For almost three decades, CSBA has been a reliable source of independent, path-breaking research focused on the future of defense. Its non-partisan strategic and budgetary assessments have earned it the respect and trust of military leaders, policymakers across administrations, Congress, the media, and the general public. CSBA’s research on the most pressing issues in US national security continues to shape the defense agenda.

CSBA employs a variety of tools in its research, including historical case studies, scenarios, and seminar-style planning exercises and wargames to anticipate emerging security challenges and develop strategic, operational and capability options. In particular, CSBA employs net assessment, a strategic planning methodology developed by Andrew W. Marshall for the Department of Defense, to evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of opponents and identify sources of proximate and enduring competitive advantage.

CSBA’s research focuses on four main areas: