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

DARPA has big plans for the CHASE program

Dr. Jennifer Roberts, program manager for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s information innovation office, talks about what cyber capabilities are in the works.

Ideas

The US Army Is Trying to Bury the Lessons of the Iraq War

By scuttling plans to help its leaders understand what went wrong, the service is turning a blind eye to insights of enduring relevance.

Science & Tech

Pentagon’s Cyber Mission Force Needs Better Training Plan

A government watchdog found flaws in the Defense Department’s transition from building its Cyber Mission Force to maintaining it.

Science & Tech

The West Isn’t Ready for the Coming Wave of Chinese Misinformation: Report

Beijing’s social-media operations are larger and more effective than many realize.

Ideas

Ep. 40: Cruise Missiles, Missile Defense and 21st-Century Hybrid War

Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.

Threats

ISIS Is ‘Waiting for the Right Time to Resurge’: CENTCOM Commander

Gen. Joseph Votel offered lawmakers warnings on Syria — and an upbeat message on Afghanistan.

Ideas

Don’t Call It an ‘Arms Race’: US-China AI Competition Is Not Winner-Takes-All

The most common framing of the two countries’ artificial-intelligence development is dangerous.