Departments

National Security and International Policy

Advancing progressive national security policies that are grounded in respect for democratic values: accountability, rule of law, and human rights.

Representatives of the U.N. Security Council members raise their hands to vote in favor of a draft resolution at the U.N. headquarters in New York, September 30, 2021. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

What We're Doing

Defending democracy

Democracies around the globe—including our own—face threats not seen in generations. We work to bolster the guardrails of democracy around the world, strengthening the rule of law and accountability, and in so doing, we add our voice to the chorus pushing against authoritarian forms of government.

Revitalizing diplomacy

The United States’ most enduring advantage is our network of alliances. Alliances and relationships are increasingly important components of U.S. national power, furthering economic, security, and humanitarian aims. We develop and support approaches for revitalizing diplomacy to further U.S. engagement in improving lives at home and around the world.

Putting climate at the center of U.S. foreign policy

Climate change threatens global security, stability, and humanity, bringing sweeping changes to our world. We are working to center climate in our international efforts and policies by transforming strategy, culture, and budgets; outlining collective responses; and defining new bilateral and multilateral alliances that can advance collective solutions to these urgent problems confronting the country and the world.

Redefining American security in today’s threat environment

Many of today’s most foreseeable threats are those that affect daily life and prospects for prosperity: COVID-19, climate change, systemic inequality, racism, and global disinformation aimed at undermining rights and democratic practices. We are working to reconceptualize what national security means in the 21st century and how U.S. national security institutions and foreign policy priorities can adapt to protect Americans and safeguard human security for all.

The National Security and International Policy department advances progressive national security policies that are grounded in respect for democratic values: accountability, rule of law, and human rights.

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Featured work

Latest

Compact View

Uniformed Disservice: How Trump’s Agenda Harms Veterans and Service Members Past Event

Uniformed Disservice: How Trump’s Agenda Harms Veterans and Service Members

Please join the Center for American Progress for the latest installment in a series of virtual events highlighting the impact that DOGE’s cuts are having on the lives of everyday Americans: a discussion about the burdens the Trump administration’s failed policies are placing upon American veterans and service members.

Online via Zoom

Fact Sheet: Trump’s Rescission Request Would Slash Spending on Foreign Assistance Programs That Benefit American Interests Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet: Trump’s Rescission Request Would Slash Spending on Foreign Assistance Programs That Benefit American Interests

The Trump administration’s FY 2025 rescission package would eliminate more than $8 billion in investments critical to global health, stability, and democracy while the administration increases spending in areas that bring little benefit to the American people.

Laura Kilbury

The Trump Administration’s Reckless Strikes in Iran Raise More Questions Than Answers Article
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

The Trump Administration’s Reckless Strikes in Iran Raise More Questions Than Answers

Amid a tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Iran, the ultimate consequences of President Trump’s military intervention in Iran remain unknown but are potentially deeply damaging to U.S. interests. Congress should exert its authority to prevent the president from drawing the United States further into conflict in the future.

America Is on the Verge of Catastrophe in the Middle East In the News

America Is on the Verge of Catastrophe in the Middle East

In an op-ed published by Foreign Affairs, Andrew Miller argues that by joining Israel’s campaign against Iran, the United States has made a sustainable long-term solution less attainable.

Foreign Affairs

Andrew Miller

Point: America’s Law-and-Order Problem Is Donald Trump In the News

Point: America’s Law-and-Order Problem Is Donald Trump

In an op-ed published by Inside Sources, Damian Murphy argues that President Donald Trump's deployment of federal forces against protestors mirrors the actions of authoritarian regimes around the world.

Inside Sources

Damian Murphy

America’s Role in the World: The Value of Leadership and Alliance Past Event

America’s Role in the World: The Value of Leadership and Alliance

Join us for a conversation with Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) as part of CAP’s “What’s Next: Conversations on the Path Forward” series.

Center for American Progress and online via Zoom

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