Welcome to the Institute for Security Governance
The Defense Security Cooperation University’s (DSCU) Institute for Security Governance (ISG) is the Department of Defense’s leading implementer for Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) and one of its primary international schoolhouses. As a component of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), ISG is charged with building partner institutional capacity and capability through tailored advising, education, and professional development programs grounded in American values and approaches.
Latest News
ISG Principles of Defense Procurement & Contracting Course
October 8, 2024
The Defense Security Cooperation University’s Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently concluded the Principles of Defense Procurement and Contracting resident course in Monterey, California. This International Defense Acquisition Resource Management (IDARM) course provides a theoretical and practical examination of fundamental concepts and challenges associated with national and global defense contracting.
The Institute for Security Governance: A Look at Three Decades of Impact
October 7, 2024
In October 2024, the Defense Security Cooperation University’s Institute for Security Governance (ISG) celebrated its 30th anniversary. Over the past three decades, the Institute, its predecessor organizations, and its team of dedicated experts, have shaped and advanced the mission of Security Cooperation through determination, innovation, and dedication.
DSCU Georgia Team Receives 2024 Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award
October 1, 2024
The Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) Ministry of Defense Advisor team in Tbilisi, Georgia, has been awarded the
January 2025 Heron
January 6, 2025
Announcing the latest ISG Heron – a quarterly newsletter that shines a spotlight on the Institute for Security Governance's work in Security Cooperation and Institutional Capacity Building, and showcases the dedicated individuals behind these important initiatives.
ISG Supports Capacity Building in Somalia
January 6, 2025
The Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently concluded a four-part Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) workshop series in Mogadishu, Somalia that focused on Human Resources Management, Logistics, and Civil-Military Relations. ISG engaged with Somali Ministry of Defense and Somali National Armed Forces personnel via interactive exercises to share knowledge, gain insights on challenges, and inform capacity development priorities to advance MoD and SNAF force management capabilities.
Strengthening Allied & Partner Air Operations: Key Takeaways from the Regional Air Operations Workshop
December 31, 2024
In Nov. 2024, the Slovak Republic's Ministry of Defense (MoD) and the Defense Security Cooperation University's Institute for Security Governance co-hosted the 2nd Annual Regional Air Operations Workshop in Bratislava, advancing efforts to integrate multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) across allied and partner forces.
Strengthening Defense Education in Brazil
December 30, 2024
In early October, the Defense Security Cooperation University’s Institute for Security Governance (ISG) partnered with the Escola Superior de Defesa (ESD) in Brasilia, Brazil to support the conduct of a defense management and planning course. This engagement marks another milestone in our shared mission of advancing sustainable capacity building.
ISG Principles of Defense Acquisition & Contract Management
December 17, 2024
The Defense Security Cooperation University's Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently completed the latest iteration of its International Defense Acquisition Resource Management (IDARM) resident course offerings, Principles of Defense Acquisition and Contract Management. This course, conducted with English/Spanish simultaneous interpretation, focused on the unique challenges and opportunities within the Latin American context. It took place at the ISG headquarters in Monterey, California.
ISG Leads the Way in Climate Security
December 17, 2024
The Defense Security Cooperation University's Institute for Security Governance (ISG) is at the forefront of addressing emerging security threats, including the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. ISG's Emergency Management and Resilience Functional Area has expanded to include course offerings on Climate and Environmental Security. This new focus area, which is spearheaded by Ms. Ashley Woodson, ISG Climate Security Lead, has already made significant strides, including deploying two Mobile Education Teams (METs) to the Western Hemisphere in the fall of 2024.
UN Peacekeeping Operations Contingent Commanders Course
December 9, 2024
Congratulations to the latest cohort of participants of the Institute for Security Governance's (ISG) United Nations Peacekeeping Operations Contingent Commanders (PKOCC) course.
Romania Builds Capacity to Implement NATO Resilience Baseline Requirements
December 4, 2024
Romania has completed the first year of a five-year bilateral Security Cooperation program designed to enhance capacity to meet NATO Resilience Baseline Requirements. This initiative, supported by U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and the Defense Security Cooperation University’s Institute for Security Governance (ISG), focuses on strengthening resilience and crisis management capabilities.
ISG Women, Leadership, and National Defense Course
November 21, 2024
Congratulations to the latest cohort of participants of the Defense Security Cooperation University's Institute for Security Governance (ISG) Women, Leadership, and National Defense course. This course supports the U.S. Department of Defense Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Strategic Framework Implementation Plan and the United Nation's Security Council Resolution 1325 agenda.
The Institute for Security Governance Commemorates Three Decades of Impact
November 21, 2024
The Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently marked its 30th anniversary celebrating three decades of dedication to strengthening international partnerships through education, training, and Institutional Capacity Building (ICB). Established to support U.S. Security Cooperation, ISG has evolved into an institution focused on fostering sustainable defense partnerships worldwide.
Strategies & Capabilities for Cyber Challenges
November 6, 2024
The Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently concluded the most recent iteration of its cyber resident course offerings, Strategies & Capabilities for Cyber Challenges.
October 2024 Heron
October 15, 2024
Announcing the latest ISG Heron – a quarterly newsletter that shines a spotlight on our work in Security Cooperation and Institutional Capacity Building, and showcases the dedicated individuals behind these important initiatives.
In this issue, ISG:
• Marks the Institute's 30th Anniversary with an in-depth article looking back on its unique history
• Welcomes brilliant new colleagues including a Deputy Director, a Maritime Senior Lecturer, four Regional Program Leads, and three Travel Specialists
• Profiles a combined DSCU Advising engagement in support of Bulgaria's F-16 program
• Offers a Standing Ovation to Europe Regional Program Lead, Ms. Jessica Kehl
• Spotlights Mr. Ian Wexler's inaugural year as ISG Director
ISG Principles of Defense Procurement & Contracting Course
October 8, 2024
The Defense Security Cooperation University’s Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently concluded the Principles of Defense Procurement and Contracting resident course in Monterey, California. This International Defense Acquisition Resource Management (IDARM) course provides a theoretical and practical examination of fundamental concepts and challenges associated with national and global defense contracting.
The Institute for Security Governance: A Look at Three Decades of Impact
October 7, 2024
In October 2024, the Defense Security Cooperation University’s Institute for Security Governance (ISG) celebrated its 30th anniversary. Over the past three decades, the Institute, its predecessor organizations, and its team of dedicated experts, have shaped and advanced the mission of Security Cooperation through determination, innovation, and dedication.
DSCU Georgia Team Receives 2024 Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award
October 1, 2024
The Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) Ministry of Defense Advisor team in Tbilisi, Georgia, has been awarded the
January 2025 Heron
January 6, 2025
Announcing the latest ISG Heron – a quarterly newsletter that shines a spotlight on the Institute for Security Governance's work in Security Cooperation and Institutional Capacity Building, and showcases the dedicated individuals behind these important initiatives.
ISG Supports Capacity Building in Somalia
January 6, 2025
The Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently concluded a four-part Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) workshop series in Mogadishu, Somalia that focused on Human Resources Management, Logistics, and Civil-Military Relations. ISG engaged with Somali Ministry of Defense and Somali National Armed Forces personnel via interactive exercises to share knowledge, gain insights on challenges, and inform capacity development priorities to advance MoD and SNAF force management capabilities.
Strengthening Allied & Partner Air Operations: Key Takeaways from the Regional Air Operations Workshop
December 31, 2024
In Nov. 2024, the Slovak Republic's Ministry of Defense (MoD) and the Defense Security Cooperation University's Institute for Security Governance co-hosted the 2nd Annual Regional Air Operations Workshop in Bratislava, advancing efforts to integrate multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) across allied and partner forces.
Strengthening Defense Education in Brazil
December 30, 2024
In early October, the Defense Security Cooperation University’s Institute for Security Governance (ISG) partnered with the Escola Superior de Defesa (ESD) in Brasilia, Brazil to support the conduct of a defense management and planning course. This engagement marks another milestone in our shared mission of advancing sustainable capacity building.
ISG Principles of Defense Acquisition & Contract Management
December 17, 2024
The Defense Security Cooperation University's Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently completed the latest iteration of its International Defense Acquisition Resource Management (IDARM) resident course offerings, Principles of Defense Acquisition and Contract Management. This course, conducted with English/Spanish simultaneous interpretation, focused on the unique challenges and opportunities within the Latin American context. It took place at the ISG headquarters in Monterey, California.
ISG Leads the Way in Climate Security
December 17, 2024
The Defense Security Cooperation University's Institute for Security Governance (ISG) is at the forefront of addressing emerging security threats, including the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. ISG's Emergency Management and Resilience Functional Area has expanded to include course offerings on Climate and Environmental Security. This new focus area, which is spearheaded by Ms. Ashley Woodson, ISG Climate Security Lead, has already made significant strides, including deploying two Mobile Education Teams (METs) to the Western Hemisphere in the fall of 2024.
UN Peacekeeping Operations Contingent Commanders Course
December 9, 2024
Congratulations to the latest cohort of participants of the Institute for Security Governance's (ISG) United Nations Peacekeeping Operations Contingent Commanders (PKOCC) course.
Romania Builds Capacity to Implement NATO Resilience Baseline Requirements
December 4, 2024
Romania has completed the first year of a five-year bilateral Security Cooperation program designed to enhance capacity to meet NATO Resilience Baseline Requirements. This initiative, supported by U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and the Defense Security Cooperation University’s Institute for Security Governance (ISG), focuses on strengthening resilience and crisis management capabilities.
ISG Women, Leadership, and National Defense Course
November 21, 2024
Congratulations to the latest cohort of participants of the Defense Security Cooperation University's Institute for Security Governance (ISG) Women, Leadership, and National Defense course. This course supports the U.S. Department of Defense Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Strategic Framework Implementation Plan and the United Nation's Security Council Resolution 1325 agenda.
The Institute for Security Governance Commemorates Three Decades of Impact
November 21, 2024
The Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently marked its 30th anniversary celebrating three decades of dedication to strengthening international partnerships through education, training, and Institutional Capacity Building (ICB). Established to support U.S. Security Cooperation, ISG has evolved into an institution focused on fostering sustainable defense partnerships worldwide.
Strategies & Capabilities for Cyber Challenges
November 6, 2024
The Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently concluded the most recent iteration of its cyber resident course offerings, Strategies & Capabilities for Cyber Challenges.
October 2024 Heron
October 15, 2024
Announcing the latest ISG Heron – a quarterly newsletter that shines a spotlight on our work in Security Cooperation and Institutional Capacity Building, and showcases the dedicated individuals behind these important initiatives.
In this issue, ISG:
• Marks the Institute's 30th Anniversary with an in-depth article looking back on its unique history
• Welcomes brilliant new colleagues including a Deputy Director, a Maritime Senior Lecturer, four Regional Program Leads, and three Travel Specialists
• Profiles a combined DSCU Advising engagement in support of Bulgaria's F-16 program
• Offers a Standing Ovation to Europe Regional Program Lead, Ms. Jessica Kehl
• Spotlights Mr. Ian Wexler's inaugural year as ISG Director
ISG Principles of Defense Procurement & Contracting Course
October 8, 2024
The Defense Security Cooperation University’s Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently concluded the Principles of Defense Procurement and Contracting resident course in Monterey, California. This International Defense Acquisition Resource Management (IDARM) course provides a theoretical and practical examination of fundamental concepts and challenges associated with national and global defense contracting.
The Institute for Security Governance: A Look at Three Decades of Impact
October 7, 2024
In October 2024, the Defense Security Cooperation University’s Institute for Security Governance (ISG) celebrated its 30th anniversary. Over the past three decades, the Institute, its predecessor organizations, and its team of dedicated experts, have shaped and advanced the mission of Security Cooperation through determination, innovation, and dedication.
DSCU Georgia Team Receives 2024 Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award
October 1, 2024
The Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) Ministry of Defense Advisor team in Tbilisi, Georgia, has been awarded the
About Institutional Capacity Building
Wondering about the approach of DSCA and its components to institutional capacity building (ICB)? Check out this video, which explains how ICB encompasses Security Cooperation activities and directly supports ally and partner nations; how DSCA manages and executes ICB initiatives; and how building capacity extends beyond the provision of defense articles and services to ensure full-spectrum capabilities.