Ideas

The Problem With the SecDef Purity Test

You don’t want a general, a man, a war veteran — and everyone in the defense industry is evil?

Ideas

Congress Should Vote ‘No’ on Austin. It Likely Won’t.

It's hard to vote against a popular general. That's one reason why lawmakers barred the appointment of recently retired officers as defense secretary.

Policy

2021 NDAA Would Create a National Cyber Director

If the bill passes next week and is signed into law, another amendment would codify cybersecurity roles for sector-specific agencies.

Ideas

America Needs a COVID-19 Reckoning

Both parties wanted answers after 9/11. The pandemic has killed nearly 100 times more Americans.

Policy

Dems See GOP Electioneering in Air Force Choice of Georgia for C-130 Base

A Trump appointee wants Air National Guard planes sent to the state that holds the key to Senate control.

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.

Policy

Personality, Not Policy, Will Determine Top House Armed Services Republican

The pick may telegraph whether the GOP intends a cooperative or combative approach to the Biden administration.

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.

Science & Tech

Pentagon Risks ‘Paralyzing Ourselves’ as Tech Priorities Keep Shifting

That’s what the outgoing HASC ranking member says, and he’s not alone.

Business

US Navy Orders First New Missile Sub

The $9.4 billion order covers the completion of USS Columbia and materials for USS Wisconsin.

Business

Would Biden WH, GOP Senate Prevent Defense-Spending Dip?

As the nation waits for election results, some analysts are looking ahead.

Ideas

Whatever Happens in the Election, Get Ready for a Rocky Transition

Trump says if he loses, he won’t help hand over power, and if he wins, he'll root out government employees he deems disloyal to him.

Policy

No Clear Winner As Presidential Vote-Counting Continues Into Wednesday

Several senators with national-security posts win re-election.

Ideas

We Are Our Own Worst Enemy

America’s national security depends on our ability to turn today’s hyperpartisan division into tomorrow’s cooperation.

Ideas

Preserve the Jones Act

China’s burgeoning fleets underscore the importance of legislation that bolsters our own.

Policy

66 Ways to Beat China in AI: Report

The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence suggests a CTO for the intelligence community; a White House AI council, like the National Space Council; and more.