Ideas

Should We Fear an AI Arms Race?

Five reasons the benefits of defense-related artificial intelligence research outweigh the risks—for now.

Ideas

The Rise of ISIS in Southeast Asia

Much of the region has witnessed a democratic regression that's fueling the spread of violent extremism.

Ideas

The Brilliance and Lunacy of Putin's Chechen Hitman

The Kremlin may be losing its grip on a boogeyman of its own making.

Policy

Rubio Proves Obama's Point About Islam and Intolerance in the US

Sen. Marco Rubio accused the president of 'pitting people against each other' in Obama's visit to a mosque this week.

Ideas

Three Reasons the 2017 Defense Budget Won’t Be Enough (And How to Fix It)

The responsible path is not the easy path, but there is bipartisan support for a stronger defense budget and ways to make it happen.

Ideas

27 Questions Before the US Extends the War in Afghanistan

Expanding U.S. combat operations or abandoning the Afghans are not the only options.

Ideas

Reagan's '76 Playbook Is the Ticket for Cruz and Trump

The rise of conservative outsiders like Ted Cruz and Donald Trump is not unprecedented.

Policy

Rand Paul the Dove Never Stood a Chance Among the Hawks

I planned to write a different story about the libertarian anti-neocon. Instead, I found this.

Ideas

Ben Carson's Blueprint for Better US Cybersecurity

The Republican 2016 contender is just the second candidate of either party to lay out a comprehensive cybersecurity plan for the United States.

Ideas

Why Turkey Chose, and Then Rejected, a Chinese Air-Defense Missile

Ankara's decisions say a lot about what Turkey wants from the U.S. and NATO, if only the West will listen.

Ideas

The Hawkeye State Sours on Hawkish Republicans

Four years ago, Iowans rewarded the neocon-inflected campaigns of Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney. This year, four of the top five finishers are critics of unnecessary interventions.

Ideas

Want an Alternative to ISIS? Look to Tunisia

The Islamic State offers a false choice between dictatorship and extremism. Tunisia proves there’s a better way.

Ideas

Bring the Troops Home — From Sinai

Your first question is likely: 'We have American soldiers deployed in Egypt?'

Ideas

Death of the GRU Commander

An American general remembers Russia's complex military intelligence chief, who shaped the Ukraine incursion — and worked hard to bridge the East-West gap.

Policy

The 3 Worst National Security Ideas Out of the Iowa Debate

A closer look at the candidates’ remarks on foreign policy reveal plenty of bumper-sticker slogans, but few serious proposals that could actually help keep the country safe.

Policy

The Republican Conflation of ISIS and Immigration

Politically, this serves a purpose. But as public policy, it makes little sense.

Ideas

Want Peace in Syria? Put Women at the Negotiating Table

That’s what the Balkan experience tells us, say current and former British and US ambassadors.

Ideas

Here's Why the UN Sat on Its Hands During 5 Years of War in Syria

The 'great power' origins and recent deadly failings of the power of veto inside the U.N. Security Council.

Science & Tech

The Middle East's Quietly Rising Cyber Super Power

Israel now has more than 300 cybersecurity companies, exports totaling $6 billion, and 20 percent of the world’s private cyber investment dollars.

Business

What to Watch for in 2016

It’s likely to be an important transitional year for many defense issues as the Obama administration draws to a close.