Russia has occupied about 20 percent of Ukraine for over four years. In this video, ISW National Security Fellow Karolina Hird explains Russia’s campaign to repopulate occupied areas of Ukraine wit...
Ukraine’s intermediate-range strike campaign has undermined logistics in Russia’s operational rear. ISW’s Kateryna Stepanenko and George Barros explain how Ukraine reintroduced elements of mechaniz...
ISW's Russia Deputy Team Lead Christina Harward spoke to France 24 about Ukraine regaining territory while Russian advances slowed down in recent months.
Read more on ISW's website: https://under...
Russia's war in Ukraine has entered a new phase. In their CNN interview with Jim Sciutto, ISW's Kateryna Stepanenko and George Barros discuss their recent special report, "Ukraine’s Intermediate-Ra...
Ukraine continues to hold the frontline four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion. The cornerstone of a militarily defensible frontline in eastern Ukraine is its Fortress Belt, a concentration o...
As we close the year, ISW’s analysts wanted to share a simple message: thank you.
Throughout 2025, our team worked to deliver independent, data-driven analysis during some of the most consequenti...
China’s cognitive warfare, gray-zone tactics, and regional coercion campaigns grew more sophisticated in 2025. In this video, ISW’s China Team reflects on why the China-Taiwan relationship is one o...
ISW’s Mason Clark shares how the Defense of Europe Project is shaping U.S. and allied understanding of Russian military capabilities—and why the human impact of ISW’s analysis matters as much as it...
Understanding modern conflict means understanding information warfare. ISW's Cognitive Warfare Task Force exposes the adversary narratives and influence operations that shape how the world understa...
Behind every map, assessment, and briefing, a dedicated team of ISW analysts is working 362 days a year to ensure independent, timely analysis remains accessible to the public. These analysts — who...
Maps are more than visuals—they’re tools for understanding strategy, risk, and opportunity. ISW’s mapping provides trusted ground truth when accuracy matters most.
Go behind the map with Deputy T...
In 2025, ISW’s independent, data-driven analysis shaped how policymakers and the public understood some of the most consequential conflicts of our time — from Ukraine’s defense and Russia’s campaig...
Follow the front line as it shifts.
Our redesigned map experience makes it easier to find and view ISW’s world-class maps. In ISW’s new Map Room, you can now view territorial changes over time thr...
Looking for a specific actor, date, or report?
The new UnderstandingWar.org includes a searchable, filterable research library that helps you move from question to insight — quickly. Now, you can...
Find what you need — faster.
ISW’s new site better organizes our full library of analysis, maps, and daily updates so you can explore ISW insights by conflict region, topic, date range, and much m...
The reimagined UnderstandingWar.org improves how users access and interact with independent conflict analysis.
In this short video, you’ll see how our new platform enables:
Faster access to team ...
While Russia’s campaign for the key logistics and transportation hub of Pokrovsk is far from over, the tactical tide seems to be turning in favor of Ukrainian defenders.
Geospatial Researcher Harr...
The United States is currently withholding vital assistance to Ukraine as part of a strategy to pressure Kyiv into peace negotiations with the Kremlin.
Russia Analyst Angelica Evans details how U...
After completing the Hertog War Studies Program (HWSP), students have the opportunity to participate on the Advanced War Studies Program. The Advanced War Studies Program builds upon alumni’s knowl...
Hertog War Studies Program (HWSP) Alum Billy Wade reflects on his experience from the Fall 2024 Advanced War Studies Program, when HWSP alumni travelled to London and Normandy to analyze the D-Day ...