Irregular Warfare Center Calls for Groundbreaking Homeland Defense Research for 2026 Colloquium

WASHINGTON D.C. – The Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) has issued a critical call for research proposals, seeking innovative insights into the evolving landscape of homeland defense. This proactive initiative is specifically aimed at gathering cutting-edge analysis and strategic recommendations for its highly anticipated 2026 colloquium, signaling a sharpened focus on safeguarding the nation against a complex array of threats.

As the geopolitical environment continues to shift, presenting novel challenges from state-sponsored cyber intrusions to asymmetric threats and domestic extremism, the imperative for robust homeland defense strategies has never been greater. The IWC, a vital institution dedicated to understanding and countering irregular warfare phenomena, is positioning its 2026 event as a pivotal platform for academic, governmental, and private sector experts to converge and shape future policy.

Understanding the Evolving Threat Landscape

The concept of homeland defense has expanded significantly beyond traditional notions of border security and physical protection. It now encompasses a vast spectrum, including critical infrastructure resilience, cyber security, protecting democratic processes, countering disinformation, and preparing for the societal impacts of climate change or pandemics. The IWC’s interest underscores a recognition that future conflicts will increasingly blur the lines between domestic and international arenas, demanding an all-domain approach to national security.

Researchers are encouraged to explore themes that delve into these interconnected challenges, seeking to identify vulnerabilities, propose mitigation strategies, and foster greater interagency and civil-military cooperation. Potential areas of focus could include:

• The impact of great power competition on domestic security.
• Strategies for defending critical infrastructure against hybrid attacks.
• Leveraging emerging technologies (AI, quantum computing) for homeland defense and security.
• Building community resilience against irregular threats and domestic terrorism.
• Legal and ethical considerations in a continuously evolving threat environment.
• The role of information warfare and cognitive infiltration in undermining national cohesion.

A Call to Innovators: Shaping Future Homeland Security Policy

This invitation extends broadly to academics, policy analysts, defense practitioners, and thought leaders whose work can contribute to a deeper understanding of irregular warfare’s impact on the homeland. The 2026 colloquium is not merely an academic exercise; it aims to generate actionable insights that will directly inform strategic planning and policy development across government agencies, including the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and federal law enforcement.

Submissions should offer novel perspectives, robust empirical analysis, or theoretical frameworks that advance the discourse on protecting the U.S. homeland from non-traditional and asymmetric threats. The IWC is particularly interested in proposals that bridge disciplinary divides, fostering a holistic understanding of the challenges at hand.

The 2026 Colloquium: A Nexus for Strategic Dialogue

Participation in the Irregular Warfare Center’s 2026 colloquium represents a unique opportunity for researchers to present their findings to a distinguished audience of policymakers, military leaders, and fellow experts. Beyond presentation, it’s a chance to engage in collaborative dialogue, network with key stakeholders, and contribute directly to the intellectual foundation of the nation’s defense posture.

The IWC’s commitment to fostering a vibrant research ecosystem is clear. By proactively soliciting research on homeland defense, the Center is ensuring that the nation remains at the forefront of strategic thinking, prepared to face the complex and often unpredictable nature of future conflicts. Experts interested in contributing to this vital national security effort are urged to prepare their proposals and engage with the IWC’s initiative.