Best of CNAS in 2023: Events

Throughout 2023, CNAS has defined the national security conversation through its series of events that examine and analyze the most pertinent and essential national security challenges of our time. From the 2023 CNAS National Security Conference to conversations with key leaders in the Department of Defense, Department of the Treasury, and Congress, watch some of our favorite conversations amid a year of uncertainties and discover new insights from leaders around the world.

Fireside Chat with the Hon. Kathleen Hicks Deputy Secretary of Defense

The United States marked the 50th Anniversary of the All-Volunteer Force (AVF) on July 1, 2023. To reflect on the challenges and opportunities the services face in the next 50 years, Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks joined Katherine Kuzminski, Deputy Director of Studies and Director of the Military, Veterans and Society Program at CNAS for a virtual conversation. They discussed military professionalism, challenges to recruitment, service member retention, and policy options for a resilient future force.

The Biden Administration's Indo-Pacific Strategy with Kurt Campbell

Two years in, the Biden administration is implementing a comprehensive Indo-Pacific strategy, both diplomatically and militarily. To take stock of the successes and ongoing challenges in the region, Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs, joined Richard Fontaine, Chief Executive Officer of CNAS, on Thursday, March 30 from for a virtual fireside chat.

Effects of the Russian Oil Cap with Dep. Sec. Wally Adeyemo

It has been six months since the U.S. Treasury Department instituted a price cap on Russian oil in an effort to restrict Moscow’s revenues to fund their invasion of Ukraine. To discuss the price cap’s effects on global energy prices and the war in Ukraine, the Center for a New American Security hosted a virtual fireside conversation with U.S. Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo and Richard Fontaine, Chief Executive Officer of CNAS.

Congress and the Conflict in Gaza: A Conversation with Congressman Adam Smith

On October 20, CNAS hosted a virtual event with Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA 9th District), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, and hosted by Jonathan Lord, Senior Fellow and Director of the Middle East Security Program at CNAS. Lord and Ranking Member Smith discussed the current conflict in Gaza, stemming from Hamas’s October 7th terrorist attack on Israel; Washington’s response to and role in the conflict; Saudi-Israel normalization prospects; and Middle East regional security integration.

Fireside Chat with the Honorable Dr. William LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment

On September 15, CNAS hosted a virtual fireside chat with the Honorable Dr. William LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, moderated by Dr. Stacie Pettyjohn, Senior Fellow and Director of the CNAS Defense Program. The conversation focused on the U.S. defense industrial base and procurement issues raised in the recent CNAS report ‘Production is Deterrence:’ Investing in Precision-Guided Munitions to Meet Peer Challengers.

The All-Volunteer Force at 50: Recruitment, Retention, and Quality of Life in the Air Force

On June 22, the Center for a New American Security hosted a virtual fireside conversation between the Honorable Frank Kendall, Secretary of the Air Force, and Katherine Kuzminski, Senior Fellow and Director of the Military, Veterans, and Society Program, to discuss initiatives within the Department of the Air Force on recruitment, retention, talent management, and quality of life issues in the Air Force and the Space Force.

Fireside Chat with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)

On April 2024, CNAS hosted a fireside chat with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, moderated by Dr. Stacie Pettyjohn, Senior Fellow and Director of the CNAS Defense Program. Senator Reed outlined his priorities for the Department of Defense and discuss a range of issues, including the challenge posed by China, ongoing support to Ukraine, AUKUS, and the health of the defense industrial base.