Ideas
Trump's Former Chief of Staff, John Kelly, Finally Lets Loose
The retired Marine general explained, in the clearest terms yet, his misgivings about Trump’s behavior regarding North Korea, immigration, and Ukraine.
Ideas
How a Stock Bubble Could Unwind America’s National Security
Tesla’s astronomic rise portends a crash that will add heft to the forces of deglobalization.
Ideas
The US Military Is Not Ready for a Constitutional Crisis
In nine years on duty, I received no training in how to uphold my oath to defend the Constitution. Today's troops need to know how.
Ideas
Trump's Attacks on Public Servants Are Hurting America
Self-dealing and disdain for public service reinforce the autocratic conceit that democratic systems are no better than dictatorial ones, and undermine our biggest advantage.
Ideas
How China Is Working to Quarantine the Truth About the Coronavirus
The authoritarian playbook — censor, distract, lie — is on full display.
Ideas
Overspending on the Pentagon Won’t Make Us Safer
We spend far more on the military than the countries we most fear, while shorting the things that would actually help us compete.
Ideas
How to Get the National Defense Strategy Out of Its Mideast Rut
We need less talk about why we need to leave, and more about why we need to compete elsewhere.
Ideas
As Coronavirus Spreads, China’s Military Is Largely MIA
The PLA’s anemic participation is odd given its past performance, planning, and pronouncements.
Ideas
Trump’s Bid to Go Big on Nuclear Arms Looks Like a Fizzle
Russia has no interest in negotiating from scratch. China has no interest in negotiating at all.
Ideas
Don’t Blame Foreign Hackers for the Chaos in Iowa
Blame an ill-considered push for untested technology. Securing our elections means getting the simple things right.
Ideas
Trump's Ban on Nigerian Immigrants Will Hurt His Defense Strategy
Expanding immigration bans while seeking closer economic ties with Africa to counter Russian and Chinese influence indicates policy incoherence.
Ideas
Under Trump, US Is Less Ready for Infectious Disease Outbreaks Like Coronavirus
The administration has cut CDC funding and disbanded the White House's own global health security team.
Ideas
Iraq Is the One War Zone Trump Doesn’t Want to Leave
The president’s resistance to withdrawing from the country boils down to three of his main enemies: ISIS, Iran, and Obama.
Ideas
Trump’s Iran Strategy Isn’t Working as Well as He Thinks
The killing of Qassem Soleimani upended expectations in useful ways, but the U.S. isn’t in a position to capitalize on the turmoil.
Ideas
ISIS Is No Reason to Stay in Iraq
Don’t take the wrong conclusion from recent news about the group’s “resurgence.”
Ideas
Stop the ‘Blood Coal’ That Funds Russia’s Occupation of Ukraine
Moscow is selling Ukrainian coal to subsidize its military operations. Western sanctions must end that.
Ideas
Britain and America Have a China Problem
London’s and Washington’s differing assessments of Beijing’s rise point to deeper issues between the two countries.
Ideas
To End America’s War in Afghanistan, US Troops Can’t Leave Yet
Walking away out of frustration — especially during peace talks — is as empty a strategy as doubling down out of optimism.
Ideas