Ideas

When and Why China Might—or Might Not—Attack Taiwan

U.S. policymakers can only guess at what’s driving Beijing, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing they can do about it.

Ideas

Illegal Fishing Is a National Security Problem

The stability of countries and regions are threatened by the declining health of fish stocks, and by the groups and governments that run lawless fishing fleets.

Ideas

The Bloated Pentagon Budget Isn’t Just Wasteful. It’s Racist

In this era of racial reckoning, national security policy and defense budgets cannot be exempt from the scrutiny of their effects on communities of color.

Business

New Small Aircraft Carrier Unlikely, Admiral Says As US Navy Begins New Assessment

Air warfare chief: “I believe the L-class ships operating with the F-35B fit that bill.”

Ideas

Taiwan Wants More Missiles. That’s Not a Bad Thing.

Ground-based, short-range missiles are a realistic and relatively quick way to improve cross-Strait deterrence.

Ideas

How SecDef Austin Can Make the Most of His India Visit

The defense secretary should pave the way for more and deeper defense trade and technology cooperation.

Ideas

A Salami Slice for Taiwan’s Security

The U.S. can put a revisionist tactic to its own use in the Western Pacific.

Ideas

There's No Easy Fix For Australia's Special Forces Culture

A blistering war crimes report is forcing us to take stock of what the Australian Defence Force asks of its soldiers.

Threats

In First, Navy Ship Shoots Down ICBM with SM-3 Interceptor

The test could set the stage for a new framework of missile interceptors in the Pacific.

Ideas

Time to Rethink Arms Sales to Taiwan

Once, they might have tilted the military balance. Now they just destabilize the region.

Ideas

China or Your Soul? Pompeo’s Thunder Falls Flat on Corporate Ears

Companies keep choosing to serve the Chinese market — and that’s likely not good news for the Pentagon.

Ideas

The Future of Chinese Power

The policies and practices of the country’s dynasties offer insights into how modern Chinese leaders may wield their strength.

Ideas

Why Trump’s Retreat from US Allies Could Have Nuclear Consequences

For decades, America gave allies and partners good reason to shelve their nuclear-weapons efforts.

Ideas

What Abe Leaves Behind

The security issues facing Japan remain unchanged. Abe's likely successor, Yoshihide Suga, may be forced to confront them on his very first day.

Ideas

Add Taiwan to the International Atomic Energy Agency

Once a near-nuclear power, Taipei has since been an exemplary anti-proliferator — in cold contrast to Beijing.

Ideas

Let Japan’s Companies Help

To stay ahead of China, the Pentagon should reach out to allies who have more advanced capabilities than the U.S. Japan is top of the list.