Ideas
Under Trump, the US Has Become a Leading Source of Global Instability
The country is now a known unknown, increasing the risk of crises from the Middle East to East Asia to Central America, a new survey suggests.
Ideas
The FBI Needs to Be Reformed
The inspector general’s report identified real weaknesses, particularly with the policies and procedures that govern investigations of political campaigns.
Science & Tech
House Defense Bill Would Mandate Carbon Capture Program for the Military
A technology that many hope will prevent the worst effects of climate change could also produce fuel or other defense products.
Ideas
Democrats Retreat on Nuclear Policy
The 2020 authorization bill fails to check Trump’s worst impulses.
Policy
Defense Bill Would Create 'ROTC for Pentagon's Civilian Employees'
The college-based Defense Civilian Training Corps would aim to fill “critical skills gaps” in the department’s workforce.
Ideas
We Really Need to Fix the Federal Budget Process
With the 2020 defense policy bill close to done, here are some ideas for next year.
Ideas
If Ukraine Is Impeachable, What’s Afghanistan?
A misguided war that drags on inconclusively for more than 18 years is, I submit, a great crime.
Ideas
The ‘Russia Hoax’ Is a Hoax
A report by the FBI inspector general debunks the claims that the investigation into political interference by the Kremlin was a left-wing conspiracy to depose the president.
Threats
Who’s Really to Blame for the ‘Ukraine Did It’ Conspiracy Theory?
Judging on the basis of public evidence, the narrative about Ukraine was propagated first and foremost by Americans, not Russian disinformation puppeteers.
Ideas
The Pentagon Is Ignoring Small Innovators
That’s why I’m proposing a law to give promising small firms an advocate inside the Defense Department.
Policy
The Space Force Appears Cleared For Launch
Lawmakers hint that bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act will create a new military branch.
Science & Tech
Federal Bill Would Constrain Some Police Use of Facial-Recognition Tools
A 72-hour limit on tracking individuals would become the first, and somewhat arbitrary, federal line in the sand.
Ideas
GOP Lawmakers Used to Oppose Trump's Embrace of Russia. No More.
High-ranking Republicans are now defending the president with debunked claims that national security experts say play right into Putin's hands.
Ideas
Loosening Firearms Exports Will Tear at a Larger Arms-Control Fabric
But Congress still has time to block the Trump administration’s proposed changes.
Ideas
As the Rich Get Richer, the Ambassadors Get Worse
Gordon Sondland embodies an age-old problem—one that the flood of donor money into American politics is only exacerbating.
Ideas
Foreign Policy Isn't Just Up To Trump
The president’s defenders argue that U.S. foreign policy is whatever he says it is. Trouble is, that’s not what the Constitution says.
Ideas
'Some of You on this Committee Appear to Believe' That Russia Didn't Meddle in 2016
In testimony, a former senior director for European and Russian affairs on Trump's National Security Council tells lawmakers to stop spreading Moscow's lies.
Science & Tech
What to Expect from Congress’ Cyber Strategy Brain Trust
The Cyberspace Solarium Commission aims to have policy recommendations ready to plug into the next defense authorization bill, Co-Chairman Rep. Mike Gallagher said.
Ideas
Pompeo Can’t Escape
The secretary of state has been trying to distance himself from the impeachment hearings, but today’s explosive testimony put him at center stage.
Policy