In an era of increasing integration and strategic interdependence, the ability for nations to fight and operate together has never been more critical.

The Institute for the Study of Coalitions, Alliances, and Military Partnerships (ISCAMP)¹ examines the full spectrum of military multilateralism, from formal alliances and battlefield coalitions to regional security initiatives and joint operational commands.

Our research documents the ways in which modern armed forces enhance interoperability, standardization, and integration across national and institutional boundaries. We analyze the evolution of multinational headquarters, the effectiveness of collective defense frameworks, and the role of peacetime military partnerships in shaping global security dynamics. Whether studying NATO’s joint command structures, coalition warfare in complex theaters, or emerging minilateral security groupings, we provide insight into the mechanisms that drive cooperation between allied and partner militaries.

As militaries navigate an increasingly complex security environment—where joint operations range from counterinsurgency to deterrence, from humanitarian assistance to stability operations—the Center serves as a hub for understanding how nations coordinate, collaborate, and ultimately succeed together. At a time when unilateralism competes with the enduring logic of military partnership, we remain committed to studying the past, present, and future of military cooperation in all its forms.

Contemporary Military Cooperation

We study an array of military partnerships, ranging in size from large multinational organizations and alliances to smaller bilateral and minilateral alignments.

ISCAMP Abbreviations

A mural depicts the Anglo-American military partnership during World War II. On display at Eisenhower Hall, Combined Arms Research Library (CARL), Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

The History of Coalition and Alliance Warfare

Our research encompasses more than our ever-evolving present. Coalitions and alliances have shaped the course of warfare for centuries, from the grand multinational campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars to the joint and combined military operations of the 21st century.

We believe that understanding the successes and failures of past military partnerships is essential to navigating today’s complex security landscape.

Delving into historical case studies, our research examines how diverse nations have coordinated strategy, integrated forces, and overcome the challenges of interoperability, logistics, and complex command and control systems.

We explore how alliances have adapted to shifting geopolitical realities, from the balance-of-power diplomacy of the 19th century to the collective defense strategies of NATO and beyond. By studying these historical precedents, we provide policymakers, military professionals, and scholars with valuable insights into the enduring principles—and persistent challenges—of multinational military cooperation.

As modern coalitions face new threats ranging from hybrid warfare to regional instability, the lessons of history remain more relevant than ever.

The Face of Coalition Warfare

Coalition warfare is more than just a collection of allied forces—it is a dynamic fusion of command structures, logistics networks, political considerations, cultural differences, and operational coordination. At the Institute for the Study of Coalitions, Alliances, and Military Partnerships, we break down the complexities of military multilateralism, making them accessible and applicable to both experts and the general public.

Through in-depth analysis and clear, engaging presentation, we explore how multinational forces navigate challenges such as language barriers, interoperability gaps, and political constraints while striving for unity of effort in the field. We shed light on the vital roles of liaison officers, joint command frameworks, and standardized logistics, illustrating how successful coalitions synchronize their capabilities to achieve strategic objectives.

By translating these intricate themes into intelligible insights, the Center bridges the gap between academic scholarship, military practitioners, and policymakers—ensuring that the lessons of coalition warfare are both understood and applied in today’s rapidly evolving security environment.