Ideas
We Never Did What Was Necessary in Afghanistan
We lost. It’s painful and infuriating, but a few more troops and a little more time would change nothing.
Policy
‘We Will Not Flinch’: Austin Promises US Will Continue to Bolster Taiwan’s Self-Defense
In Singapore, defense secretary chides Beijing for “aggression...coercion...genocide” but says he wants a “constructive, stable relationship with China.”
Threats
French, U.S. Special Forces Agree to Beef Up Partnership in Africa
The new agreement shows that counterterrorism will still be a top focus for the Pentagon.
Ideas
A Better Way to Measure Returns on U.S. Security Cooperation Investments
Though return-on-investment analysis seems like the obvious approach, it simply does not work for measuring security cooperation activities.
Threats
Pentagon Studying How Counterterrorism Fits Into Great Power Competition
The Pentagon has not previously discussed how to use counterterrorism capabilities for great power competition. Now that’s changing.
Policy
Biden, Moon Seek Return to Normal After Four Years of ‘Chaotic’ Trump
But the U.S. and South Korean leaders remain far apart on topics from North Korea to human rights.
Ideas
Détente with Iran Could Unlock a Foreign Policy Gold Mine
Bringing Tehran back into the diplomatic fold would foster other progress.
Business
Tie US Arms Exports to Values, Pentagon Policy Chief Nominee Says
Colin Kahl says sales to Saudi Arabia may change under Biden administration.
Ideas
Boycott the Olympics? Cancel the Saudis? How Woke Can Biden Really Get?
Classic international relations realism and wokeness are two different things.
Policy
US Unprepared for AI Competition with China, Commission Finds
Retaining the current dwindling edge will take White House leadership and a substantial investment, according to the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence.
Ideas
Biden’s First Move on Nuclear Weapons
When Putin calls to congratulate the new U.S. president, Biden should seize the opportunity.
Ideas
Cutting US Defense Attachés from Embassies Abroad is a Bad Idea
Without them on the ground, or without the right rank, commanders and policymakers are mostly blind, deaf, and mute.
Ideas
Give Us That Democracy Summit, President Biden
A long time ago, before the pandemic, he promised to convene free-world leaders. It’s still a good idea.
Business
Will COVID-Stressed Countries Slow Their Arms Buys?
State Department’s political-military leader sees mixed signals from abroad.
Ideas
Honor World War II with a Better, Shared Future
We believe that the best way to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the peace is to join hands.
Policy
Trump To Sanction ICC Officials Investigating Alleged US War Crimes In Afghanistan
The court’s top prosecutor found that the U.S. military may have committed “torture.”
Ideas
What America’s Allies Really Think About Trump’s Syria Decision
During a few wild weeks in October, U.S. allies watched as their own worst nightmare befell America’s Kurdish partners in Syria. Here’s what that means for America’s standing in the world.
Ideas
Bolton’s Departure Signals Trump’s Foreign-Policy Pivot
The president is turning away from conflict and toward diplomacy—and that will shape his choice of the next national security adviser.
Ideas
America’s Allies Seem to Be Moving On Without Trump
At the G7 meeting, leaders seemed to have given up on an agreement with him on trade, climate, and even whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is friend or foe.
Policy
Britain’s Options for Its Ambassador: Defend or Dismiss
The U.K. is left with two seemingly impossible choices after President Trump’s assertion that “we will no longer deal with” Sir Kim Darroch.
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