Ideas

Tapping Flournoy as SecDef Would Be a Really Big Deal

A natsec black belt and outstanding leader, the former policy undersecretary would also be uniquely positioned to implement some long-overdue personnel changes.

Ideas

The Next Administration Should Bring the Shadow Wars into the Light

Lethal tactics and entire campaigns launched urgently after 9/11 have corroded oversight and American standing.

Ideas

Designating the Houthis as Terrorists Would be a Mistake

A proposed White House move would hinder peace talks and humanitarian efforts in Yemen.

Ideas

An AI Tool Can Tell a Conspiracy Theory from a True Conspiracy

It comes down to how easily the story falls apart.

Ideas

We Have Met the Enemy, and It Is Us: Restoring American Power

Getting the nation’s house in order — restoring our integrity and dignity — is a precondition for reestablishing our standing in the world.

Ideas

There's No Easy Fix For Australia's Special Forces Culture

A blistering war crimes report is forcing us to take stock of what the Australian Defence Force asks of its soldiers.

Ideas

Trump Should Act Against Russia’s Use of Chemical Weapons

Existing sanctions aren’t deterring Moscow. Fortunately, there’s bipartisan agreement on the need for new ones.

Ideas

The Final Pandemic Surge Is Crashing Over America

For the first time, the U.S. recorded 1 million COVID-19 cases in one week.

Ideas

As Spotlight Fades, What Next for Special Operators?

Under Trump, the Pentagon's ‘service secretary’ in charge of SOF has changed hands eight times between seven people.

Ideas

Put Societal Resilience at the Center of Defense Planning

It’s already foolish to focus too narrowly on military attack and response. Soon it will be fatuous.

Ideas

A Better Way to Fight the Forever War

Why leaving a residual force in Afghanistan may be the only way to both end and win the war.

Ideas

Cutting US Defense Attachés from Embassies Abroad is a Bad Idea

Without them on the ground, or without the right rank, commanders and policymakers are mostly blind, deaf, and mute.

Ideas

LIVE: 2020 Global Security Forum

Live coverage of this year's Soufan Center event from Mon., Nov. 16, to Thurs., Nov. 19.

Ideas

COVID-19 Is Out of Control. What Can We Do?

We need a one-two punch to knock the virus down and then keep it down.

Ideas

Block the Pentagon’s 5G Power Play

Defense leaders’ attempt to become the gatekeeper for prime frequencies is understandable, but it’s the wrong choice for America.

Ideas

A Nuclear Strike Should Require More than One Person’s Order

We should require a second voice when it comes to ordering first use of nuclear arms.

Ideas

What Would a Climate-Focused DoD Budget Look Like?

It’d be less about what we spend and more about how we spend the money we already have.

Ideas

Give Us That Democracy Summit, President Biden

A long time ago, before the pandemic, he promised to convene free-world leaders. It’s still a good idea.

Ideas

A Simple Veterans Day Proposal for the Incoming Administration

Send every political appointee to visit Arlington National Cemetery — with someone who served.