CISAC's mission is to produce policy-relevant research on international security problems, to train the next generation of security specialists, and to influence policymaking in international security.

The Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC), part of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), is an interdisciplinary university-based research and training center innovatively addressing some of the world's most vexing security problems with policy-relevant solutions. The Center is committed to scholarly research and to giving independent advice to governments and international organizations. In that effort, both parts of our name are crucial: we seek improvements in security for the United States and other countries and we recognize that international cooperation among peoples and governments is often the best way to achieve international security.

It is co-directed by Siegfried Hecker, professor (research) in the Department of Management Science and Engineering, and Scott Sagan, professor of political science.

Interdisciplinary

CISAC recognizes that addressing many security challenges necessitates linking scientists and engineers with political and social scientists, and that only an interdisciplinary approach will prove adequate for the complex challenges we confront. The Center draws on preeminent scholars from a wide range of disciplines, integrating political, regional, and scientific expertise in international affairs. CISAC unites along other lines as well, bringing together scholars with concerned members of the community, the legal and medical professions, military leaders, government officials, and business people.

CISAC researchers have produced award-winning books and highly influential reports on U.S. nuclear weapons strategy, biological terrorism, the proliferation of nuclear weapons in South and East Asia, civil wars, and United Nations peacekeeping.

Policy-Relevant

CISAC's faculty and staff, several of whom have served in presidential administrations, represent a unique mixture of policy expertise and scholarly achievement. CISAC's researchers provide independent advice--giving briefings in Washington and foreign capitals, participating in advisory boards and special panels, and providing expert analysis to international organizations.

CISAC's scholars engage in the longterm, independent thinking and research that is difficult for government practitioners to pursue and also provide policy-relevant commentary.

Training

The Center is dedicated to teaching and training in international security and cooperation. The Center has a vibrant fellowship program at the predoctoral, postdoctoral, and mid-career levels, and convenes workshops and conferences that attract key policymakers, scholars, and students from around the world. CISAC also provides the only undergraduate honors program on international security in the country, training the next generation of security specialists.

CISAC Executive Committee

William J. Perry, Michael and Barbara Berberian Professor, School of Engineering and Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (committee chair)

Kenneth Arrow, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics, Emeritus, and Professor of Operations Research, Emeritus

John H. Barton, George E. Osborne Professor of Law

Coit D. Blacker (ex officio), Director and Senior Fellow at Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and Professor of Political Science, by courtesy

Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Professor and Deane F. Johnson Faculty Scholar at Stanford Law School; CISAC Faculty Member

Edward A. Feigenbaum, Kumagai Professor of Computer Science, Emeritus, and Co-Scientific Director, Knowledge Systems Laboratory, Emeritus

Siegfried S. Hecker (ex officio), Co-Director of CISAC, Professor (Research) in the Department of Management Science and Engineering, and Senior Fellow, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies

David Holloway, Raymond A. Spruance Professor of International History; Senior Fellow; Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies; CISAC Faculty Member; Forum on Contemporary Europe Research Affiliate

Michael A. McFaul, Director, Center for Development, Democracy, and the Rule of Law; Deputy Director, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies; Professor of Political Science; Peter and Helen Bing Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution

Norman M. Naimark, Robert and Florence McDonnell Professor of Eastern European Studies, Department of History

M. Elisabeth Paté-Cornell, Burton J. and DeeDee McMurtry Professor in the School of Engineering and a Senior Fellow, by courtesy, at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies

Lee D. Ross, Professor of Psychology

Scott D. Sagan (ex officio), Co-Director, CISAC; Professor of Political Science

Lucy Shapiro, the Virginia and D. K. Ludwig Professor of Developmental Biology at the Stanford School of Medicine and Senior Fellow, by courtesy, at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies

James L. Sweeney, Professor, Department of Management Science and Engineering; Senior Fellow, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research

Lawrence M. Wein, Paul E. Holden Professor of Management Science; CISAC Faculty Member