Center on Military and Political Power

The Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) promotes understanding of the defense strategies, policies, and capabilities necessary to deter and defeat threats to the freedom, security, and prosperity of Americans and our allies by providing rigorous, timely, and relevant research and analysis.

Since 9/11, Congress and administrations from both parties have not provided the Department of Defense (DoD) the timely, predictable, and sufficient funding required to support ongoing operations, maintain readiness, and modernize forces.

As a result, U.S. military superiority has deteriorated or vanished in key defense capabilities, and the balance of power in strategic locations such as the Middle East, eastern Europe, and the western Pacific has shifted in a way that emboldens determined and often unscrupulous enemies, adversaries, and rivals.

These developments endanger our vital interests, undermine deterrence, invite aggression, and increase the likelihood of military conflict in which our enemies could impose tremendous costs and defeat the United States. In short, the ability of the United States and our allies to defend ourselves and our interests is in doubt, and we must act urgently.

To inform and catalyze this urgent action, CMPP focuses on defense policy and strategy, augmenting and integrating FDD’s existing expertise in sanctions, illicit finance, and cyber warfare, as well as FDD’s ongoing lines of effort related to Middle East regional security and terrorism.

While great power competition has returned with a vengeance, the threat from Islamist terrorism will not dissipate anytime soon. Accordingly, CMPP features one of FDD’s long-standing premier projects: FDD’s Long War Journal, which provides provides accurate reporting and analysis of ongoing efforts to address jihadism, conflicts between state and non-state actors, and warfare between states. CMPP also features professional development and research opportunities for active duty military personnel, including FDD’s National Security Fellows Program.

Lieutenant General (Ret.) H.R. McMaster, the 26th U.S. National Security Advisor, is the Chairman of CMPP’s Board of Advisors. CMPP’s Board of Advisors includes former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, former Senator Kelly Ayotte, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Edward C. Cardon, Ambassador Eric Edelman, Dr. David Kilcullen, Dr. Samantha Ravich, and John Hannah.

CMPP is led by Senior Director Bradley Bowman. Key CMPP staff also include Research Fellow Dr. Lydia LaFavor, Senior Research Analyst Ryan Brobst, and Research Analyst Cameron McMillan.

CMPP is one of FDD’s centers on American power, which also include FDD’s Center on Economic and Financial Power and FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation.