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Your guide to The Steady State: who we are, what we do, and how to get the most out of your time here.

What Is The Steady State?

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.

Our mission is simple:

  • Protect American democracy
  • Strengthen the rule of law
  • Promote national security grounded in truth, integrity, and constitutional values

We do this through analysis, public education, and the Steady State Sentinel podcast.

    • 👥 A network of 400+ former national security professionals
      🌍 Promoting national security grounded in truth
      ⚖️ Strengthening rule of law
      🛡️ Defending American democracy

Top 5 Essential Reads

Start with the pieces that best represent our mission and expertise.

Accelerating Authoritarian Dynamics: Assessment of Democratic Decline

It concludes we’re a nation on a trajectory toward competitive authoritarianism. Read Now

When Public Power Becomes a Racket

What RICO’s Framework Reveals About Allegations of Government Extortion. Read Now

The War with Iran May Already be Lost

Hegseth is emerging as the head cheerleader for our misadventure in Iran. Read Now

Statement on the January 24, 2026, Minneapolis Shooting

Read Now

🎧 Sentinel Podcast – Protecting Liberty in the Age of Surveillance

How a former DNI Chief of the Office of Civil Liberties thinks about privacy, protest, and the power of government data.. Read Now

New to the Sentinel Podcast? Start Here.

Three episodes to watch and listen to that introduce our core themes.

Too Many Of Our Leaders Are No Longer Accountable

Veteran national security leaders break their silence. Listen Now

We’re Sitting on a Powder Keg

Political analyst Jack Hopkins shares three red flags. Listen Now

The MAGA Crack-Up: David Corn on Iran, the FBI, and a Democracy Under Siege

Conspiracy Narratives, Media Challenges, and the Long Shadow of Russian Influence. Listen Now

Explore by Topic

Dive deeper into the issues shaping American democracy and national security on our Substack page.

Democracy & Rule of Law

Explore analysis on democratic norms, institutions, and constitutional governance.

National Security

Insights on global threats, alliances, and U.S. strategic posture.

Intelligence & Oversight

Expert commentary on intelligence operations, accountability, and reform.

Authoritarianism & Global Threats

Understanding the rise of autocracy and its impact on U.S. interests.

Who We Are

We are former senior officials, analysts, operators, diplomats, and public servants who believe in integrity, accountability, and constitutional governance. Our members have served across administrations and political parties. What unites us is our oath — and our commitment to the country.
Leadership & Members

Join the Steady State Community

If you believe in defending democracy, strengthening institutions, and promoting truth in public life, you’re already part of the Steady State. Stay connected, informed, and help amplify this work.

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