Ideas

Forget NATO; France Taps the EU in Its Fight Against ISIS

France could have triggered NATO's Article 5. Here's why Paris chose the EU's mutual defense clause instead.

Ideas

Time for a US Maritime Security Strategy for Europe

Congress should require DOD to develop one along the lines of the recent Asia Pacific Maritime Security Strategy.

Threats

US Airstrikes, Afghan Forces Fail to Reclaim Kunduz

Afghan troops and civilians fled to the airport as the city was captured by the Taliban on Monday.

Business

As Tensions Rise in the East, Europe’s Militaries Shop For Heavier Weapons

At London’s giant DSEI arms show, the talk is of Russia, ISIS, and hybrid war.

Science & Tech

Dutch Air Force Chief Slams US Army Helicopter Plan

Lt. Gen. Alexander Schnitger said the two designs being evaluated by the US Army could fall far short of actual wartime needs.

Threats

NATO Caught ‘Surprised’ By Russia’s Move Into Syria

Intelligence chief says the alliance members can’t even agree whether Moscow or ISIS is the greater threat — and there’s not enough ISR to go around.

Business

Now NATO’s Prepping for Hybrid War

Like the US, the alliance as a whole is readying forces for a full range of combat scenarios — and planning a historically complex exercise.

Ideas

UK Steps Up Defense Posture, Spending Ahead of Review

British armed forces are stepping up their response, and future presence, against threats from Russia to terrorism.

Policy

NATO Members’ Defense Spending, in Two Charts

The alliance’s easternmost members are ratcheting up their budgets as Russian threats loom.

Ideas

After Ukraine, NATO's Chance for a New Normal

Can Defense Secretary Ash Carter and European leaders turn NATO's historic Ukraine response into a new future for the alliance?

Science & Tech

This Motion Sensor Could Detect Russian Soldiers as They're Invading a Country

Hidden in the woods along the borders of more than 30 countries, including some that neighbor Russia, small wireless cameras triggered by movement are watching for intruders.

Threats

NATO Commander: US Lethal Aid to Ukraine Won’t Stop Russia

NATO’s Gen. Philip Breedlove told lawmakers U.S.-supplied lethal aid to Ukraine’s military would not stop Russia, though it might help ‘change its calculation.’

Threats

What Does ‘Security’ in Post-2014 Afghanistan Really Mean?

It’s not just about troops on the ground and the readiness of the Afghan security forces. By Catherine Powell

Threats

An Especially Deadly Day in Afghanistan

Taliban militants continue to take advantage of the vulnerability created by the U.S. withdrawal. By Allen McDuffee

Threats

As End Looms, US Warns Afghan Troops Taking ‘Unsustainable’ Casualties

While NATO curbs its mission, Afghanistan’s troop fatalities and attrition are placing enormous strains on Kabul’s security forecast. By Ben Watson

Threats

NATO's Take on Cyberspace Law Ruffles China's Feathers

There was hope that discussions about international law governing cyberspace might yield progress between the U.S. and China on the matter. Here's why that's naive. By Adam Segal

Ideas

The Cold War May Be Over, But the Fight Against Russia Isn’t

When it comes to visible signs of strength in Eastern Europe, NATO and Russia are going in opposite directions. By Mark Seip

Policy

Will Afghanistan Become the ‘Forgotten War’ Again?

As the U.S. military draws down in Afghanistan after 13 years of war, history shows it can’t take anything for granted. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Afghanistan Signs Deal To Keep 10,000 US, NATO Troops

The new Afghanistan president signed a bilateral security agreement that will keep international troops in the country well beyond 2014. By Jordain Carney