Science & Tech

How NATO Is Preparing to Fight Tomorrow’s Cyber Wars

As members fight off cyber attacks from Russia, here’s a deep dive into spending goals, partnerships, and policy debates about going on the offensive.

Ideas

The 2% Benchmark Is Blinding Us to NATO Members’ Actual Contributions

It is far more revealing to look at the forces and capabilities each country sends abroad on alliance missions.

Policy

If War with Russia Breaks Out, Borders and Bureaucracy Could Slow the West’s Response

In a summer of multinational exercises in Europe, the first thing the U.S. Army learned was: ‘Borders are hard.’

Threats

In Ukraine, the US Trains an Army in the West to Fight in the East

For more than two years, some 300 American soldiers have been quietly helping train an enormous partner military in western Ukraine.

Ideas

Russia Has 100K Troops On the Move. Here's Why NATO Can't Do the Same

From mismatched rail lines to red tape, a host of obstacles show why NATO needs its own version of Russia's upcoming Zapad 2017 exercise.

Policy

As Trump and Putin Met, US and UK Defense Chiefs Discussed Ways to Deter Russia

While one part of Trump’s executive branch looks to improve relations with Moscow, another prepares for the worst.

Science & Tech

Former NATO Commander: Alliance Needs to Take Cyber Fight to Russia's Door

In May, a former NATO supreme commander urged the alliance to plan an offensive cyber policy to combat Russian information influence operations.

Ideas

How Poland Sets Trump Up for Success With Putin

Trump’s Poland visit could give the American president a strong message – and momentum – for his Putin meeting later this week.

Science & Tech

Former Pentagon Money Man to Oversee Defense of NATO Computer Networks

Kevin Scheid returns to the alliance as members eye spending increases to pay for cyber projects and traditional weapons.

Ideas

It’s Time for NATO to Look North

The alliance’s six-year old maritime strategy quickly needs updating for the new (and more Russian) age.

Ideas

At BALTOPS, It’s Back to Prepping for High-End Warfare

The annual NATO exercise in tight Baltic waters, grown a bit sleepy after the Cold War, has snapped back into serious intensity.

Threats

A Giant Russian Exercise Will Soon Put 100,000 Troops on NATO’s Border. Then What?

As Russia and Belarus prep for their quadrennial fight-the-West wargame, NATO’s Baltic states are watching more than a bit nervously.

Science & Tech

Poland Is Preparing for 15 Years of Rising Tension with Russia

The future battles of Eastern Europe will be fought with lasers, cheap missile-drones, and surgical strike units.

Ideas

The Longest War Fades Even at NATO

Cameras focused on Trump, but war commanders in Afghanistan wanted more troops from NATO, not promises.

Policy

NATO, Meet Donald Trump

A 28-member, 68-year-old alliance faces the conundrum of how to deal with the new American president.

Ideas

Hey, NATO, Let's Move Those 50 US Thermonuclear Weapons Out of Turkey

Why risk it? Even if NATO wants the nukes in Europe, Erdogan’s unstable regime is 68 miles from Syria, the hottest conflict zone on earth.

Ideas

The Trump Effect: One Path To A New NATO

The alliance must overcome three hurdles to revitalize trust and the transatlantic relationship, former senior NATO officials write.

Threats

NATO Laying Groundwork to Send More Troops To Iraq, Afghanistan

The bump could come with more alliance responsibility for fighting ISIS in Iraq.

Ideas

America’s Allies Are in Decline. Here’s How the US Should Adjust

As global power shifts, Washington needs a new strategy, and a new way of managing its alliances.