide are investing billions to develop domestic capabilities under the banner of “sovereign AI.”

But what does sovereign AI look like in practice? To answer, the CNAS Sovereign AI Index tracks 140 government-backed AI initiatives across more than 50 countries, mapping how countries are pursuing AI sovereignty.

🔎 Explore key findings from authors Pablo Chavez, Ruby Scanlon, and Vivek Chilukuri and find the full index in our bio

04/30/2026

CNAS hosted a fantastic conversation with Chris Pilkerton, Assistant Secretary for Investment Security of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. He and Emily Kilcrease dove into how Treasury hopes to strengthen and streamline investment security programs, key CFIUS initiatives, and the program’s role in broader trade and foreign policy.

🎥 Watch the entire event at the link in our bio

12/05/2025

The DoD is increasingly stuck in a cycle of investing in the testing and development of advanced systems that too often fail to deliver capabilities at the level of effectiveness or scale required to deter, or if necessary, defeat, China’s military.

With a rapidly modernizing PLA and the persistent threat from Russia, the United States now faces a generational inflection point in how it approaches its defense investments.

Carlton Haelig and Philip Sheers in their new report argue that the U.S. should prioritize procuring existing capabilities that close near-term deterrence gaps alongside rebalancing its investments in long-term modernization.

10/08/2025

AI’s cyber capabilities are improving rapidly, with no sign of slowing.

So far, AI has likely helped defenders overall—but it’s not assured.

Report author Caleb Withers explores how emerging AI capabilities could shift the cyber offense-defense balance—and what policymakers should do to shape it.

Check out the full report in our bio 👉

07/25/2025

For decades, the U.S.-invented GPS has served as the backbone of the world’s positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), but the system’s inherent vulnerabilities have come into stark relief as adversaries increasingly jam and spoof its weak signals and build weapons to take down its satellites.

A new report from CNAS by Constanza M. Vidal Bustamante explores how in the face of rising threats to traditional PNT, quantum sensors offer a compelling alternative.

Read the full report 👉 https://www.cnas.org/publications/reports/atomic-advantage

07/23/2025

Researchers from across CNAS dissect the recently released AI Action Plan from the Trump administration.

Experts make in-line comments on the most notable statements on the administration's goal to maintain U.S.-led global technological dominance.

Read more in the latest Noteworthy 📝 with contributions from Vivek Chilukuri, Emily Kilcrease, Janet Egan, Geoffrey Gertz, Sam Howell, Caleb Withers, Michael Depp, Ruby Scanlon, and Morgan Peirce.

Developing strong, pragmatic and principled national security and defense policies.

07/17/2025

Are you, or someone you know, interested in learning how to turn complex policy ideas into engaging content for a variety of audiences?

CNAS is hiring an intern to join their fast-paced (and fun) communications team! All internships are paid, full-time positions with the opportunity to learn career development skills, network building, and how think tanks engage with the wider policy community here in D.C.

Follow the instructions on how to apply in the link below. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is accepting applications for its Joseph S. National Security Internship aims to follow Dr. Selected interns…

07/04/2025

All of us at the Center for a New American Security wish you and yours a happy and healthy Fourth of July.

06/17/2025

The CNAS Development Team (fundraising) is seeking a full-time, in-person intern for a 6-month position with a monthly stipend of $1,900.

This internship is a great opportunity to build skills in program coordination, event planning, and fundraising, while gaining firsthand exposure to leading-edge policy work. Strong candidates will have experience working in an office, professional communication skills, excellent attention to detail, a can-do attitude, and a keen interest to learn more about non-profit fundraising and national security.

Apply by July 18 to be considered!

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) established its flagship internship and mentoring program in honor of Dr. Joseph S. Nye, Jr., who has devoted his career to the preparation and mentoring of generations of Americans and global strategists. The Joseph S. Nye, Jr. National Security Intern

06/10/2025

This week’s deployment of National Guard personnel to Los Angeles, California, in the wake of protest activity raises important questions about the role of the military in domestic law enforcement, the legal framework for the National Guard, and the possibility of a constitutional showdown between a governor and the president over the use of the National Guard. The CNAS Securing U.S. Democracy Initiative has been exploring the intersection of federalism and national security.

Join CNAS on Thursday, June 12, at 11:00 a.m. ET for a conversation with CNAS Senior Fellow Carrie Cordero who will be joined by Professor Claire Finkelstein, director of the Center for Ethics and Rule of Law at the University of Pennsylvania, and Professor Mark Nevitt of Emory University School of Law to provide insight into this week’s events and the broader statutory and constitutional implications.

Register at the link in our bio