Dedicated to the Safety and Security of the Nation

One Mission, One Approach

CNA is an independent, nonprofit research and analysis organization dedicated to the safety and security of the nation. For 80 years, our scientific rigor and real-world approach to data have been indispensable to leaders facing complex problems.

The Center for Naval Analyses informs the decisions of Navy, Marine Corps and DOD leaders as the Department of the Navy’s federally funded research and development center, or FFRDC. CNA’s unique Field Program embeds scientists in commands around the world. Our analytical expertise ranges from great power competition to fighter pilot tactics.

The Institute for Public Research helps federal, state and local leaders address their most difficult challenges, from eliminating racial bias in policing to recovering from hurricanes. Our analysts have expertise in justice, public health, emergency response and other critical fields. The FAA, FEMA, DHS and DOJ have worked with CNA for decades.

The Department of the Navy and Strategic Competition with the People's Republic of China

A Navy and Marine Corps built to win wars must also prepare for peacetime competition with China. At the request of the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy, a large team of CNA analysts developed recommendations to prepare the naval services for competition. We prioritized strengthening maritime dominance, building a culture of warfighting excellence, and enhancing strategic partnerships.

Featured

Next Generation Leadership and Implications for Special Operations Forces

Special operations forces need leadership suited to Millennials and Gen Zers. This study recommends a leadership philosophy, leadership traits, and accountability.

Intersections: Technology, National Security, and US-China Strategic Competition

Intersections, a limited-series news digest, takes a deep dive into the People’s Republic of China’s techniques for accessing foreign technology and risks that these acquisition efforts pose to the U.S. defense industrial base.

Election Security for 2024

CNA has the experience to support state and local leaders as they develop and test plans for protecting the security of upcoming elections.

Cybersecurity Futures 2030: New Foundations

A foresight-focused research initiative that aims to inform cybersecurity strategic plans around the globe.

Field Program

Run by CNA's Operations Evaluation Group (OEG) and Marine Corps Program, the Field Program deploys analysts for two to three years to posts ranging from aircraft carrier strike groups and Marine expeditionary forces to the U.S. Pacific Command.