Home - Defense Security Cooperation University
Welcome to ISG
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

SANDRA O’HERN FEATURED ON AIR FORCE JAG PODCAST
Congratulations to ISG Europe Regional Program Lead Sandra O’Hern on her participation in an episode on the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s School Podcast. In this episode Lieutenant Colonel O’Hern joins Major Laura Quaco and Dr. Andy Akin for a conversation about Russian history and the relationship between Russia and Ukraine leading up to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Stay tuned for the next episode to hear the remainder of the conversation in which the host and guests discuss operations and international legal principles related to Russia and the conflict.

Maritime Domain Awareness TTX in Palau
The Institute for Security Governance recently facilitated a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) tabletop exercise in Palau with Palauan Inter-Agency representatives. The engagement, which also included Defense Institute of International Legal Studies, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Pacific Fleet Plans and Policy representatives, focused on a dynamic, scenario-driven event aimed at improving Palauan MDA capabilities and supporting advanced maritime security objectives.

International Women’s Day
Happy International Women’s Day!
On this International Women’s Day, ISG recognizes, values, and celebrates the achievements and contributions of the women we work with here at ISG HQ, in our nation’s capital, and around the world.
Including women in decision-making processes yields more diverse perspectives on how to address national security challenges, resulting in more effective strategic and operational responses to those challenges.
More News Posts
MATERIALS AT A GLANCE

Introduction to ISG Primer
This two-page document provides a brief introduction to ISG as a leader and integrator in global Institutional Capacity Building and includes information about what drives us, how we are organized, our approach to advising and education, and the areas in which we work. For more detailed information, go to the About the Institute and What We Do sections of this site.

Course Catalog
This catalog document provides an overview of ISG's unique course offerings that support our education and training objectives. For an interactive, online version of the course catalog, go to the Schoolhouse Information Hub section of this site.

ICB Smart Sheets
ISG has developed a series of concise papers, or Smart Sheets, designed to inform USG stakeholders and partner institutions about specific Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) functional or issue areas. Each sheet presents the specific challenge faced, the current state of the field, the role ICB plays in resolving the challenge, and provides ICB best practice recommendations.
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. — Watch Video here