Defense & Strategic Studies at Missouri State

09/15/2026

Missouri State University, in partnership with Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic, is excited to announce opportunities for students wanting to take classes abroad for the Winter 2027 semester. The International Security: Practical Insights course allows students the ability to engage with fellow European students at the Centre for International Cooperation & Department of International and European Politics at Masaryk University, while also studying security topics from a perspective unlike what is generally offered in the wider American national security sphere.

Winter Seminar – International Security: Practical Insights
10 January – 31 January, 2027 (21 days)

Application Deadline: 13 November 2026
Additional seminar information: https://muni.cz/go/winter-schools

For additional information regarding MSU requirements, fees, or other questions, contact Ms. Julie Jeffrey ([email protected]) or Dr. John Rose ([email protected])

09/08/2026

The nuclear landscape has changed. Has the U.S. theater nuclear posture kept pace?
Dr. Christopher Ford, Director of DSS, recently spoke at Sandia National Laboratories about the requirements and challenges facing U.S. theater nuclear capabilities.
His remarks explore the changing security environment, the need for greater flexibility in deterrence, and the difficult questions surrounding the development and sustainability of new capabilities.
Read the full remarks from the Sandia Security Studies Institute workshop:

Good morning.  It’s a pleasure to take part in the first workshop event organized by the new Sandia Security Studies Institute (S3I).  I’m delighted to see the laboratory doing more to build out its work where policy and strategy intersect with the many extraordinary technical things Sandia do...

09/02/2026

Recent DSS Doctoral graduate Joseph Lyons has published a new article in RealClearDefense, “Beyond Strategic Sufficiency: Nuclear Posture for the Simultaneity Problem.”

In the article, Lyons examines the challenges facing U.S. nuclear posture in an increasingly complex security environment, including the need to account for multiple, simultaneous strategic threats.

His latest work contributes to the ongoing discussion surrounding nuclear deterrence, strategic sufficiency, and the future of U.S. nuclear posture.

Read the full article: https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2026/09/02/beyond_strategic_sufficiency_nuclear_posture_for_the_simultaneity_problem_1203811.html
Congratulations to Joseph on this latest publication!

Joseph H. Lyons, Beyond Strategic Sufficiency: Nuclear Posture for the Simultaneity Problem, No. 668, September 1, 2026 Download PDF Beyond Strategic Sufficiency:Nuclear Posture for the S

08/31/2026

NEW at DSS: Cyber Conflict and International Security Certificate
The cyber domain is an increasingly critical arena for global competition and national security. DSS is excited to announce the launch of our new Cyber Conflict and International Security Graduate Certificate.

This program examines the historical, technical, and strategic dimensions of global cyber conflict across the peace-war continuum. Students will explore the doctrine, strategy, policy, international relations, and operational practices shaping cyber warfare, while examining the growing role of cyber operations in gray-zone competition, national security, governance, military operations, and homeland defense.

With a focus on the technical, human, strategic, and policy factors shaping contemporary cyber conflict, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key state and non-state actors operating in the cyber domain.

Learn more: https://dss.missouristate.edu/CyberConflictCertificate/default.htm

08/20/2026

We’re proud to celebrate Professor Michaela Dodge, Ph.D., who was recently honored at the U.S. Strategic Command Symposium as a recipient of the Gen. Larry D. Welch Writing Award.

Awarded by U.S. Strategic Command, the honor recognizes exceptional research and analysis in deterrence, with winners selected annually from students, scholars, military professionals, and experts from around the world.

Dr. Dodge received the award last fall for her outstanding research and innovative contributions to the field of deterrence. The award is named in honor of former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force Gen. Larry D. Welch.

Read Dr. Dodge’s award-winning essay in the latest issue of Joint Force Quarterly: https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/joint-force-quarterly/vol119/iss4/9/

We’re honored to have Dr. Dodge’s expertise and scholarship represented in the Defense and Strategic Studies program!

08/17/2026

We’re happy today to spotlight DSS doctoral student Nathan Heard on his recent publication in Global Security Review.

Nathan’s opinion piece, “The Coming Crisis with North Korea,” examines the converging threats posed by North Korea, including cyber operations, deterrence, space warfare, and weapons of mass destruction.

Congratulations, Nathan, on this timely publication and for contributing your perspective to the conversation surrounding emerging national security challenges!

Read the full piece in Global Security Review.

Published: July 16, 2026 Is North Korea winning? Along with the country’s expanding nuclear arsenal and delivery systems, North Korea continues to develop and demonstrate expertise in cyber and sp…

08/12/2026

We’re proud to spotlight DSS doctoral student Paul Schecklman, who recently co-authored an opinion piece for National Review.

In “States Must Reboot for the Future,” Paul and his co-author explore how bold reforms and strategic investments can help states like Wisconsin reclaim their place as a cornerstone of America’s manufacturing economy.

Congratulations, Paul, on this exciting publication and for contributing to an important national conversation!

Read the full piece:

Bold reforms and investments can restore states such as Wisconsin to their rightful place as America’s manufacturing backbone.

08/04/2026

Thursday evening the DSS community gathered at Courthaus Social for an evening of connection and conversation. It was wonderful to welcome both familiar and new faces as students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends came together to strengthen the relationships that make our community so special.

Guests heard remarks from Dean Shawn Wahl, Wendy Ferguson, Assistant Vice President for Development and Strategy, and DSS's new director, Dr. Chris Ford. Wendy shared exciting updates on Missouri State University's growth, alumni engagement, and the incredible impact of philanthropic support across the university, while Dr. Ford spoke about his vision for the future of DSS.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a memorable evening. We look forward to seeing you at our next event!

07/30/2026

DSS faculty member Dr. Tobias Gibson recently published a book review in Æther: A Journal of Strategic Airpower & Spacepower, the Air Force's flagship professional journal.

In his review of When Presidents Fight the Last War: The Oval Office, Sunk Costs, and Wartime Decision-making Since Vietnam by Bryan N. Groves, Dr. Gibson examines how the book explores presidential wartime decision-making through the lens of historical lessons, sunk costs, and the enduring influence of Vietnam and 9/11 on U.S. strategy. He highlights the book's timely insights for policymakers, military professionals, and students of national security. At DSS, our faculty are committed to advancing scholarship that deepens the understanding of complex security challenges and informs the next generation of strategic leaders.

Read the full review here:

Author: Bryan N. Groves, Reviewer: Dr. Tobias T. Gibson 

07/27/2026

Congratulations to DSS faculty member and former DSS Director Dr. John Rose on receiving the Medal of Merit from the Republic of Kosovo.

The award was presented by George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies Director, Barre Seguin, on behalf of former Kosovo President, Atifete Jahjaga, a Marshall Center alumna. The honor recognizes Dr. Rose's lasting contributions to international security cooperation and professional education throughout his career.

During his tenure as Director of the George C. Marshall Center, Dr. Rose helped expand opportunities for security professionals from Kosovo to participate in Marshall Center programs. During his remarks he reflected on the enduring value of the Center's international network and the relationships built through its unique German-American partnership.

We are proud to celebrate Dr. Rose's continued impact on the field of international security and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition!