Programs

NSIC was among the first in the early 1990s to identify the rise of armed groups, extremist ideologies, and fragile new states as major security challenges. This included documenting the traction that Islamic extremism was gaining in the Middle East, South Asia, North Africa, and in enclaves in Europe. These developments were not widely recognized at the time, nor were they high on the security agenda.

Fostering Effective Security Practices and the Rule of Law

NSIC’s research on armed groups and violence-oriented ideologies led it to develop methods to manage these challenges. This has evolved into two related projects.

  • Culture of Lawfulness Project: NSIC has devised innovative methods to foster the societal support to strengthen the institutions and personnel charged with upholding the rule of law. NSIC is playing a catalytic role with governments, international organizations, and NGOs from the Americas to the Arab Middle East to improve the security and change the quality of life in their countries.
  • Adapting America’s Security Paradigm and Capabilities: NSIC is utilizing capability-based analysis to identify and fill gaps in the tool kits of the U.S. and struggling democracies around the world in the areas of strategic communication; intelligence; and stability, security, and the rule of law to address persistent 21st century challenges.