Threats
The Biggest Winner Of the Japan-South Korea Dispute? China
The Pentagon is on edge after Seoul ends an intelligence-sharing agreement with Tokyo.
Ideas
China’s Credibility Problem
Beijing’s string of violated agreements is starting to weigh heavily on U.S.-China relations.
Ideas
The Bill for ‘America First’ Is Coming Due
Two of America’s closest treaty allies have announced military efforts explicitly designed to exclude the United States.
Threats
How the US Could Lose a War With China
It’s not that the Chinese Communist Party would take over Washington. But in its own region, China has the advantage.
Threats
South Korea's Tough Choice: The US or China?
Caught between its security ally and its top trading partner, Seoul is trying to have it all.
Ideas
How Smaller States are Choosing Sides in the Indian Ocean
From Sri Lanka to Kenya, governments try to balance major-power influence — except in arms purchases.
Ideas
The US Wants to Sell Taiwan the Wrong Weapons
The proposal to send tanks, and not A2/AD weapons, exposes a flawed American strategy.
Ideas
Ep. 44: Under Secretary Andrea Thompson and Kori Schake, live from the Shangri-La Defense Dialogue
Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Threats
Shanahan: ‘We’re Not Going To Ignore Chinese Behavior’
The speech at the Shangri-La conference was closely watched amid rising U.S.-China tensions over trade and security.
Business
Great Power Competition Spurs Arms Purchases By Smaller Asian Countries
From sub-hunting planes to fighter jets, Asian nations are arming themselves in response to China’s buildup.
Threats
News from Shangri-La 2019: Shanahan's test; DOD's INDOPAC report; UAE's tanker request
A special edition of D Brief brings news and notes from the 2019 IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
Ideas
Naval Task Groups Are Proliferating in the Indo-Pacific
France’s aircraft carrier is back in the region, leading a small flotilla, and it’s not alone.
Threats
Shanahan Heads to Asia as White House Beats Drums on Iran
The acting defense secretary is expected to detail how the Pentagon is implementing a strategic shift away from counterterrorism.
Ideas
In the Pacific, US Army Must Be a Running Back Who Blocks
Joint success in the world’s largest theater requires the service to accept supporting roles, an Army War College study finds.
Business
Army Secretary Reveals Weapons Wishlist for War with China & Russia
Army Secretary Mark Esper says he wants to shift money away from light vehicles and cargo helicopters made for “different conflicts” of the past.
Ideas
The Plan to Resurrect the North Korea Nuclear Talks
Trump wants a “big deal” with North Korea. Seoul would like him to settle for something a little smaller.
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.
Ideas