Ideas

Democrats Retreat on Nuclear Policy

The 2020 authorization bill fails to check Trump’s worst impulses.

Ideas

We Really Need to Fix the Federal Budget Process

With the 2020 defense policy bill close to done, here are some ideas for next year.

Ideas

‘Are You in This?’

If so many Americans believe Russia is an ally, China is a good business partner, and terrorism isn’t worth fighting anymore, how can the United States be counted on for global security?

Ideas

If Ukraine Is Impeachable, What’s Afghanistan?

A misguided war that drags on inconclusively for more than 18 years is, I submit, a great crime.

Ideas

The ‘Russia Hoax’ Is a Hoax

A report by the FBI inspector general debunks the claims that the investigation into political interference by the Kremlin was a left-wing conspiracy to depose the president.

Ideas

Everyone Knew We Were Losing in Afghanistan

And everyone in charge insisted we were winning.

Ideas

An End to Magical Thinking in the Middle East

It’s time to abandon the dogma that’s driven our foreign policy and led to so much disaster in the region.

Ideas

The Pentagon Is Ignoring Small Innovators

That’s why I’m proposing a law to give promising small firms an advocate inside the Defense Department.

Ideas

Today, Everyone’s a Nuclear Spy

Nuclear intelligence isn’t just for government agencies anymore. Self-appointed watchdogs are finding creative ways to foil regimes that pursue atomic weapons.

Ideas

A New Nuclear Deal? Start with New START

Russia is ready to extend this critical treaty, but Trump isn’t taking “yes” for an answer.

Ideas

GOP Lawmakers Used to Oppose Trump's Embrace of Russia. No More.

High-ranking Republicans are now defending the president with debunked claims that national security experts say play right into Putin's hands.

Ideas

Is US Deterrence Against Iran Doomed to Fail?

A key ingredient may be missing. And we won’t know until Tehran launches another attack.

Ideas

Trump Just Ghosted NATO, But Here’s What He Said That Matters

The president was on a roll until he surrendered a final chance to lay out his concerns and priorities.

Ideas

A 3-Percent Solution for NATO

The alliance should up its members’ spending goals — and count much-needed resiliency investment toward the total.

Ideas

NATO’s Newest Threat Is Coming From Inside the House

Worry less about the gaps between NATO leaders, and more about the gap between those leaders and the national security community.

Ideas

Three Tweaks to Foster Innovative Defense Products

Even the Pentagon can’t lavish billionaire-level cash on every promising tech startup — but it can make several moves that help.

Ideas

America's Rivalry With China Is Nothing Like the Cold War

In today’s circumstances, Cold War–era policies are not only unnecessary, but likely to catalyze a destructive spiral of heightening tensions that would make the world a more dangerous place.

Ideas

The Surest Way to Lose to China Is to Disparage Expertise

In this new era of great power competition, we are not investing enough in area specialists.

Ideas

Declaring Mexican Drug Cartels ‘Terrorists’ Is a Bad Old Idea

Trump and Obama policymakers rejected it because it brings no new tools to bear — and quite a few drawbacks.