Institute for the Study of War

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is a US-based non-profit research organization that conducts open-source analysis of armed conflict. It is frequently cited in news reports for its assessments of the Russia-Ukraine war. ISW's data and analysis are newsworthy because they provide insights into the battlefield situation, military capabilities, and strategic objectives of the involved parties. Recent articles highlight ISW's findings that Russia experienced minimal territorial gains in Ukraine during March 2026, a first since September 2023, suggesting a slowdown in Russian advances. This is attributed to Ukrainian counter-offensives. The ISW's analysis is relevant for understanding the evolving dynamics of the war, including casualty rates, territorial control, and the impact of international support. ISW also provides analysis on other conflicts, such as the Iran war, and the implications of other countries' actions, such as China's support for Iran.