What is Irregular Warfare?
Irregular warfare (IW) is a form of conflict in which state and non-state actors seek to coerce, undermine, or influence others through indirect, asymmetric, or non-attributable means—often in concert with or as an alternative to conventional military operations. Rather than aiming for physical dominance, IW often seeks to impose dilemmas, increase risk, and raise costs for adversaries to gain strategic advantage.
Our Mission
The Irregular Warfare Initiative (IWI) exists to advance the study, practice, and integration of irregular warfare into modern national security thinking. In partnership with the Empirical Studies of Conflict Project at Princeton University and the Modern War Institute at West Point, we serve as a collaborative hub for thought leadership and professional engagement.
— Content Production
We publish podcasts, articles, peer-reviewed research, and expert panels that bridge operational insight with academic analysis, shaping meaningful dialogue across the field.
— Engagements
IWI convenes an annual conference in partnership with ESOC, and works year-round with universities, think tanks, governments, and private-sector actors to foster exchange across disciplines and institutions.
— Fellows Program
Our Fellows are a global community of scholars and practitioners working at the frontiers of IW. Through collaborative research and discourse, they bring depth, diversity, and expertise to our mission.
— Focus Areas
Dedicated teams explore specific IW themes, producing deep-dive content and expert-driven events to advance knowledge and debate.
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No open position for you? If you resonate with our mission and think your profile would be a great fit, submit a general application here.
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The Irregular Warfare Initiative is a high-impact, high-performing team working to advance national security through better thinking on irregular conflict. Volunteering 4 to 6 hours per week here gives you the chance to contribute to a mission that matters while sharpening your skills and expanding your professional network.