The Pentagon is scrapping social science research, saying it will prioritize fiscal responsibility and technologies for the future battlefield – with cost savings of more than $30 million in first year through the discontinuation of 91 studies.
The Office of the Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering is ending its social science research portfolio as part of a broader effort to ensure fiscal responsibility and prioritize mission-critical activities. This initiative involves focusing resources on technologies essential for maintaining a strong national defense, aligning with the Trump administration’s commitment to efficient government and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
Several studies are affected by this shift, including those focused on global migration patterns, climate change impacts, and social trends. Examples include:
- The Climate-Food-Urbanization Nexus and the Precursors of Instability in Africa
- Social and Institutional Determinants of Vulnerability and Resilience to Climate Hazards in the African Sahel
- Anticipating Costal Population Mobility: Path to Maladaptation or Sociopolitical Stability
- Comparing Underlying Drivers of South-North Migration in Central America and West Africa
- Democracy Quest
- The Language of Parasocial Influence and the Emergence of Extremism
- Weaponized Conspiracies
- Beyond the Clock: Understanding Cross-Cultural Temporal Orientation of Military Officers
- Food Fights: War Narratives and Identity Reproduction in Evolving Conflicts
- Future Fish Wars: Chasing Ocean Ecosystem Wealth
The Department of Defense said it recognizes the value of academic research but – in response to President Donald Trump’s Executive Orders and Secretary Pete Hegseth’s priorities – recognizes that funded research must address pressing needs to develop and field advanced military capabilities.
The Pentagon expects to see cost savings of more than $30 million in the first year through the discontinuation of social science studies, including the examples listed above.
Secretary of Defense Hegseth has emphasized the importance of equipping the American military with the tools and capabilities necessary to deter adversaries and maintain a strong defense. This initiative directly supports that commitment by prioritizing investments in areas like hypersonic weapons development, AI-powered systems for enhanced battlefield awareness, and strengthening the domestic military industrial base.
The realignment also reflects the Department’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and ensuring every dollar invested in defense generates the greatest possible return for the American people. By focusing on the most impactful technologies, the DoD said it is ensuring the U.S. military remains the most powerful and advanced fighting force in the world.
