Ideas

Heed the generals who call Trump unfit to lead

The former commander-in-chief understands nothing of military service, duty, or a cause greater than himself.

What would Harris, Trump do about Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

Harris says support for Kyiv is in the U.S.'s strategic interest. Trump says he'd accept a deal from the strongman he admires.

How to do autonomous flight right

Too many companies are trying to take shortcuts. The Pentagon needs to push back.

How the Pentagon’s financial audit will help win wars

The cultural and technological drive toward transparency will ultimately make U.S. forces more effective.

How Russia, China envision nuking US satellites: from above and below

As the Pentagon builds huge constellations to shrug off conventional ASAT weapons, potential adversaries are taking things to a terrifying new level.

Navy places two new submarine contract modifications

The service is still trying to get up to two Virginia-class attack boats per year.

The Middle East is in a new era of mass displacement

The situation in Gaza is structurally different from previous displacement crises in the region.

Iran’s Oct. 1 strike on Israel had several meanings.

It was retaliatory–but it was also meant to save face and restore deterrence.

The US military must prepare for a second Trump presidency

His re-election could have profound effects on civil-military relations.

What reports got wrong about China’s ‘sunken nuclear submarine’

Western news organizations often miss crucial context—and even the real news—about Chinese military modernization.

Want peace in the Pacific? Bring Taiwan into the UN system

The United Nations can start by rejecting Beijing’s false claims about Resolution 2758.

National security deserves better than House Speaker’s 6-month CR plan

Bipartisan leaders should insist on—and meet—a tighter deadline for the fiscal 2025 spending bills.

Defense One Radio, Ep. 162: Europe in a tight spot

Patrick Tucker unpacks findings from his recent trip to Prague for the 2024 Global Security Conference.

Could a Canadian experiment help US Navy recruiting?

More than a hundred young Canadians are spending a trial year in their fleet.

Time to retire ‘Arab-Israeli conflict’?

A new name should reflect how the hostilities have grown more complex and spread beyond the region's boundaries.

Military must move beyond integration to inclusion

Once troops are relieved of the burden of fighting for inclusion, they can focus all of their energy on promoting a military that fosters great people, leaders, and teams.