Ideas

America Is Teaching Syria a Dangerous Lesson

Bashar al-Assad seems to have gotten the message that he can do whatever he wants short of using sarin gas.

Ideas

We’ve Lost the Opening Info Battle against Russia; Let’s Not Lose the War

Our defenders must understand not just media technology but the critical historical and societal contexts that give it power.

Ideas

Trump's Aimless War in Afghanistan Expands, Again

Why is the U.S. bombing Chinese separatists, and what does it say about the flailing war effort in Afghanistan?

Ideas

Global Elites Cannot Save a World In Turmoil

Last weekend’s security conference in Munich was a stark reminder that this class has nothing of substance to offer a world in turmoil.

Ideas

After ISIS, the US Faces Its Next Battle: Syria's Erupting Fault Lines

Without leadership, Washington’s options are limited in the chaos of the civil war's end game.

Ideas

Putting the Pentagon's Pennies in Perspective

$80 billion is a lot of money. And that's just the "modest" increase on this year's defense budget.

Ideas

Foreign Disinformation is a Threat to Military Readiness, Too

Troops — and their families — need training to spot and discard false narratives and information.

Ideas

Don't Waste the New US Water-Security Strategy

President Trump should order the inclusion of water issues — a major driver of security problems — in the national defense and security strategies.

Ideas

Putin Is Playing a Dangerous Game in Syria

Is he in control in Syria, or stuck in the sand? The honest answer: a bit of both.

Ideas

Will the Israeli-Iranian Showdown Be in Syria — or New York?

Iran's various rivals and opponents are seeking a UN resolution that would return Tehran to pariah status and undermine its regional gains.

Ideas

The US Is Drifting Toward War With a NATO Ally

It's not too late to stem Turkey's turn toward Russia — and defuse a World War I-style conflict.

Ideas

Why Human Rights Have Taken Center Stage in the US-North Korea Crisis

Unable to threaten Pyongyang into submission, Trump turned to denouncing its nightmarish repression. That has consequences.

Ideas

How to Keep US Missile Defense on the Right Track

Use the coming funding boost to smooth the development of a new kill vehicle and increase GMD testing in general.

Ideas

Heroes Can Keep Secrets, Too

Popular culture often celebrates leaking as the heroic choice. The intelligence community and the cleared workforce need to craft another narrative.

Ideas

Chinese Sub Commanders May Get AI Help for Decision-Making

But can a recent news report be taken at face value? A CNAS fellow unpacks the intersection of Chinese tech, messaging, and naval power.

Ideas

'Russia Is Our Adversary'

Russia is eroding democracy by exploiting the nation’s divisions. To save it, Americans must begin working together.

Ideas

The US Must Stop Turkey Now

Americans are wrong to placate Erdogan and permit his attacks on northern Syria. Here's how Washington can get it right.

Ideas

Let’s Call Trump’s Parade What it Is: Another Dangerous Attempt to Divide Us

I know a thing or two about good military ceremonies, and Trump’s parade is a bad idea.

Ideas

The Chance of Accidental Nuclear War Is Growing

Recapitalizing the U.S. nuclear deterrent won't help. What's missing is a strategy and resources to reduce risks of cataclysmic accidents, miscalculation, and human error.