The International Affairs Group (IAG) provides innovative and timely in-depth research and independent analysis across a wide range of security and political-military issues throughout the world. This team, led by Dr. Eric Thompson, offers expertise across a variety of issues, including:
- Building partner capacity
- Leadership analysis
- Counterterrorism
- Interagency and NGO integration
- Maritime security operations
- Coalition integration and interoperability
- Understanding political, social, and cultural factors
- Force structure and deployment issues
- Shaping and influence
Recent IAG studies include building maritime capacity in the Gulf of Guinea, the Mediterranean, and the Persian Gulf; Iranian negotiating strategies; the North Korean leadership; and strategic communications in the war on terror.
About Us
IAG research and analysis regularly employs primary sources and is informed by our analysts' years of in-country experience, a deep understanding of local perspectives, and in-house language expertise, including Arabic, Russian, French, and Persian. IAG is also home to a team of Middle East specialists, including Project Iran, which conducts studies on issues relevant to this critical region of the world.
IAG analysts have conducted research and deployed to military operations in all of the major theaters of operation. Our unique relationship with the Navy and Marine Corps has allowed us to develop singular insight into military command decision-making processes and given IAG analysts first-hand access to problems and solutions at the operational level through CNA’s renowned field program. Recently, IAG analysts have held positions at military commands around the world, including aboard the Africa Partnership Stations in the Gulf of Guinea.
The IAG approach to complex issues is characterized by rigorous methodology, a heavy reliance on primary sources, and the unmatched operational and policy expertise of our analysts.