Policy
Esper Plays Nuclear War: Russia Nukes Europe, US Fires Back
The defense secretary took part in a classified drill at U.S. Strategic Command this week.
Ideas
The West Can’t Even Agree on Itself, Much Less China
At the Munich Security Conference, allies argued with each other as much as their adversaries, rejecting Trump administration views on issue after issue.
Policy
Nothing’s ‘Irreversible,’ But the Pentagon’s New Bureaucracies Aim to Come Close
As budget hearing season gets underway, expect to hear a lot about "irreversible implementation" of changes toward great power competition.
Policy
Defense Policy Chief Ousted By White House
A Pentagon spokesman said he had “no information” that John Rood was fired for his role in Trump’s Ukraine scandal.
Policy
DHS to Waive Contracting Rules to Build Border Wall Faster
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf is using a 2005 law to override certain requirements.
Policy
Will Trump’s Afghanistan Peace Deal Win Him Votes?
"I would not say that Afghanistan looms over American politics now the way that Iraq did,” said one analyst.
Policy
Esper Says White House 'Never' Pressured Him on JEDI
Denying claims that Trump meddled, Defense Secretary Mark Esper says he alone chose to review the $10 billion cloud contract.
Policy
Trump Targets Major Weapons Projects To Fund Wall
The funds will be drawn mainly from procurement for major programs like the F-35 fighter jet. $1.3 billion will come from the National Guard alone.
Policy
DOD Nominee Who Questioned Ukraine Aid Holdup Denies Report About Her Ouster
A story from the New York Post ignited speculation that Elaine McCusker’s nomination could be withdrawn. It’s not clear that’s the case.
Policy
100 US Soldiers to Transfer into Space Force in 2021
The Army is the first branch outside the Air Force to announce initial plans regarding the new branch of service.
Policy
Where Could the US Put Its Post-INF Missiles?
It would be a hard slog to get allies to agree to any sort of basing agreement.
Policy
DOD's 2021 Budget Would Trim Arsenal, Shift Funds To Arms Development
Some experts say the budget proposal assumes a worrying amount of near-term risk.
Policy
The Billion-Dollar Disinformation Campaign to Reelect the President
How new technologies and techniques pioneered by dictators will shape America's 2020 election.
Policy
17 Sailors and Six Marines Died in Avoidable Accidents. Congress Asks: Are the Problems Fixed?
After ProPublica wrote about inadequate training and faulty equipment, lawmakers grilled Navy and Marine leaders about the accidents and whether America is ready for war.
Policy
What Do You Call the Troops of the US Space Force?
The Pentagon wants your input — and space cadets and spacemen are not under consideration.
Policy
Stunts, Stagecraft and National Security in Trump’s State of the Union
Sounding like a campaign kick-off, the president leaned into one of his as-yet unfulfilled promises from the 2016 election: ending America’s “endless wars.”
Policy
What We Learned from the House Vote to Limit Trump’s Power to Fight Iran
Democrats, and some Trump allies, challenged the White House’s latest interpretation of presidential warmaking powers.
Ideas
To End America’s War in Afghanistan, US Troops Can’t Leave Yet
Walking away out of frustration — especially during peace talks — is as empty a strategy as doubling down out of optimism.
Policy
DOD Is Punishing Whistleblowers More Often and with Impunity, IG Says
Lawmakers and advocates say Trump's attacks on the whistleblower that kicked off his impeachment will do long-lasting harm.
Policy