Ideas

Why is America Still Saying 'Never Again' About Terrorism?

Despite an administration change and major shifts in national security, the federal government is still taking a maximalist approach to policy.

Ideas

The Death of Hope in Syria

“I don’t think anyone can help us,” one of the last doctors in Aleppo says.

Ideas

Trump is Wrong About the Intelligence Community

Presidential candidates should refrain from uninformed and baseless claims that only undermine intelligence professionals.

Ideas

Keeping America's Principles In the Age of Terrorism

Our security should be judged not only by the absence of major attacks but by America’s commitment to the Constitution.

Ideas

India's Modi Pokes Pakistan Over Contested Afghan-Border Region

India's prime minister is making waves for claiming he's received warmly by folks in Balochistan, which Pakistan struggles to secure.

Ideas

We Welcome China In Djibouti, Just As We Welcomed The West

Djibouti’s foreign minister pushes back on assertions China is elbowing Americans out of the strategic East African footprint.

Ideas

Obama's Last Chance to Terminate US Nuclear Policy (Thanks to Trump)

Here are four ways Obama can make humanity safer from nuclear weapons before anyone else gets the launch codes.

Ideas

For US Politicians, Overcoming the Fear of Terrorism is Easier Done Than Said

We don’t resign ourselves to car accidents, learning from what went wrong and funneling those insights back into prevention.

Ideas

The Hidden Costs of America's Addiction to Mercenaries

Washington’s reliance on unheralded private military contractors to fight its wars has mutated into a strategic vulnerability.

Ideas

To Defeat Future Terrorists, Europe Must Look to the Past

Decades of facing down homegrown, radical militancy, offer France, Germany, and Britain, a road map for contending with ISIS.

Ideas

The Army's Coming Readiness Challenge is No Myth

Today's Army is already too small to meet its national security objectives without risks, and there are serious hurdles to making things better.

Ideas

Looking to Grow the Next Big Military Innovation? Plant a Seed Overseas

It’s the right approach in an era where no nation can bet its security on a monopoly on good ideas.

Ideas

What to Watch Next After ISIS's Boko Haram Coup

Boko Haram’s former leader has not given up his global jihad, despite being snubbed by ISIS in early August.

Ideas

15 Years After 9/11, Is America Any Safer?

The United States has spent $1 trillion to defend against al-Qaeda and ISIL, dirty bombs and lone wolves, bioterror and cyberterror. Has it worked?

Ideas

Don’t Box Retired Generals Out of Politics

Gen. Dempsey’s prescription would preclude valuable contributions toward an informed electorate.

Ideas

Why So Many Foreign Fighters Flock to ISIS

A look at the factors that motivate people to leave home and join faraway wars.

Ideas

In Today's Complex World, 'We Have No Idea What War Is'

Rosa Brooks discusses her tenure at the Pentagon, and the ever-expanding role of the American military.

Ideas

ISIS Is Switching Tactics in Iraq. Baghdad Needs to Get Its Act Together

As the Islamic State returns to urban terror attacks, Iraqi security agencies must learn to work with each other.

Ideas

Afghanistan: It’s Only Getting Worse

Is pouring billions more dollars into the country and keeping thousands of U.S. troops there the best way to keep us safe?

Ideas

How Not to Plan for ‘The Day After’ In Libya

Once again, the Obama Doctrine has encouraged improvisation over long-term strategy.