Ideas

What Does a Government Shutdown Mean for the Department of Defense?

Four years ago, this staffer for the defense policy undersecretary helped the Pentagon figure out the impacts of a shutdown. Hint: it wasn’t pretty.

Ideas

Three Ways to Read Trump's National Security Strategy

Is it better approached as a sacred text, or examined like the scat of a shaggy, woodland beast?

Ideas

For NATO, True Interoperability Is No Longer Optional

Here are nine ways to ensure That alliance members could fight together to defend Europe.

Ideas

The Lessons of 'American War'

What holds a society together in the absence of common ideas?

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.

Ideas

The Pentagon’s Next Terrorism Threat (and Solution): Kids

As ISIS-type extremism spreads, counterterrorism commanders are right to be concerned with the youth population bulge. Here’s how to turn a threat into a resource.

Ideas

Improving on the Iran Deal

Today is the nominal deadline for Congress to decide what it intends to do — and then there’s Europe to woo.

Ideas

An Afghan Army Aviator Describes Iran’s Threats — and How to Meet Them

Beyond its support for the Taliban, Tehran is exploiting refugee flows and cultural ties between the countries.

Ideas

Did the Saudis Shoot Down a Houthi Missile on Nov. 4? It Doesn’t Much Matter

The Patriot has proven itself with dozens of successful intercepts. Moreover, it’s just one part of a solid anti-missile defense strategy.

Ideas

The North Korea Debate Sounds Eerily Familiar

Trump’s national-security officials are making many of the same arguments Bush’s did in 2003.

Ideas

Trump's National Security Strategy is Decidedly Non-Trumpian

An exclusive preview of the White House's plan highlights the wide gulf between what the president says and what he does.

Ideas

China Is On a Whole-of-Nation Push for AI. The US Must Match It

Beijing is harnessing government and commercial entities in pursuit of a once-in-a-generation technological kingmaker.

Ideas

North Korea’s New Missile Is a Game-Changer

Photos show a nose cone big enough to carry multiple warheads, plus countermeasures that U.S. missile defenses have never been tested against.

Ideas

The Cost of Trump’s Attacks on National-Security Agencies

The president’s efforts to delegitimize the FBI are frustrating and demoralizing the staff of the nation’s lead agency for domestic counterintelligence.

Ideas

How to Save the Pentagon’s Innovation Insurgency

The former chief of the US Army’s Rapid Equipping Force suggests parallel tracks for innovation and execution.

Ideas

As AI and Cyber Race Ahead, the State Department Is Falling Behind

Technology is reshaping the global order. America’s diplomats need to start thinking ahead.

Ideas

Hey, @Twitter, It’s Time to Talk about President Trump

The president’s amplification of the things he finds in his mentions is putting national security at risk.

Ideas

America Is Not Going to Denuclearize North Korea

Trump administration officials still think they might persuade the Kim regime to disarm. This belief is mistaken, and dangerous.

Ideas

Russia Used Social Media to Weaponize American Free Will. Here’s What to Do About It.

The tech, policy and national security communities need to come together to stop disinformation campaigns.

Ideas

What's Dangerous About Donald Trump's Foreign Policy?

His unorthodox approach has frightened some observers. But it’s his more conventional moves that have cost the most lives.