Defending Democracy with Experience and Integrity

Founded in 2016, The Steady State is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization of more than 400 former senior national security professionals. Our membership includes former officials from the CIA, FBI, Department of State, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security. Drawing on deep expertise across national security disciplines, including intelligence, diplomacy, military affairs, and law, we advocate for constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the preservation of America’s national security institutions.

Mission

  • Uphold constitutional democracy over partisan politics.
  • Publish, speak, and educate on domestic, regional, and global security.
  • Defend rule of law, free and fair elections, political civility, and fact-based policymaking.
  • Strengthen alliances with like-minded democracies and support professional, ethical governance.

Membership

We are 400+ former national security officials who remain committed to their oaths to “defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. We are Republicans, Democrats, and Independents who have served under both parties. Our personal politics did not—and do not—shape our commitment to country first.

History And Why We’re Needed

The Steady State was formed in 2016 in response to rising authoritarian tendencies and the erosion of U.S. credibility and alliances. We mobilized to safeguard democratic norms and America’s standing in the world. The threats that prompted our action have evolved—and in some cases intensified. Gains are fragile and the need for principled, expert national security leadership is greater than ever.

What We Do

  • Provide expert, realistic analysis and recommendations on complex security challenges.
  • Publish reports and op-eds; brief leaders and the public; convene civil and inclusive dialogues.
  • Hold officials accountable to the Constitution and oppose those who subvert democratic governance.

Our Values

  • Country over party, always.
  • Truth from government and legislatures.
  • Speaking out against division, demagoguery, and attacks on the rule of law.

  • Pentagon