Ideas

Time for the Exceptional Superpower To Act Like It

The U.S. needs to remind the world of its dominance. Holding the line will not do and will not work. By Robin Shepherd

Ideas

LIVE: The 2014 Defense One Summit

Follow all of the conversations, insights and debates during the Defense One Summit.

Ideas

Political Dysfunction Is a Worse Threat Than Putin, Say National Security Workers

The president has no strategy, the Taliban can have Afghanistan and a nuclear Iran isn’t worth a fight, a new Defense One survey says. By Kevin Baron

Science & Tech

This Robot Military Supply Helicopter Could Soon Be Fighting Wildfires

The K-Max has performed well in supplying troops in Afghanistan. Now it could help fight fires around the world. By Patrick Tucker

Ideas

A New Era for the Defense Department

As our military adapts to new threats, so must the defense enterprise from top to bottom, writes Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

Ideas

Four Ways the US Can Help the African Union Stand on Its Own

A united and capable Africa appeals to both regional players and Washington, which increasingly views violence within Africa’s many fragile states as enabling conditions for terrorists with growing global ambitions. By Stewart M. Patrick

Ideas

How Many Flying Hours Does It Take To Kill a Terrorist?

Why is the Marine Corps so afraid of my simple idea? By Todd Harrison

Ideas

Stop Fearing Iran and Back the Free Syrian Army

The Free Syrian Army has done everything the U.S. has asked of them. It’s time to help them before it’s too late. By Oubai Shahbandar and Michael Pregent

Ideas

Does America Really Need To Be the Leader of the Free World?

An MIT professor and a war veteran discuss whether the U.S. should respond to every crisis that pops up across the globe. By Scott Beauchamp

Ideas

Why the US Is Losing Yemen

The challenge of Yemen is far more complicated than finding a favored partner to do Washington’s bidding. By Adam Baron

Ideas

No More Russian Engines on American Rockets

From Russian rocket engines to Chinese rare earths, it’s time the Defense Department stop promoting foreign dependence as industry policy. By Rep. Duncan Hunter

Ideas

The ‘Brass Ceiling’ Is Still Alive and Well in the US Military

A key lawsuit that fights for women in combat is still moving through the courts. By Greg Jacob

Ideas

The Last Thing the US Needs are Mobile Nuclear Missiles

The Air Force is wrong. The U.S. didn’t need a mobile ICBM during the Cold War and it doesn’t need one now. By Tom Z. Collina and Jacob Marx

Ideas

Is There a Better Way To Observe Veterans Day?

Other countries offer models for truly nationwide tributes to military service and sacrifice. By Edward Delman

Ideas

Look Deeper, The Asia Pivot Isn’t Dead

The administration would do well to promote the U.S. government’s real work being done in Asia beyond ceremonies. By John R. Deni

Ideas

Improve the VA by Keeping It Simple

Cultural change at the VA has to go beyond the necessary initial focus on ethics and values. It needs to penetrate the bureaucracy. By Alex Nicholson

Ideas

How Three Veterans Uncovered the Iraq War's Biggest Untold Story

Abandoned Iraqi chemical weapons wounded at least 600 U.S. soldiers. Telling their stories would be no easy feat. By Alex Horton

Ideas

General Dempsey on How Americans Can Serve Together With Veterans

It’s time to move beyond yellow ribbons and welcome home ceremonies to a deeper understanding of those who have volunteered to wear the uniform. By Gen. Martin Dempsey

Ideas

These Are the Marines' Biggest Challenges, 239 Years Later

The Marines’ mission in Helmand Province just ended and the Corps just got its 36th commandant. Here's what lies ahead for the force. By Stephen Liszewski

Ideas

Here's What Has Been Done To Improve Military Relations With China

Recent progress and cooperation between U.S. and Chinese navies is encouraging. By Vice Adm. Robert Thomas