Threats
Esper Confirmed As Defense Secretary, Despite Opposition from Some 2020 Dems
Tuesday's 90-8 vote ends the longest period in history that the Defense Department has gone without a confirmed leader.
Defense Systems
Senate confirms Esper as new Defense secretary
With conflict increasing between the U.S. and Iran, Mark Esper's confirmation brings some order to a seven-month round of musical chairs among the Defense Department's top leadership.
Ideas
Iran Is Acting Like the International Villain of Trump’s Prophecy
Any number of relatively mundane scenarios now have the potential to escalate U.S.-Iran tensions—from a fire at a militia base to the seizure of an oil tanker to the signal-jamming of a drone.
Ideas
How Smaller States are Choosing Sides in the Indian Ocean
From Sri Lanka to Kenya, governments try to balance major-power influence — except in arms purchases.
Ideas
Trump Says US Troops Shouldn’t Be ‘Policemen’ in Afghanistan. So Why Are They There?
In a puzzling Oval Office press conference, the commander-in-chief throws his purported strategy into doubt.
Defense Systems
For the military, is 5G worth the hype?
The potential of 5G telecommunications technology has garnered new attention and focus from the Defense Department, but it may not be that big of a deal for military tech.
Ideas
Where’s the Coverage of Civilian Casualties in the War on ISIS?
New studies reveal important gaps in coverage of this aspect of the anti-ISIS operation, largely a war of air strikes.
Ideas
Ep. 49: Cyberwarfare tomorrow
This episode, we turn to the future world of cyberwarfare — from life after encryption to the 5G debate, from the next election to the next generation of cyber professionals, and a lot more.
Ideas
How Can Congress Authorize War When It Can’t Decide What War Is?
There’s bipartisan agreement that the law governing America’s wars needs an update. There’s also bipartisan agreement that it won’t happen anytime soon.
Policy
Protecting US Elections Needs Much More Federal Money: Report
State and local officials need help shoring up voting systems against foreign interference, says the Brennan Center for Justice.
Science & Tech
Robot Roadmap: US Army’s Newest Command Sketches Priorities
There’s one mistake that the leader of Futures Command wants to avoid.
Ideas
The US Is Unprepared to Mobilize for Great Power Conflict
In an era of lightning wars and easy-to-reach civilian populations, U.S. planners are giving mobilization far less attention than it requires.
Ideas
The Magpies and the Cuckoos: A Disinformation Fable
The magpies have a complex and vigorous society. What happens when two conniving cuckoos come to town?
Threats
‘Looking to Break Status Quo,’ Iran Seizes UK Tanker
Pentagon intel chief says Tehran wants to escape U.S. pressure, but not by going to war.
Defense Systems
DIU chief says U.S. not doing enough against China threat
The head of the Defense Innovation Unit said the U.S. isn't doing enough to mitigate the China threat.
Policy
After Trump Weighs In on JEDI, GOP Lawmakers Say Keep Out of It
Four members of the House Armed Services Committee asked Trump to let the Pentagon award its Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure contract without delay.
Defense Systems