FMSO/GCKN
Insights
& Research
ABOUT FMSO & GCKN

The Global Cultural Knowledge Network (GCKN) and the Foreign Military Studies Office (FMSO) work in tandem to provide the U.S. Army with critical insights, research, and training to better understand the global operational environment (OE). Together, these organizations combine sociocultural expertise, open-source research, and regional analysis to uncover the root causes of conflict, instability, and emerging challenges around the world.
A Unified Mission
Together, GCKN and FMSO serve as vital resources for the U.S. Army and its partners. Through sociocultural analysis, open-source research, and subject matter expertise, they deliver a holistic understanding of the operational environment. Both organizations provide training, publish widely in military and academic journals, and collaborate with institutions such as the National Training Center, Command and General Staff College, and international defense organizations. Their work informs Army doctrine, supports leadership development, and prepares future generations to address emerging global challenges.
By combining deep historical knowledge with cutting-edge research, GCKN and FMSO continue to shape the Army’s understanding of a complex and ever-changing world.

The Global Cultural Knowledge Network
GCKN delivers relevant sociocultural analysis, methodologies, and training to contextualize the operational environment. By focusing on the human dimension of conflict, GCKN helps reveal the underlying drivers of instability, enabling the Army to navigate complex global issues more effectively.

The Foreign Military Studies Office
FMSO, based at Fort Leavenworth, KS, has conducted open-source research for over 30 years, originating in 1986 as the Soviet Army Studies Office (SASO) during the Cold War. Initially focused on Soviet military capabilities, culture, and politics, it transitioned to FMSO in 1991, expanding its mission to analyze global developments in regions like China, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Its team of military professionals, academics, linguists, and regional experts continues to provide analysis on military strategy, insurgency, terrorism, cyber threats, and border conflicts, supporting Army doctrine, professional military education, and national security initiatives.
Explore PRODUCTS

OE Watch
Chinese Military Exercises Highlight Improvements in Joint Operations
North Korean Media Stays Quiet Despite Global Concerns
Russia Suspected of Distributing Former Syrian Military Assets To Mali
Russia Expanding Its Military Influence in Equatorial Guinea
Chechen Spetnaz Instructors Training Russian Soldiers in the Arctic Region
Russia Shrugs Off Stricter Energy Sanctions, Promises Retaliation
The Evolution of Russian Unmanned Vehicle Doctrine in Ukraine
Taiwan Suspects Chinese Ship of Cutting Undersea Data Cables
How China Is Challenging U.S. Maritime Dominance
China Upgrades Strategic Partnership With Nigeria
M-DIME
M-DIME | Instruments of Russian Military Influence in Argentina
M-DIME | Instruments of Chinese Military Influence in Argentina
M-DIME | Russian Military Influence in Mali
M-DIME | Instruments of Russian Military Influence in Burkina Faso
M-DIME | Instruments of Chinese Military Influence in Burkina Faso
M-DIME | Instruments of Chinese Military Influence in Iran
M-DIME | Instruments of Russian Military Influence in Iran
M-DIME | Chinese military influence in Mali
FMSO: Military DIME (M-DIME) Research Project: Tracking Russian military influence in foreign states
FMSO: Military DIME (M-DIME) Research Project: Tracking Chinese military influence in foreign states
Foreign Perspective Briefs
Beyond Borno: Islamic State’s Expansion into Southern Nigeria
The People’s Liberation Army’s Evolving Close Air Support Capability
The Evolutionary Russian View of Peacekeeping as Part of Modern Warfare
The Islamic State’s “African Turn”
People’s Liberation Army: Army Campaign Doctrine in Transition
Chinese-Tajikistani Security Cooperation Gaining Momentum
Cultivating Joint Talent: PLA Education and Training Reforms
Armenia Struggles To Break Out of Russia’s Orbit
Russia’s Influence Waning in Former Soviet Republics, While Growing in the Global South
FMSO Books
India Takes a Step Away from the Russian Defense Industry
“The Russian Army and Maneuver Defense” by Les Grau and Charles Bartles (May 2021)
“Russia’s Conduct of War: How and with What Assets” by Timothy Thomas (2021-04-13)
“Compendium of Central Asian Military and Security Activity v8” by Matthew Stein (2021-01-20)