American Security Project

Overview

The American Security Project (ASP) is a nonpartisan think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C. focused on U.S. national security, including climate security, energy security, nuclear security, and relations with Russia and China. Founded in 2006, ASP describes its mission as educating the American public and policymakers about the changing nature of national security in the 21st century.

Key functions and role

ASP publishes research reports and issue briefs, hosts expert seminars and discussions, and produces a podcast, "Flashpoint." It convenes the Consensus for American Security, a network of roughly 80 current and former military and national-security leaders from across the political spectrum who advocate on issues including nuclear weapons policy, climate and energy security, and counterterrorism. From 2007 to 2011 the organization published an annual assessment series, "Are We Winning?," evaluating progress in the war on terror.

History

Then-U.S. Senators John Kerry and Chuck Hagel founded ASP in 2006, later serving as Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense, respectively, under President Barack Obama. Jim Ludes served as the organization's first Executive Director from its founding until 2011.

Political positions

ASP describes itself as bipartisan and maintains a board with both Republican and Democratic members. Watchdog groups such as InfluenceWatch have noted that the organization has been sharply critical of Trump administration positions on climate policy and has emphasized climate and clean-energy issues more heavily than many other national-security-focused think tanks.

Leadership

Retired Brigadier General Stephen A. Cheney has served as Chief Executive Officer since August 2011. Former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman chairs ASP's Board of Directors, which also includes founding board member and former Senator John Kerry.

Location and contact info

Address
1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 520
Washington, DC 20004, USA
Phone
202-347-4267
Website
https://www.americansecurityproject.org