Prudence in Action
The O’Brien Notre Dame International Security Center provides a forum for national security scholars to come together to explore the most pressing issues in national security policy.
Undergraduate program
Notre Dame undergraduates studying international security have access to interdisciplinary courses and exciting opportunities that will prepare them for careers in policy and academia.
Who we are
The O’Brien Notre Dame International Security Center was established in 2008 to provide a forum where leading scholars in national security studies from Notre Dame and elsewhere could come together to explore some of the most pressing issues in national security policy.
Attend an event
ONDISC invites leaders and prominent scholars to speak on a wide range of international security related topics. These events provide a forum for policy experts, outside academics, and Notre Dame faculty and students to present and discuss their work.Events
View all eventsOur experts in the news
More from our experts
The New York Times
Iran's Attacks Keep the Strait of Hormuz in a Lethal Stalemate
September 06, 2026
"The strait is neither fully closed nor fully opened, said Eugene Gholz, an associate professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame and an expert on conflict in the waterway. "Iran can't close it completely, and the U.S. can't open it completely."
Foreign Affairs - The War China Might Choose
August 04, 2026
by Eugene Gholz and Kerby Davis
Analysts generally organize the options for a Chinese military move against Taiwan into three categories: an invasion to seize direct control of the island; a “joint firepower strike” that would bomb Taiwan’s cities and political institutions, terrorizing Taiwanese civilians into surrender; and a maritime blockade to starve Taiwan into submission. All these missions are complex, high-cost gambles for China that would consume large quantities of military assets and result in immense casualties and property damage.
