Ideas
Border Disorder: Trump Can’t Figure Out How to Keep His Biggest Promise
The president insisted that preventing illegal immigration would be simple and easy. Through a series of increasingly desperate attempts, he’s discovering that isn’t true.
Ideas
Two Decades of War Have Eroded the Morale of America’s Troops
After nearly 17 years of war, service members have seen plenty of patriotic displays but little public debate about why they’re fighting.
Threats
Shanahan: ‘We’re Not Going To Ignore Chinese Behavior’
The speech at the Shangri-La conference was closely watched amid rising U.S.-China tensions over trade and security.
Business
Great Power Competition Spurs Arms Purchases By Smaller Asian Countries
From sub-hunting planes to fighter jets, Asian nations are arming themselves in response to China’s buildup.
Threats
News from Shangri-La 2019: Shanahan's test; DOD's INDOPAC report; UAE's tanker request
A special edition of D Brief brings news and notes from the 2019 IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
Science & Tech
NSA Deflects Blame for Baltimore Ransomware Attack
An agency's policy advisor says city officials had more than two years to patch computers against the attack.
Ideas
Naval Task Groups Are Proliferating in the Indo-Pacific
France’s aircraft carrier is back in the region, leading a small flotilla, and it’s not alone.
Policy
Still 'Acting' Shanahan Faces Test With China Face-off and USS McCain Scandal
Raising the stakes for the would-be SecDef, the White House has not yet sent formal nomination paperwork to the Senate.
Ideas
Putin Drops Hints about Upcoming National AI Strategy
Russian leader calls for “technological sovereignty” and, somewhat surprisingly, for protecting IP and civil rights.
Ideas
A Stain on the Honor of the Navy
In acceding to a White House request to cover the name of the USS John S. McCain, officers and officials revealed a rot within the service.
Defense Systems
Army acquisition head looks at AI to upgrade logistics
Army acquisition head Bruce Jette is looking to leverage modernization efforts including AI and automation to improve logistics.
Ideas
There’s Too Little Outcry When a Government Blocks the Internet
For its own citizens’ safety, and for grand strategy’s sake, the U.S. government needs to up the pressure.
Defense Systems
DARPA ushers geospatial analytics into cloud
DARPA and Maxar are collaborating to bring more geospatial analytics to the cloud as technologies and customer desires drive new business models.
Threats
Top US Officer: Iran’s Threats Look Like a ‘Campaign’
The Joint Chiefs chairman says he saw ‘multiple threat streams that were all, perhaps coming together, in time.”
Threats
Shanahan Heads to Asia as White House Beats Drums on Iran
The acting defense secretary is expected to detail how the Pentagon is implementing a strategic shift away from counterterrorism.
Ideas
Mueller: Russia Interfered, Trump Obstructed. Now It’s Up to Congress.
Read our report, says the special counsel: the evidence does not exonerate the president.
Policy