The IWC prepares the warfighter to conduct irregular warfare across the spectrum of conflict by bridging instruction to operationalizing IW using next-generation techniques and concepts that enhance the lethality of the force and positions the United States and key Allies and partners to remain ahead of the threat.
In alignment with Department of Defense (DoD) Instruction 5400.17 and recent Executive Orders issued by the President, the Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) has reviewed and adjusted its social media content and publications to ensure compliance with DoD policies and priorities. As a result, certain posts have been removed, are in a process of being removed or modified to maintain consistency with federal guidance and uphold the integrity of our official communication channels. The IWC remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and adherence to DoD directives while continuing to engage with our community in a manner that reflects our core values. For any questions regarding social media or publication policies, please refer to official DoD guidance available at https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4079501/pentagon-releases-digital-content-refresh-memorandum/
We invite you to check out our new Irregular Warfare Center milestone highlight reel showcasing some of our significant initiatives, engagements and accomplishments since standing up officially in October 2022.
Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) is extremely proud to announce the Center will assume publishing duties and responsibilities of PRISM: The Journal of Complex Operations, effective Sept. 3, 2024.
The IWC’s staff is composed of experienced combat veterans who understand what is necessary to fight and win. Their knowledge is enhanced by the Center’s distinguished academics who provide in-depth, timely, and relevant analytical support to accomplish the Department’s mission. The combination of warfighting experience and intellectual forethought is novel within the government and continuously provides innovative solutions to the most complex challenges.
The Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) successfully hosted its second annual Symposium on Total Defense from March 26–27, 2025, at the Sheraton Pentagon City in Arlington, Va. The two-day event brought together more than 300 attendees from across the U.S. government, military, academia, industry, and international partners from 17 nations. Participants traveled from across the globe, ...
Read MoreThe Department of Defense (DoD)’s Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) will host the African Conceptualization of Irregular Warfare Workshop on April...
The Department of Defense (DoD)’s Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) is scheduled to host itssecond annual Symposium, focusing on Total Defense...
The Department of Defense (DoD)’s Irregular Warfare Center (IWC), in partnership with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense...
A course to develop select senior US Government leaders from across the departments and agencies to collectively understand and apply irregular warfare as both a tool of US policy (including policy design and implementation via the execution of strategies and campaigns), as well as its uses by near-peer adversaries against the US.
Call for Papers
Pursuant to its mandate to facilitate research on irregular warfare (IW) and strategic competition, and engage with U.S. and international universities, the Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) is pleased to invite proposals for the third annual Irregular Warfare Colloquium, to be held in the Washington, D.C. area on September 24-25, 2025.
The IWC operates to transform the global, strategic mindset by coupling conventional combat power with robust IW methodologies to provide options in support of the nation’s warfighters, protecting the homeland, and deterring China. The IWC serves as the central mechanism for developing the Department of Defense’s (DoD) IW knowledge and advancing the department’s understanding of IW concepts and doctrine in collaboration with key allies and partners.
The Center has developed this selective colloquium aimed at building a strong cohort of 12-14 junior scholars working on IW-related projects and connecting them with senior scholars and practitioners in the field.
Presenters selected for participation in the colloquium will be placed in small groups with presenters from other academic institutions who share similar research interests and complementary capabilities. Attendees will be expected to give a brief presentation of their research—whether completed or in-progress—to serve as the basis for peer discussions and planning for further research.
This colloquium will focus on Defending the Homeland and Deterring China in the Indo Pacific. Themes of particular interest to the Center for this colloquium include deterrence; hybrid threats to the homeland; cyber operations; information and influence operations; proxy warfare; and sustainment in a contested environment as they relate to INDOPACOM and Homeland Defense. Nominees should propose topics that explore one or more of these themes and explain how their research may enhance the ability of the United States, its allies, and its partners, to address the challenges posed by irregular warfare.
Graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty are invited to submit proposals. Participation is open to students and faculty from both U.S. and international colleges and universities.
Proposals should include a CV and a 200-word maximum abstract outlining the project and its contributions to the study of IW. Proposals received by May 22, 2025, will receive full consideration, with decisions to be announced in June.
Please email proposals for consideration to the below email address: publication@irregularwarfarecenter.org
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