Policy
Trump Goes to War Against the Democracies
Through the G7 summit, the brittle pretense of unity held together. Then came the tweets.
Ideas
The National Security Strategy Commits the US to a Lonelier and Less Generous Course
As previewed by H.R. McMaster, the new NSS contrasts strikingly to the visions of other recent presidents.
Threats
Global Conflicts to Watch in 2018
The U.S. is now the most unpredictable actor in the world today.
Threats
When Words Risk Provoking War
Words especially matter between societies that poorly understand each other’s motivations and intentions, as do North Korea and the U.S.
Ideas
Easing A Flashpoint for War in the East China Sea
U.S. leaders must lay the diplomatic groundwork for long-term solutions — or risk falling into conflict, World War I style.
Policy
The US Balance-of-Power Strategy in the Gulf is Collapsing. But It Never Had a Chance Anyway
The Qatar dispute deals a death blow to Trump Administration dreams of an Arab NATO arrayed against Iran.
Policy
Why Leaking Transcripts of Trump's Calls Is So Dangerous
When the president’s opponents violate norms to undermine him, they do lasting damage to American security.
Threats
The Arctic Could Be the Next South China Sea, Says Coast Guard Commandant
Rich with energy resources, minerals and strategic positioning, the warming Arctic is ripe for territorial disputes, Adm. Zukunft warns.
Threats
North Korea Appears to Have Launched Another Missile
Preliminary data suggest the test vehicle can travel farther than the ICBM launched earlier this month.
Threats
South Korea's President May Be Just the Man to Solve the North Korea Crisis
Just as only the conservative Richard Nixon could thaw U.S.-China relations, the supposedly dovish Moon Jae In could defuse tensions with the Kim regime.
Ideas
Iran Expected an Economic Boost from the Nuclear Deal. It’s Not Happening
Sluggish growth is putting pressure on Tehran, where hardliners who opposed the deal may be looking to strike back.
Ideas
In Aleppo, Echoes of Guernica and Global Disorder
Nearly 80 years ago, a shattered town rang a death knell for international order. We must not let it happen again.
Ideas
Why Do Brexit and Trump Still Shock National Security Elites?
You have failed to listen, understand, communicate, and explain.
Ideas
With UN Decision Looming, China, US Need Real Talks on South China Sea
China is expected to raise tensions this month if a Law of the Seas tribunal rules against their claims in the South China Sea. Time to start talking.
Policy
What Happened When Ash Carter Crashed Davos
The defense secretary's legacy may have been forged in the Alps, connecting economic elites to the Pentagon — and the war on terrorism.
Business
The ISIS Fight Is Reshaping US Arms Exports to Its Partners
A slight uptick in approvals for sales to anti-ISIS coalition partners has masked a big shift in the kinds of weapons being sold.
Ideas
Beyond the Draft: Rethinking National Service
Four reasons the defense community ought to support universal access to national service.
Policy
Conflicting Claims Over Downed Russian Warplane
The incident continues to strain relations between Moscow and Ankara.
Threats
NSA Spying Violates Privacy Rights, EU Court Rules
The decision likely won’t curb the surveillance, but could mean headaches for thousands of companies.
Ideas