Defense security cooperation university research grants: arms, influence, both, or neither? How defense production shapes international order

The International Institute for Strategic Studies – U.S. (IISS-Americas) received a $387,388 Project Grant from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) under the Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) Sponsored Research program (CFDA 12.024), awarded August 1, 2025, with a completion date of July 31, 2026. The award funds research addressing the topic "Arms, Influence, Both, or Neither? How Defense Production Shapes International Order," which examines the relationship between defense production capabilities and their influence on international security dynamics and international order.

Under this one-year project grant, IISS-Americas will conduct evidence-based, theory-driven research designed to advance knowledge and practice in security cooperation. The research will generate actionable insights, lessons learned, and scholarly analysis addressing high-priority knowledge gaps in the security cooperation domain. All research products will be unclassified and publicly accessible, with findings disseminated through conferences, seminars, and other mechanisms to inform policymakers and the security cooperation workforce. The project must demonstrate technical merit, relevance to DSCU research priorities, and feasibility of completion within the proposed timeframe and budget constraints.