Focused on Research & Outcomes
The Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups (CIWAG) is dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of the challenges presented by irregular warfare (IW) and non-state actors, also known as armed groups, in the 21st Century. Additionally, CIWAG facilitates interaction and collaboration between professional military educational institutions, civilian academics and battlefield practitioners.
Our Mission
Click to Open The mission of the CIWAG is fourfold:
- Promote and support research and teaching on irregular warfare and armed groups;
- Facilitate interaction and collaboration between professional military educational institutions, civilian academics and battlefield practitioners;
- Disseminate current analysis via symposia and workshops to provide a forum for dialogue at the Naval War College between U.S. and international practitioners and scholars;
- Expand outreach and networking activities to establish and sustain a community of interest devoted to the study and teaching of irregular warfare and armed groups as well as create case studies.
Operational Objectives
Click to Open The operational objectives for the CIWAG are:
- Promoting collaborative research among scholars and practitioners resulting in panel presentations at major conferences, workshops and seminars as well as published research;
- Expanding the institutions represented at CIWAG workshops and symposia in order to improve the quality of research and exchange on the issue of irregular warfare and armed groups;
- Fostering collaboration and increasing institutional ties between civilian and professional military educational institutions, and between U.S. and international academics and practitioners.
CIWAG Leadership
Our experienced and renowned faculty have years of earned expertise across a wide range of naval and educational topics.
Visit FacultyResearch
Historically referred to as "insurgency," "terrorism," and "counterterrorism," irregular warfare seeks asymmetrical combat approaches used in order to erode an adversary's power, influence, and will to fight. Our research studies the history and tactics of global armed groups in the hopes of meeting the complex challenges while aiding the work of operators, practitioners, and scholars of irregular warfare.
Case Studies
Click to Open About our Case Studies
CIWAG's aim is to make these cutting edge research studies available to various professional curricula that assist professionals preparing to meet the complex challenges of the post-9/11 world, while aiding the work of operators, practitioners, and scholars of irregular warfare.
Irregular Warfare Studies
The Irregular Warfare Studies (IWS) are a collection of case studies that examine the use of irregular warfare strategies by states and nonstate actors to achieve political goals.
IWS Series Maritime Irregular Warfare Studies
The Maritime Irregular Warfare Studies (MIWS) are a collection of case studies geared specifically towards the use of irregular warfare at sea and in a maritime environment.
MIWS Series Reading Lists
Click to Open CIWAG's researchers produce source materials in the form of annotated reading lists for researchers and practitioners on various topics related to the lower end of the spectrum of organized political conflict.
View Reading Lists Request for Research Support
If you are a student or faculty member and would like to visit us to explore our library or discuss an ongoing research project, please fill out a short research support request form and stop by our office in Pringle Hall.
Download FormWorkshops & Conferences
CIWAG hosts periodic symposia at the U.S. Naval War College. The purpose of this event is to focus attention on irregular warfare and bring together scholars and operators in order to stimulate interaction between these two communities.
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