2024 in review: Commentary

The Pentagon has been learning the wrong lessons for three decades
The Gulf War sowed the seeds of future defeat. We must uproot them—and urgently.
John Ferrari, Senior Nonresident Fellow, AEI

We have China’s ‘anti-access’ challenge exactly backward
Stronger regional security depends on getting this right—then setting aside our wants for our needs.
Peter W. Singer, Strategist, New America

The Army is too top-heavy
Surplus generals, swollen staffs, and excess headquarters drain headcount and resources from warfighting units.
R.D. Hooker, Jr., Senior Associate, Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center

The US is not serious about aircraft carriers—or their industrial base
Congress should reject the Navy’s plan to increase the gaps between new carriers.
Bryan McGrath, Managing Director, The FerryBridge Group

U.S. Air Force culture needs a reboot
Too many of today’s operators think of themselves as passive helpers, not innovative war-winners.
Paula Thornhill and Lt. Col. Shane Praiswater

How China is winning the Middle East
China is working to present itself as a responsible alternative to the U.S. in the Middle East, just as many are questioning Washington’s long-term comm...
Peter W. Singer, Strategist, New America

The US military must prepare for a second Trump presidency
His re-election could have profound effects on civil-military relations.
Gregory D. Foster, Professor, National Defense University

Will Musk’s ‘Algorithm’ reduce military inefficiency—or increase risk?
It's good to question Pentagon requirements. But many exist for deadly serious reasons that may not be obvious in a hasty review.
Todd Harrison, Senior Fellow, AEI

Could a Canadian experiment help US Navy recruiting?
More than a hundred young Canadians are spending a trial year in their fleet.
Marissa Lemar

The X-Men and Avengers have lessons for international defense cooperation
We train as we fight, but we don’t buy as we fight.
Dan Ward, Senior Principal Systems Engineer, MITRE

In Norway, young people compete to serve in the military
Other countries mulling wider national service plans should learn about the Norwegian model.
Elisabeth Braw, Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council