Science & Tech
China's Surveillance State Should Scare Everyone
The country is perfecting a vast network of digital espionage as a means of social control—with implications for democracies worldwide.
Ideas
How Trump Just Might Close Guantanamo Prison
The president asked SecDef and Congress to ensure that detention policies support warfighting aims. That should mean shutting Gitmo down.
Defense Systems
How defense contractors are adapting to today's demands
General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon have all kept their IT and services work rather than divested it. We go under the hood of what these businesses mean to them and how they can win in a crowded market.
Ideas
Stop Turkey's Bombardment Of Our People
What is happening now in Afrin is in clear defiance of all international laws, norms, and values. We will fight. But we shouldn’t have to.
Threats
Want to Understand the Future of War? Talk to Chuck Krulak
As Marine commandant, Krulak bucked Pentagon wisdom and rebuilt the Corps for small, messy conflicts. Now his ideas run through the National Defense Strategy, urban-ops doctrine, and Jim Mattis' head.
Ideas
Nuclear Nuts: Trump's New Policy Hypes The Threat and Brings Us Closer to War
The Pentagon's Nuclear Posture Review only bends reality to fit Trump’s warped views.
Science & Tech
No, the US Won’t Respond to A Cyber Attack with Nukes
Defense leaders won’t completely rule out the possibility. But it’s a very, very, very remote possibility.
Threats
Pentagon Confirms It’s Developing Nuclear Cruise Missile to Counter a Similar Russian One
The new Nuclear Posture Review nods to North Korea, China, and Iran but devotes most of its time to Russian threats and U.S. deterrence.
Ideas
Americans Are Rising to This Historic Moment
The commitment of ordinary citizens to democratic ideals is being tested each day—and its enduring strength is containing the damage of Trump’s presidency.
Threats
US-Backed Syrian Force Holding ‘Hundreds’ of ISIS Foreign Fighters
A day after CENTCOM'S leader says they should face prosecution at home, Trump hints at Gitmo option.
Science & Tech
How Fake Data Can Help the Pentagon Track Rogue Weapons
The Air Force Research Laboratory bought software that trains machine-learning tools to spot groups amassing biological, nuclear and chemical weapons.
Ideas
Trump’s National-Security Strategy Is Focused on Great Powers. He Isn’t.
On Tuesday, the president rushed past Russia and China to talk about immigrants, terrorism, and North Korea.
Ideas
If We're Going to Export More US Arms, Let's Do It Smarter
Here are some ways to help ensure that rising sales don't undermine American security.
Policy
Qatar Wants to Host US Ships, Expand Air Base For American Families
Amid the Saudi-led blockade, the Qatari defense minister came to Washington seeking deeper ties with U.S.
Threats
Half of the US Military’s Sites Are Vulnerable to Climate Change. Now What?
Next up: figuring out what bases, airfields, and naval stations need help first, says the former Pentagon appointee who started the survey.
Science & Tech