Ideas
Defense One Radio, Ep. 130: A brief history of China’s nuclear forces
From Cold War-era distrust of the Soviets to Beijing's recent silo buildup, we review some of the ideas and methods that have helped China become the nuclear power it is today.
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Why the U.S. still needs ground forces in Europe
Moscow’s setbacks notwithstanding, refocusing on China would be a mistake.
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NATO’s defense demands Eastern Front improvements
The recent summit largely avoided urgent questions about the mismatch between available forces and the Russian threat.
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The Pentagon is the wrong agency to lead the new US deterrence strategy
If integrated deterrence is to succeed, the hammer must not be the tool of first resort.
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What Venezuela’s moonbase vow says about China, Russia, and the USA
Caracas’ participation in the International Lunar Research Station is more than merely symbolic.
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Navies don't agree on naval-warfare law. Here's how to keep legal fissures from sinking your coalition
A new manual can help the U.S. and its partners stay on the same page.
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Defense One Radio, Ep. 129: After the NATO summit + a trip to the Pacific
Patrick Tucker explains what he learned during a recent trip to Indo-PACOM headquarters in Hawaii.
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Someone’s missing from NATO’s spending debates
Finance ministers—much more powerful in almost every non-U.S. member government—need a seat at the table.
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Here’s how to fix the Pentagon’s CAPE office
The changes must go to the heart of the operation.
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Climate Security is National Security
Our book argues the threat of terrorism was never an existential threat—but climate change is, and it requires more military attention and resources.
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Defense One Radio, Ep. 128: Behind this year’s Paris Air Show
Marcus Weisgerber helps unpack some of the biggest defense business takeaways from the 2023 Paris Air Show.
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China Is Gearing Up to Evade Chip-Export Rules
As one avenue for China to illicitly acquire high-end dual use technology dries up, watch for others to expand.
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Defense One Radio, Ep. 127: Tech Summit, in review
We hear from U.S. generals, ambassadors from Europe, tech reps from Ukraine, officials from Congress, China wonks, space nerds, and more
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Don’t Kill CAPE
The storied Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office is invaluable to the Pentagon. Three former directors explain why.
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Get Moving on That Irregular Warfare Center, DOD Leaders
Stalled by bureaucratic indecision, the Pentagon is operating its new center in an interim capacity that risks dangerously narrowing its field of vision.
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As Modi Preps for US Visit, Mideast Leaders Study India’s Nonalignment
Many Middle East governments want good ties to the U.S.—without the disrespect.
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We’re Still Arguing Over Women in the Military?
The U.S. armed forces need women, and suggestions to the contrary hurt recruiting and readiness.
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Spend More on Defense? Let’s Focus on Spending Better
The leaders of Congress’ National Defense Strategy commission lay out their priorities.
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China’s New Conscription Rules Reveal Concerns
New sections on wartime drafts, punishment, and physical fitness offer a glimpse into PLA leaders’ minds.
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