Ideas

Air Force: We Must Invent the Future

To keep its technological edge, the vice chief says, the service must invest in femtosecond data transfer, Mach-8 aircraft, and more.

Ideas

The 4 Things You Need for an Iran Deal

As negotiators meet this weekend, here are the political and technical challenges that lie ahead.

Ideas

A New Day in US-Afghan Relations, But for How Long?

A dazzling goodwill tour by Afghanistan’s president wins a longer U.S. presence, for now.

Ideas

Let’s Lock in the Rebalance to Asia

Much can be done to improve the U.S. defense posture in the Pacific, and for not much money.

Ideas

The US Missile System Driving a Wedge Between China, South Korea

The tentative decision to install a new missile interceptor system in South Korea could force Seoul to pick between its Washington ally and its Beijing neighbor.

Ideas

Better Privacy Protections Key to US Foreign Policy Coherence

While Washington has nominally supported internet freedom around the globe, its surveillance programs have undermined human rights.

Ideas

Meet Europe’s Rising Defense Stars

Below the radar, a new generation of female European leaders is offering bold ideas on defense and taking political risks.

Ideas

Stop Putting Afghanistan on a Deadline

Withdrawal timetables only delay failure; the U.S. should stay in or get out now.

Ideas

Congress Must Match the Money to the Navy's Strategy

How the nation’s strong naval ambition may be undermined by Congress’ weak resourcing.

Ideas

The Pentagon Says 2014 Was the 'Most Complex Year Since 1968'

It's not just the nature of the issues that its working with - it's the volume.

Ideas

Lawmakers Should Listen to the Budget Hawks, Not the Defense Hawks

There are plenty of ways the Pentagon could spend its money more efficiently.

Ideas

How America’s Drones Can Defeat ISIS

Critics of airstrikes over Iraq and Syria should give credit where it’s due: US sustained drone strikes are doing the job.

Ideas

Why the West Will Ignore Samantha Powers’ Call for UN Peacekeepers

The West may have abandoned peacekeeping operations, but UN blue helmets are going strong amid a quiet global power shift.

Ideas

Ten Years After ODNI, Why Intelligence Needs More People, Money and Trust

Ten years after ODNI, the intelligence community needs more money and people -- and a better public explanation of what we do.

Ideas

Obama’s New Drone Export Rules Won't Sell More Drones

President Obama’s new drone export rules are little more than a mix of existing rules reflecting an outdated perspective on these important weapons.

Ideas

Over There, and Overlooked

The centennial of the First World War is slipping past unnoticed in the United States, despite its persistent legacy.

Ideas

The Air Force's Argument for Retiring the A-10 Makes No Sense

Service leaders claim the decision is based on cost and effectiveness. A close analysis of the data says otherwise.

Ideas

Why the FBI Needs To Protect Its Intelligence Whistleblowers

The FBI director says that whistleblowers are 'critical' to democracy, but the Justice Department doesn’t protect intelligence whistleblowers.

Ideas

Don’t Blow Up an Effective Iran Deal

If members of Congress think blocking this deal will lead to a better one, they are dangerously mistaken.