Policy

Biden Selects Retired Gen. Lloyd Austin for Defense Secretary, Reportedly

Austin, the last commander of the Iraq War, would be the nation's first Black defense secretary.

Exclusive Policy

Trump Admin to Rename Two Bases for Space Force Over Military Objections

The Air Force had quietly agreed with Congress not to change anything until the NDAA settles a way forward on Confederate base names.

Threats

CISA Warns About Iran’s Offensive Cyber Capabilities

One observer suggests the alert is meant more for the adversary than defenders.

Ideas

Why We Need a New ICBM

The arguments for keeping a nuclear triad.

Ideas

Watch: Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., Commander, US Central Command

This interview was part of Defense One Outlook 2021, this year's virtual edition of our annual national-security summit.

Ideas

The Hidden Dangers in Biden’s Foreign Policy

The president-elect’s stated agenda will antagonize China and lead to conflict.

Ideas

Great Power Competition Is Too Narrow a Frame

The United States cannot hope to prevail and prosper unless it broadens its conception of the global struggle.

Science & Tech

‘Artificial Skin’ May One Day Make Troops Invisible, Even to Heat Sensors

Small interconnected panels mimic the color and temperature of their environment, similar to an octopus

Ideas

Biden Must Save the Iran Nuclear Deal Before It’s Too Late

The president-elect has a real but limited window to reinstate a deal that froze Tehran’s nuclear efforts.

Policy

2021 NDAA Would Create a National Cyber Director

If the bill passes next week and is signed into law, another amendment would codify cybersecurity roles for sector-specific agencies.

Ideas

America Needs a COVID-19 Reckoning

Both parties wanted answers after 9/11. The pandemic has killed nearly 100 times more Americans.

Ideas

How Biden Can Help Warriors Save Warriors

Make a call, take a call, and be honest — it could help save a life.

Ideas

Putin Urges AI Limits — But for Thee, Not Me?

An attempt to parse the two themes sounded by Russian leaders on artificial intelligence.