Ideas

ISIS in the Caribbean

The spread of Salafi Islam and a government’s blind eye toward recruiting has helped lead more Trinidadians to fight for ISIS than any other country in the Western hemisphere.

Ideas

Will Obama’s Mattis Be Trump’s Mattis?

In General Mattis, Trump picked an insider warrior-diplomat who worked with the Obama administration, respected Hillary Clinton, and knows the Middle East better than most.

Ideas

The Jihadi Thinker Who Ushered in the Era of ‘Anything Goes’ Warfare

Abu Abdullah al-Muhajir died in a recent airstrike, but his ideas will shape Islamic State and al-Qaeda tactics for years to come.

Ideas

The 'Civilian Control of the Military' Fallacy

Retired officers like James Mattis who are nominated for civilian posts should be judged on their merits—not disqualified on the basis of their past service.

Ideas

How Trump Can Heal US-Gulf Rifts

The president-elect has an opportunity, and an obligation, to reengage with Gulf Cooperation Council members.

Ideas

The Coming War on ‘Radical Islam’

How President-elect Trump’s government could change America’s approach to terrorism.

Ideas

The US Military Has a Pretty Good Plan to Keep Its Advantage. Trump Shouldn’t Mess With It

The Third Offset needs help, not replacement, to secure the long-term competitive advantage of the U.S. armed forces.

Ideas

Trump Should Halt US Missile-Defense Plans in Europe

The new president seems determined to woo Russia. Here’s one way he can serve American and NATO security goals as well.

Ideas

Trump's Big Test in the Middle East

The president-elect will encounter a region convulsed by change.

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Breaking Down US-Russian Distrust With Time, Talk, and Meals

A recent session of the long-running Dartmouth Conference shows how non-governmental dialogue can ease tense relations.

Ideas

As Trump Waits, So Do US War Fighters, Planners

The truth is nobody from the Pentagon to Baghdad knows yet if Trump will escalate or withdraw from America's ongoing fights around the world.

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Why Trump Is Wrong About His Conflicts of Interest

A conversation with Norman Eisen, former White House ethics czar, about the legal challenges facing the president-elect.

Ideas

Transnational Criminals Move at Network Speed. At SOUTHCOM, We’re Learning to Do the Same

But this sea change must be matched by U.S. and foreign partners, writes the leader of U.S. Southern Command.

Ideas

Can Trump Make a Deal With North Korea?

One of the biggest problems facing the president-elect might also be his biggest opportunity.

Ideas

Asia Awaits the Trump Era

As a candidate, he criticized alliances while vowing a military buildup. What does that mean for half the world?

Ideas

Fighter Pilots Aren’t Flying Enough to Hone the Skills of Full-Spectrum War

The Air Force is losing training time, experienced teachers, and its combat edge.

Ideas

How Much Does a Cyber Weapon Cost? Nobody Knows

Until we can develop a clearer understanding, policymakers won’t be able to know what groups like ISIS can do in the online realm.

Ideas

War in the Information Age

The chief of the U.S. Air Force describes a speed-infused future of combined arms — across domains and entire partnerships.

Ideas

How Trump Will Affect the India-Pakistan Balance of Power

Human rights promotion and developmental funding are poised to decline under a Trump administration, reducing American leverage in Kabul and Islamabad—and giving China an upper hand.

Ideas

So Far, Trump’s Talk Has Only Hurt America’s Counterterrorism Effort

Can the candidate who alienated Muslim Americans and gave thumbs-up to torture reverse course as president? A conversation with former FBI agent Ali Soufan.