Ideas
Trump’s New Spy Chief Worked for a Foreign Politician Accused by the US of Corruption
Richard Grenell did not disclose payments for advocacy work on behalf of a Moldovan politician whom the U.S. later accused of corruption. His own office’s policy says that could leave him vulnerable to blackmail.
Science & Tech
Should the US Have a Secretary For Influence Operations?
Two former top special operations officials say their job was too junior and the Pentagon isn’t taking information warfare seriously enough.
Ideas
The American Public Wants a Sustainable Middle East Policy
Despite the mainstream narrative presenting a deep lack of appetite for another war in the Middle East, the United States will never be able to ignore the region completely.
Policy
Esper Plays Nuclear War: Russia Nukes Europe, US Fires Back
The defense secretary took part in a classified drill at U.S. Strategic Command this week.
Ideas
The West Can’t Even Agree on Itself, Much Less China
At the Munich Security Conference, allies argued with each other as much as their adversaries, rejecting Trump administration views on issue after issue.
Threats
DISA Data Breach Affected 200,000 People, Officials Confirm
Defense officials provided few details but said the affected systems have since been secured.
Ideas
The US Should Get Ready for Syria’s Return from War
Trump seems determined not to play much of a role in shaping how Syria’s myriad conflicts are resolved. That’s a mistake.
Science & Tech
Border Patrol Seeks Automated Sensors to Cover Watery Blindspots
Homeland Security is looking for tech that can help border agents spot illegal watercraft — and decide what to do about them.
Ideas
State of Defense 2020: Special Report
Our annual service-by-service look at the big questions facing the U.S. military.
Policy
Nothing’s ‘Irreversible,’ But the Pentagon’s New Bureaucracies Aim to Come Close
As budget hearing season gets underway, expect to hear a lot about "irreversible implementation" of changes toward great power competition.
Policy
Defense Policy Chief Ousted By White House
A Pentagon spokesman said he had “no information” that John Rood was fired for his role in Trump’s Ukraine scandal.
Policy
DHS to Waive Contracting Rules to Build Border Wall Faster
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf is using a 2005 law to override certain requirements.
Ideas
Trump Is Ill-Suited to Respond to the Coronavirus Outbreak
A crisis that is heading into its third month could draw out every personal and managerial failing that the president has shown to this point.
Defense Systems
Augmented reality headset stands out in Army 2021 budget request
The Army's is touting the deployment of new augmented reality goggles to combat troops as an example of the practical outcome of a relentless focus on modernization and zero-based budgeting.
Defense Systems