Ideas

It’s Time to Declare Our Independence from Russian Rockets

Attention, Congress: there are a range of alternatives to the RD-180, none of which run through Moscow.

Ideas

Revamp the International Officer Training Program Before Inviting Nations Like Myanmar

For 40 years, the U.S. program has helped strengthen ties with partner nations and their rising military stars. More can be done.

Ideas

Afghanistan Needs a Settlement, Not Another Troop-Withdrawal Deadline

The U.S. objective in Afghanistan is not to leave; it is to end the war on terms Americans and Afghans can live with.

Ideas

With UN Decision Looming, China, US Need Real Talks on South China Sea

China is expected to raise tensions this month if a Law of the Seas tribunal rules against their claims in the South China Sea. Time to start talking.

Ideas

What’s Missing as NATO Rearms Its Eastern Flank? Diplomacy

An arms buildup alone won’t keep the Baltics safe, but a parallel Cold War-style diplomatic track just might.

Ideas

The B-21 Bomber Should Be Unmanned on Day 1

So far, U.S. Air Force leaders have said only that it will eventually be able to fly without crew.

Ideas

Don’t Privatize the Veterans Health Administration

The healthcare industry wants to take over a system that – for all its problems – still outperforms the private sector.

Ideas

Stop Saying We're Dropping 'Cyber Bombs' On ISIS

It is better to see cyber operations for what they are: changing spreadsheets, intercepting email, jamming comms, and a lot of deception.

Ideas

The Nuclear Football Goes to Japan

Obama will have the power of 22,000 Hiroshimas in the suitcase his aide carries with him. He still has time to change.

Ideas

The Latest Taliban Leader’s Death Changes What, Exactly?

Ask three people what they make of Mullah Mansoor’s death by drone and you’ll get three answers, none offering a swift end to the war.

Ideas

A New Front In Obama's War on Whistleblowers

Fired Pentagon assistant inspector general John Crane is going public with allegations senior officials retaliated against whistleblowers, destroyed permanent records and altered audits under political pressure.

Ideas

The Old Arguments About US Nukes in Europe Aren’t Working. Here’s A New Approach.

Stressing the humanitarian dimensions of the debate over tactical nukes may break a long stalemate.

Ideas

Naysayers Are Learning the Wrong Lessons About the Littoral Combat Ship

The LCS is bringing needed numbers — and following the paths of very successful ship classes.

Ideas

The Myth of American Disengagement

For too many in the foreign policy debate, "engagement" is code for unilateral military intervention. Here's a more honest way to measure Obama's record.

Ideas

If Diplomacy Fails, Then What for Syria?

What leverage has a United States that is so reluctant to fight?

Ideas

The Military Isn't Fully Tracking Sexual Assault Reports

Watchdog says DOD has yet to comply with a new law to tally discharged troops who had reported being assaulted.

Ideas

If Russia is Selling, the Pentagon Should Keep Buying — Rocket Engines, That Is

What’s the rush? Before hastily cutting off the engines we need, Congress should set the conditions for a better American space launch market.

Ideas

LIVESTREAM: Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Exposition 2016

Join us as we livestream this year's conference and panel discussions, featuring Defense Secretary Ash Carter and more than 150 speakers from across the U.S. military and private sector.

Ideas

Five Possible Futures for the US Navy

Technology, especially networked algorithms, is changing the game. But which path will it take the Navy down?