Ideas
The Pentagon must activate this powerful, underused approach to acquisition
The modular open systems approach is already encouraged. It’s just not used enough.
What ‘House of Dynamite’ gets right and wrong about nuclear command and control
The Netflix film is good on process and tech, but has one major flaw.
Don’t give up the shipyards
Trump’s first shipbuilding deal must not derail America’s bipartisan strategy to revive the foundations of its seapower.
Now is not the time for new US commitments to the Middle East
President Trump should follow his instincts and tell the Gulf states to take on more of their own security burden.
How to foster a warrior ethos in the workforce
Invest in educating future acquisition professionals.
Defense One Radio, Ep. 196: “The Wounded Generation” by David Nasaw
A celebrated historian shares years of research into the quiet and not-so-quiet struggles of millions of American veterans returning home from World War II.
It’s time to return Turkey to the F-35 fold, even if we have to get creative
It's a sticking point that is blocking deeper US-NATO-Turkish defense cooperation.
Federal shutdown deals blow to already-hobbled cybersecurity agency
Two-thirds of the staff at the nation’s cybersecurity agency are sidelined, opening opportunities for malicious hackers.
Hamas has run out of options
The group's survival now rests on accepting Trump’s plan and political reform.
Venezuela, US edge toward war footing—but the White House may blink first
The Trump administration is increasing the pressure, but domestic concerns, international risks may hold it back.
'Shadow economies' are growing. Military planners and operators must take them into account
Black markets prolong wars, defang sanctions, fray alliances, and help rogue governments and groups survive and thrive.
Don’t let the ‘unequal dialogue’ become a partisan one
Secretary Hegseth's short-notice summoning of flag officers evinces a dangerous lack of respect.
Military AI needs guardrails—not to slow it down, but to keep it useful
Modifying commercial models isn’t as easy as removing the parts that discourage users from killing people.
How Trump can make defense reform stick
It will require sustained presidential attention and unprecendented transparency.
China’s new missiles on parade: showpieces or showstoppers?
The Sept. 3 parade was clearly meant to convey China's growing military strength and technological ambition.
Data shows more US extremist violence is right-wing than left-wing
The trends are clear, but more could be done to give policymakers and the public reliable evidence.
Featured eBooks
Returning the Air Force to its expeditionary roots
Agility and innovation helped win WWII. They will be essential for the next conflict.
You may not be interested in climate change, but it is interested in you
Ignoring a threat doesn’t make it go away.
A killing at sea marks America’s descent into lawless power
The peremptory strike on a speedboat is a warning to all who serve. Remember your oath.
