Ideas

Overspending on the Pentagon Won’t Make Us Safer

We spend far more on the military than the countries we most fear, while shorting the things that would actually help us compete.

Ideas

How to Get the National Defense Strategy Out of Its Mideast Rut

We need less talk about why we need to leave, and more about why we need to compete elsewhere.

Ideas

As Coronavirus Spreads, China’s Military Is Largely MIA

The PLA’s anemic participation is odd given its past performance, planning, and pronouncements.

Ideas

Trump’s Bid to Go Big on Nuclear Arms Looks Like a Fizzle

Russia has no interest in negotiating from scratch. China has no interest in negotiating at all.

Ideas

Don’t Blame Foreign Hackers for the Chaos in Iowa

Blame an ill-considered push for untested technology. Securing our elections means getting the simple things right.

Ideas

Trump's Ban on Nigerian Immigrants Will Hurt His Defense Strategy

Expanding immigration bans while seeking closer economic ties with Africa to counter Russian and Chinese influence indicates policy incoherence.

Ideas

Under Trump, US Is Less Ready for Infectious Disease Outbreaks Like Coronavirus

The administration has cut CDC funding and disbanded the White House's own global health security team.

Ideas

Iraq Is the One War Zone Trump Doesn’t Want to Leave

The president’s resistance to withdrawing from the country boils down to three of his main enemies: ISIS, Iran, and Obama.

Ideas

Trump’s Iran Strategy Isn’t Working as Well as He Thinks

The killing of Qassem Soleimani upended expectations in useful ways, but the U.S. isn’t in a position to capitalize on the turmoil.

Ideas

ISIS Is No Reason to Stay in Iraq

Don’t take the wrong conclusion from recent news about the group’s “resurgence.”

Ideas

Stop the ‘Blood Coal’ That Funds Russia’s Occupation of Ukraine

Moscow is selling Ukrainian coal to subsidize its military operations. Western sanctions must end that.

Ideas

Britain and America Have a China Problem

London’s and Washington’s differing assessments of Beijing’s rise point to deeper issues between the two countries.

Ideas

A Marine Squadron Leader Begged for Help Before a Deadly Midair Crash. Now Congress Wants Answers

DOD's secret investigation into the 2018 collision shows the squadron leader had repeatedly asked for more training time, senior enlisted, and gear.

Ideas

To End America’s War in Afghanistan, US Troops Can’t Leave Yet

Walking away out of frustration — especially during peace talks — is as empty a strategy as doubling down out of optimism.

Ideas

The US Navy Needs More Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchells

The service must create ways to retain and use…not the reckless flyboy of 1986, but the experienced aviator of 2020.

Ideas

Today’s Arctic Diplomacy Can’t Handle Tomorrow’s Problems

A new forum is needed to address military and security issues in the region.

Ideas

Great Powers Must Talk to Each Other About AI

Even as they compete, major militaries have reason to cooperate: to avoid misunderstanding and to establish best practices and pragmatic parameters.

Ideas

We Can End Our Endless Wars

America should end its military involvement in conflicts in the Middle East and bring our troops home.

Ideas

A Call to Inaction on Defense Acquisition Law

The best thing Congress could do for a while is stop passing new legislation.

Ideas

Why Does the US Spend So Much on Defense?

It is well to remember that the real bill includes not just DOD spending but VA, intelligence, and more. But those who would cut spending must also propose a new strategy.