Ideas

If Russia is Selling, the Pentagon Should Keep Buying — Rocket Engines, That Is

What’s the rush? Before hastily cutting off the engines we need, Congress should set the conditions for a better American space launch market.

Ideas

Five Possible Futures for the US Navy

Technology, especially networked algorithms, is changing the game. But which path will it take the Navy down?

Ideas

Naval Cooperation is More Crucial Than Ever. Here’s What It Costs.

To build key relationships, the US must be willing to trade readiness for presence and exquisite ships for numbers.

Ideas

The Lessons of the Littoral Combat Ship

Analyzing the events of the past 15 years reveals at least four reasons for the current mess.

Ideas

To Confront Russia's Subs, NATO Should Team Up on ASW Aircraft

Alliance members should replicate their successful C-17 cooperation to restore their maritime patrol aircraft fleets.

Ideas

CNO: US Navy Needs Foreign Help Against Russia, China, ISIS, Iran

The Chief of Naval Operations explains why he's working to expand and strengthen the fleet's network of partners.

Ideas

The DIUx Is Dead. Long Live The DIUx

By taking early corrective action, Ash Carter is upending the typical Washington playbook of prolonging failure.

Ideas

To Beat ISIS, We Must Think Smaller

People become radicalized when they lack hope, jobs, and purpose. Local investments can break the cycle.

Ideas

Transparency’s Double-Edged Sword

Even as ubiquitous surveillance helps hold governments accountable, it can also make tense situations less stable.

Business

GPS Upgrades Are Late and Over Budget. Here's Why We Should Stay the Course

There's no better alternative to the GPS III and OCX programs, which thankfully appear to be on track at last.

Ideas

Keep It Secret: Congress Should Back Off the B-21 Program

Lawmakers' calls for more transparency and fixed-price contracts will only hurt an Air Force acquisition effort that is doing well so far.

Ideas

Throwing Money at Missile Defense Won’t Fix It

We need a smarter, holistic approach that combines offense and defense.

Ideas

Petty Officer Keating Died 2 Miles From the Syrian Front. How Far Are You?

The war came to him. What will it take for it to reach the rest of us?

Ideas

How DIUx Should Pick Its Next Branch Offices

The Defense Secretary’s tech-outreach effort is looking to expand. Here’s how to do it.

Ideas

Forget Technology. The Real Military Edge Comes From Promoting Smart People

A military culture that values people – and their intellectual development — will drive the innovation needed to win our wars.

Ideas

The US Needs to Stop Pouring Rocket Money into Putin’s Pockets

The Delta IV engine is more expensive than the RD-180, but at least it doesn't enrich cronies of the Russian president.

Ideas

Is Brazil Experiencing a Coup?

Why it’s so hard to know.

Ideas

Leave Root Causes Aside—Destroy the ISIS ‘State’

Of course it would be daunting to solve the conflicts the Islamic State feeds on. But that isn’t, or shouldn’t be, the mission.

Ideas

ISIS and the 'Loser Effect'

Could the Islamic State's recent failures foreshadow its demise?

Ideas

Wishing for a US-Made Heavy Lift Rocket Won’t Make It So

If Congress really wants to ditch Russia’s RD-180 engine, it needs to fund the research — and get ready to wait.