The Irregular Warfare Initiative mission is to bridge the gap between scholars and practitioners to support the community of irregular warfare professionals. It does this through the aggressive pursuit of three strategic objectives:
- Build the Irregular Warfare Community
- Drive public dialogue on the role of irregular warfare in national security
- Invest in irregular warfare leaders (from across public and private sectors)
The Irregular Warfare Initiative is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a global footprint. The IWI mission and strategic objectives are advanced in close partnership with the Empirical Studies of Conflict Project at Princeton University and the Modern War Institute at West Point.
Content Production
IWI produces biweekly podcasts, thought-provoking essays, peer-reviewed journal articles, and expert panel discussions. This diverse array of content integrates the practical insights of experienced professionals with the rigorous analysis of academic research, fostering substantive dialogue on prevailing topics within irregular warfare.
Engagements
IWI fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange through conferences held throughout the year. These events feature interactive panels and presentations designed to promote dialogue and innovation related to irregular warfare. Beyond the conference, IWI strengthens partnerships with esteemed academic institutions, think tanks, governmental organizations, and the private sector, bringing together diverse perspectives to its community.
Fellows Program
The IWI Fellows Program brings together a distinguished group of scholars, practitioners, and experts from across the global irregular warfare community. This program offers a platform for in-depth study, debate, and collaboration on key irregular warfare topics, leveraging the expertise of fellows and IWI’s partner organizations. Fellows represent a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, professional practices, and regional perspectives, ensuring rich and inclusive contributions to the discourse.
Focus Areas
IWI’s Focus Areas delve into specialized and contemporary areas of irregular warfare. Dedicated teams focus on specific topics or regions related to IW, producing meticulously researched essays, podcast episodes featuring senior experts, and focused panel discussions. These projects provide unparalleled depth and nuanced understanding, enriching the study and practice of irregular warfare.
Strategic Plan 2025–2035: Executive Summary
The Irregular Warfare Initiative (IWI) is committed to bridging the gap between scholars and practitioners to strengthen the irregular warfare community. Our Strategic Plan 2025–2035 outlines our vision for the future—ensuring irregular warfare remains a critical component of national security, fostering a network of professionals, and driving public dialogue through thought leadership.
This executive summary provides a high-level overview of our mission, strategic objectives, and core values as we work to shape policy and practice in an increasingly complex security environment.