Policy
US Has Achieved ‘Modicum of Success’ in Afghanistan, Top General Says
But years of military stalemate make negotiating with the Taliban the only option, Gen. Mark Milley says.
Ideas
As the US Slumps Away, China Subsumes African Security Arrangements
Organizations created to fight terror groups after 9/11 are becoming conduits for Beijing’s surveillance and influence.
Threats
Mozambique Is Emerging As The Next Islamic Extremist Hotspot
A terror group affiliated with the Islamic State has been stepping up tactics and claiming bigger targets.
Ideas
Is the Conflict in Libya a Preview of the Future of Warfare?
Drones. Mercenaries. Disinformation campaigns waged on social media.
Ideas
Time to Rethink Security Aid to Egypt
More than $40 billion over three decades has bought only dubious benefits to U.S. security.
Threats
State Dept. Reroutes Peacekeeping Gear To Coronavirus Fight In Africa
The move shows how the virus has refocused U.S. security policy.
Policy
Exclusive: House Bill Tries To Force Trump To Keep Troops In Africa
The legislation from Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., raises constitutional concerns but might still be a useful messaging tool for lawmakers.
Ideas
The US Should Send More, Not Fewer, Troops to West Africa
America’s interests and unique security partnerships in this burgeoning region argue for more help, not less.
Threats
Graham Denies Threatening To Make Esper’s Life ‘Hell’ If He Cuts AFRICOM Troops
“No, I never said that,” Graham said in a brief phone call with Defense One. “It was a good conversation.”
Ideas
The Corrosion of World Order in the Age of Donald Trump
Can the world still work together to address today’s most pressing global challenges?
Ideas
How to Get the National Defense Strategy Out of Its Mideast Rut
We need less talk about why we need to leave, and more about why we need to compete elsewhere.
Ideas
Trump's Ban on Nigerian Immigrants Will Hurt His Defense Strategy
Expanding immigration bans while seeking closer economic ties with Africa to counter Russian and Chinese influence indicates policy incoherence.
Threats
Kenya Base ‘Surprisingly’ Undefended During Attack, US Officials Say
The Jan. 5. attack by al-Shabaab killed three Americans came as the Pentagon considers a further drawdown of its African presence.
Ideas
Ep. 62: Wagner and Russian private military contractors
How much do we understand about what these groups are up to? And how much should the U.S. and its allies be concerned?
Ideas
Can Anything Stop the Flow of Advanced Weapons into Libya?
If the country becomes a nexus for expertise and arms, increasingly deadly regional armed groups could destabilize the region.
Policy
Trump Officials Meet With Libyan Politician Aligned With Opposition ‘Strongman’ In Potential Policy Shift
US support for the UN-recognized Libyan government is in question after a series of quiet meetings with an enterprising presidential hopeful.
Ideas
The Hidden Damage of Trump’s Secret War in Somalia
Terrorist activity is not discernably declining, even as U.S. military activity and alleged civilian deaths rise.
Ideas
Africa, Great Power Competition, and the US Navy
Russia and China want to leverage Africa's people and resources. U.S. Naval Forces Africa aspires to work with African partners to bring about a secure and prosperous continent.
Ideas
With US Help, Africa’s Coastal Nations Are Learning to Work Together
Maritime security only works when entire regions cooperate.
Ideas