Ideas
To Beat ISIS, We Must Think Smaller
People become radicalized when they lack hope, jobs, and purpose. Local investments can break the cycle.
Ideas
Transparency’s Double-Edged Sword
Even as ubiquitous surveillance helps hold governments accountable, it can also make tense situations less stable.
Ideas
Why Is the US Military Short-Staffing Its Sickest Children?
The military health-care system serves 2 million children with just a handful of full-time pediatric social workers. In the civilian world, this kind of staffing is 'unimaginable.'
Ideas
Keep It Secret: Congress Should Back Off the B-21 Program
Lawmakers' calls for more transparency and fixed-price contracts will only hurt an Air Force acquisition effort that is doing well so far.
Ideas
The Pentagon's Intel Chief Already Has Some Advice for the Next US President
'The integration of intelligence of the past 15 years is a journey that is not finished,' said Marcel Lettre, undersecretary of Defense for intelligence.
Ideas
Throwing Money at Missile Defense Won’t Fix It
We need a smarter, holistic approach that combines offense and defense.
Ideas
Petty Officer Keating Died 2 Miles From the Syrian Front. How Far Are You?
The war came to him. What will it take for it to reach the rest of us?
Ideas
How DIUx Should Pick Its Next Branch Offices
The Defense Secretary’s tech-outreach effort is looking to expand. Here’s how to do it.
Ideas
Forget Technology. The Real Military Edge Comes From Promoting Smart People
A military culture that values people – and their intellectual development — will drive the innovation needed to win our wars.
Ideas
The US Needs to Stop Pouring Rocket Money into Putin’s Pockets
The Delta IV engine is more expensive than the RD-180, but at least it doesn't enrich cronies of the Russian president.
Ideas
Leave Root Causes Aside—Destroy the ISIS ‘State’
Of course it would be daunting to solve the conflicts the Islamic State feeds on. But that isn’t, or shouldn’t be, the mission.
Ideas
Wishing for a US-Made Heavy Lift Rocket Won’t Make It So
If Congress really wants to ditch Russia’s RD-180 engine, it needs to fund the research — and get ready to wait.
Ideas
Obama Drops Rhetoric as Assad Drops Barrel Bombs
As long as Syrian civilians are on the bullseye, nothing will be accomplished at peace talks.
Ideas
What’s Wrong with Obama’s National Security Council?
An insider sorts the solid critiques from the amnesiac complaints.
Ideas
The US Needs More Weapons That Can Be Quickly and Easily Modified
The U.S. military will lose its technological edge unless it figures out how to foster adaptable systems. Here's one idea.
Ideas
A Cyber JSOC Could Help the US Strike Harder and Faster
A network-attack analogue to the manhunting Joint Special Operations Command would allow cyber warriors to decide, deconflict, and execute more effectively.
Ideas
Here’s the Latest Evidence Torture Doesn’t Keep Us Safe
It all comes down to the neurological consequences of stressors.
Ideas