Ideas

What Is America Fighting For?

The United States has been at war with ISIS for more than a year. But you cannot beat a surging ideology without a higher sense of purpose.

Ideas

Ignoring Guantanamo Won’t Make It Go Away

Fixing the mistakes of Gitmo will require Americans to step up and shoulder the burdens of war.

Ideas

America’s Not Ready for Today’s Gray Wars

To defeat terrorists, we need to overhaul our military and other levers of government to tackle complex and shifting threats.

Ideas

Drone Strikes Are Creating Hatred Toward America That Will Last for Generations

'The resentment created by American use of unmanned strikes,' said retired four-star Gen. Stanley McChrystal, 'is much greater than the average American appreciates.'

Ideas

Access to Talent: Why Shattering the Military's Glass Ceiling Matters

Future wars will be won far more by out-thinking enemies than by out-muscling them, and including women in every part of the U.S. military makes America’s defenses stronger.

Ideas

Why is Obama Letting China Beat the US at Global Drone Sales?

Blocking Jordan’s purchase of Reaper UAVs is just one example of unwise reticence to sell more arms abroad.

Ideas

Don’t Prolong America’s Dependence on Russian Rockets

United Launch Alliance is trying to escape the requirement to phase out the RD-180 engine, SpaceX advisors say.

Policy

In Syria, Obama Treads a Well-Worn Path From ‘No Boots’ to Intervention

Here’s the recipe: downplay a U.S. military commitment, increase that commitment, deny breaking pledges to keep out.

Ideas

How Corruption Undermines NATO Operations

Members and partners must do better at spotting and stopping corruption in the field.

Ideas

As US Bombs ISIS, Be Wary of Moscow’s Spies

Does the USAF really need to fly F-22s where Russia can practice tracking them?

Business

How America Can Get Its Mojo Back

National service evangelists hope to inspire a cultural shift among millennials.

Ideas

Don’t Avenge Paris

Our leaders must avoid ‘feel-good’ retribution, and instead seek paths that will make us safer.

Ideas

A Call To Service Can Help Unite A Divided Nation

What can you do for your country? For starters, tell Congress to support national service.

Ideas

Beyond the Draft: Rethinking National Service

Four reasons the defense community ought to support universal access to national service.

Ideas

Measure Clinton’s Plan for ISIS Against the Lessons of Iraq

A former Army division commander views the candidate’s proposed strategy through a McChrystal lens.

Ideas

UK Beefs Up Its Defenses for a More Secure World

The new British version of the QDR is out, promising ‘smart and strategic’ investments in the UK armed forces.

Ideas

Give Thanks for the OSS

As today’s security depends increasingly on intelligence and special operators, Congress should act to honor those who paved their way.

Ideas

With Putin on the March, US Must Bulk Up Its European Forces

Over-the-horizon deterrence will simply not work—either to fend off Russia or reassure NATO allies.

Ideas

The War on ISIS: What’s the Endgame?

Nobody’s focused on winning the peace. That’s a big problem.

Ideas

Obama Must Send Hollande to Moscow With This Clear Message

The U.S. must be clear: Russia's help fighting ISIS won't ease sanctions over Ukraine