The Executive Director

The biennial IUS International Conferences have emerged as a highly esteemed forum for in-depth academic discussions on pivotal topics encompassing civil-military relations, terrorism, socio-political intricacies, and the welfare of service members and their families. Scholars from around the world at all levels, including military officers, civilian officials, and students offer diverse perspective that enrich our collective understanding. Participants engage in meaningful dialogues, fostering connections and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in these critical domains.

We continue to have a large number of junior scholars and first-time conference attendees. The IUS recognizes the value that junior scholars bring to the field and is actively working on initiatives to support the development of these emerging voices.

Please visit our Conference page to view past conference programs and learn how to participate in upcoming conferences and events.

Dues are an important source of revenue helping us maintain our intellectual activities, journal, and global outreach. Please take note of your renewal when it arrives and respond as soon as possible. Discounted 2 and 3-year renewal options are available. Life Fellowship is also an option, featuring a single dues payment for life.

You can also now pay your dues online through our Fellows-Only section and we strongly recommend this. You may also contact the Secretariat for alternate payment methods.

I especially encourage you to recruit student Fellows at the reduced rate. They are the future of the IUS and the new student Fellowship rates make joining the IUS very reasonable for our colleagues still enrolled in Universities worldwide.

I also ask you to consider approaching your academic colleagues in relevant departments, qualified non-academics, executives, policymakers and military personnel with expertise and an interest in our work. The diversity they would provide would only benefit and enrich our organization and activities.

The most important indicator of intellectual quality is the scholarly work done by IUS Fellows. Our journal Armed Forces & Society continues to be the leading outlet for the most important scholarly discussions of the issues of concern to our Fellows. This is reflected in the high ranking of AF&S in Thomson ISI's® Journal Citation Reports®.

AF&S Online in the Fellows-Only section of this website provides IUS Fellows with access to a tremendous variety of Sage journals in full-text format online.

Armed Forces & Society editor Patricia Shields and her associates continue to work exceptionally hard and effectively to maintain and enhance the quality of our journal. Only the former editors know how time-consuming (and occasionally frustrating) this work is. We thank them for the tremendous job they do for our flagship publication.

Under Construction

Just as our conferences and journal have adapted to our changing world, the IUS itself will not be left behind. I have invited IUS Webmaster Thomas McHenry to chair our Social Media Committee, which will investigate how best to optimize our use of social media tools in reaching those interested in our work, especially students, cadets, younger scholars, and military officers. I look forward to the launch of this next, exciting phase in the work of the IUS.

We highly value input from all perspective, and your insights are crucial in shaping the future of our organization. Whether you’re a fellow or someone passionate about our mission, I encourage you to reach out and share your thoughts on ways we can better serve our community. Your suggestions, ideas, and feedback are warmly welcomed, and we appreciate all efforts to enhance our organization.

Should you have announcements or other relevant information you would like us to publicize, please forward to Secretariat Manager Eric S. Morse or submit the information through our announcements web form.

Ryan J. Burch is a seasoned professional in the realm of anti-financial crime, currently serving as Vice President for the Financial Intelligence Unit at Deutsche Bank. With an extensive career spanning renowned financial institutions, both domestic and foreign, Ryan has honed his expertise in critical areas such as anti-money laundering, anti-fraud, and global sanctions.

Having contributed his skills to industry giants like JPMorgan Chase, Western Union, and USAA, Ryan's journey has been marked by a commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of financial systems worldwide. His experience also includes multiple consulting engagements and extends beyond borders, including a significant stint in Saudi Arabia, where he navigated the complexities of the international financial security landscape. Beyond the financial realm, Ryan's career intersects with the complex arena of civil-military relations and associated peripheral topics, such as security, governance, and international cooperation.

Ryan's academic journey commenced at Loyola University Chicago under the mentorship of distinguished scholars John Allen Williams and the late Sam Sarkesian, both former Presidents of the IUS. Delving into Political Science during his undergraduate years at Loyola, he furthered his education with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a Master's in International Relations from American Military University. He has also earned the distinguished Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist and Certified Fraud Examiner professional designations.

In 2005, Ryan became actively involved with the IUS, initially overseeing conference registration and subsequently shouldering expanding responsibilities over the years. The IUS holds a special place in Ryan's professional and scholarly heart, reflecting his deep appreciation for the critical issues it brings to the forefront of global discourse.