Center on Irregular Warfare & Armed Groups

Established in 2008 at the U.S. Naval War College, our goal at the Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups is to promote and support research and pursue the study of contemporary irregular warfare and non-state actors.

CIWAG Program Manager

Focused on Research & Outcomes

The Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups (CIWAG) is dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of the challenges presented by irregular warfare (IW) and non-state actors, also known as armed groups, in the 21st Century. Additionally, CIWAG facilitates interaction and collaboration between professional military educational institutions, civilian academics and battlefield practitioners.

Our Mission

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Operational Objectives

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CIWAG Leadership

Our experienced and renowned faculty have years of earned expertise across a wide range of naval and educational topics.

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Research

Historically referred to as "insurgency," "terrorism," and "counterterrorism," irregular warfare seeks asymmetrical combat approaches used in order to erode an adversary's power, influence, and will to fight. Our research studies the history and tactics of global armed groups in the hopes of meeting the complex challenges while aiding the work of operators, practitioners, and scholars of irregular warfare.

Case Studies

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Reading Lists

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Request for Research Support

If you are a student or faculty member and would like to visit us to explore our library or discuss an ongoing research project, please fill out a short research support request form and stop by our office in Pringle Hall.

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Workshops & Conferences

CIWAG hosts periodic symposia at the U.S. Naval War College. The purpose of this event is to focus attention on irregular warfare and bring together scholars and operators in order to stimulate interaction between these two communities.

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CIWAG Newsletter - The Patrol

The Patrol is a weekly roundup of stories on irregular warfare and armed groups from around the world. To subscribe to the patrol, please fill out the form below, for an example please click here.