Policy
The Generals Are Speaking Up. Is That a Good Thing?
Scholars are warning about what others are celebrating as a necessary corrective to a commander in chief gone wrong.
Business
CEOs of Major Defense Companies Speak Out About Racism, Call for Unity
In many cases, their internal messages and social media posts went out days before military leaders issued their own calls for reflection.
Threats
Service Chiefs Acknowledge Racism in the Ranks, Pledge Dialogue, Change
After days of civil unrest and several Esper missteps, each one of the service branch chiefs has begun to speak out.
Ideas
James Mattis Denounces Trump as a Threat to the Constitution
In an extraordinary condemnation, the former defense secretary backs protesters and says the president is trying to turn Americans against one another.
Policy
Esper Opposes Insurrection Act Use
Trump has threatened to invoke the act in order to use active duty troops to police protests.
Ideas
America’s Generals Must Stand Up to Trump
Our military leaders are willing to take a bullet for this country. But are they prepared to take a pink slip?
Threats
Pentagon Says Guard Did Not Tear-Gas Protesters; Downplays Role In Militarized Response
A senior official also said SecDef was unaware of the plan to clear a public park for a Trump photo op.
Ideas
Trump Finally Gets the War He Wanted
Gen. Milley and Secretary Esper accompanied the president to a photo op — and right into his American war.
Threats
Trump, GOP Allies Reach For Military Response To Domestic Protests
In startling language, Defense Secretary Mark Esper referred to American streets as “the battlespace.”
Ideas
The Coronavirus Is Raising the Likelihood of Great-Power Conflict
U.S. efforts to increase deterrence must be carefully calibrated to avoid accidental escalation.
Ideas
It’s Time to Listen to the Doomsday Planners
Another pandemic, or a terrorist attack, could cripple an unprepared executive branch.
Threats
If Given OK, US Could Conduct a Nuclear Test in a Matter of Months, Pentagon Official Says
This comes as senior national security officials are reportedly discussing whether to conduct a test.
Threats
Pentagon Sets New Rules for ‘Return to Normal Operations’ Worldwide
‘We’ve got a ways to go,’ says official in charge of re-opening, but local commanders given authority to decide.
Ideas
Lawmakers Should Push the Pentagon to Draw on Women’s Contributions to Security
A relatively tiny increase in dedicated funding would make a big difference downstream.
Threats
Afghanistan Drawdown Continues Despite Violence, Ghani Announcement
The Afghan president said that his side would be resuming “offensive” operations against the Taliban.
Science & Tech
Pentagon Task Force Turns to Data to Shape COVID-19 Response
The group aims to use models and information to judge risks to the Defense Department and its missions.
Threats
A ‘Mass Breakout’ of ISIS from Syrian Prisons Remains a Risk, Pentagon Watchdog Says
The coalition has had “little or no direct access” to the facilities since Turkey’s October invasion.
Threats
Afghanistan To Resume ‘Offensive’ Actions Against Taliban In Blow To Peace Deal
How that will affect U.S. plans is anybody’s guess.
Threats