Ideas
Is the Pentagon Truly Committed to the National Defense Strategy?
Various warning signs say "no." The 2020 budget will tell. Congress must scrutinize it carefully.
Policy
Lawmakers Question Pentagon’s Use of ‘Slush Fund’ to Skirt Budget Caps
Almost one-quarter of the 2020 defense budget is in OCO. That's sure to come up when Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan testifies on Thursday.
Policy
2020 Budget Request Reveals Slow Shift Toward Great Power War
It will take some years before various futuristic weapons even begin to arrive.
Ideas
How the White House Is Spinning the North Korea Summit Collapse
The administration no longer thinks Trump alone can reach a deal with Kim Jong Un.
Policy
New New START a Nonstarter: Russian Ambassador
The last major arms control agreement between Russia and the United States receives another blow.
Threats
Pakistan Says It’s Cracking Down on Terrorists, Again
International pressure and an economic downturn are forcing Islamabad to take anti-India militants seriously.
Policy
White House Proposes Loan Fund to Help Allies Buy US Arms
It’s the second try for an idea shelved in 2017 when lawmakers disapproved.
Policy
Here’s What We Know About the Pentagon’s 2020 Budget Request
Money to extend border barriers and lavish use of the war fund are already drawing bipartisan fire.
Defense Systems
2020 budget boosts funding for cyber forces, AI
The White House's 2020 budget request increases funds for military cyber forces and defense cyber workforce with carve outs for artificial intelligence investments.
Ideas
Does USS Truman’s Early Retirement Herald a New War on Carriers?
Whatever the promise of emerging technologies, combatant commanders still want more floating mobile airfields.
Ideas
India’s and Pakistan’s Lies Thwarted a War—For Now
Lying about facts to de-escalate tension in Kashmir is a playbook they’ve both used before.
Ideas
‘Chaos Serves Putin’s Interest’: A Veteran Diplomat Takes Stock
A 3-decade Foreign Service officer weighs in on Russia, Trump, and America’s place on the world stage.
Science & Tech
Inside DARPA's Ambitious 'AI Next' Program
The defense research agency seeks artificial intelligence tools capable of human-like communication and logical reasoning that far surpass today’s tech.
Policy
Will John Bolton Bring on Armageddon—Or Stave It Off?
The national security adviser could be our best hope for protecting the world from Donald Trump’s impulses.
Policy
Critics Blast Trump ‘Protection Racket’ Offer as ‘Pure Idiocy’
The White House's "cost plus 50" plan would require allies to pay 150% of American troop costs. Former commanders say it only hurts U.S. interests.
Defense Systems
Army plans industry day for IoT and 'smart bases'
The Army wants to incorporate tech solutions usually seen in smart cities at its military installations.
Defense Systems