Ideas

While ‘Arctic Exceptionalism’ Melts Away, the US Isn't Sure What It Wants Next

Global competition is coming to the northern polar region. U.S. policymakers are not clear on a fundamental question about its future.

Ideas

5G Is Where China and the West Finally Diverge

The rollout of speedy new cellular networks is a geopolitical turning point, but neither Trump nor the public yet recognizes this.

Threats

Britain’s Secret War With Russia

The poisoning of a double agent sparked an intelligence and PR battle between London and Moscow, the details of which are only now emerging.

Policy

China’s Largest Telecom May Sue You For Criticizing It

Huawei is trying to use French libel laws to punish a Western researcher. Will it work?

Ideas

Ep. 59: The future of European security

Here's a look at some of the ways Europe is changing amid various pressures from Russia, China and the NATO alliance.

Ideas

Will America's Next Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile Match Up to China's?

The Air Force says the AIM-260 won't be powered by a ramjet. Does it have another trick up its sleeve?

Ideas

Trump OKs Ukraine Aid — But That’s Not the Right Choice

America doesn’t gain anything by escalating an unwinnable war on Russia’s border.

Policy

Trump Threatens to ‘Release’ ISIS Fighters into France, Germany

The president wants European governments to repatriate and try citizens being held by Syrian resistance forces.

Ideas

It’s High Time for Germany to Fund, and Fix, Its Military

The country is far from NATO’s 2% budget guideline, and its defense establishment is rife with dysfunction.

Ideas

The Bill for ‘America First’ Is Coming Due

Two of America’s closest treaty allies have announced military efforts explicitly designed to exclude the United States.

Ideas

About that Counter-Iran Coalition...

The Trump administration called for help, but Washington's friends have shrugged and calculated it is safer to stay away from "maximum pressure." There is a better way.

Threats

New Defense Secretary Immediately Faced With Challenges In Iran, UK

Esper takes the reins at the Pentagon just days after Iran seized a British-flagged tanker—and amid an ongoing rift with the U.S.’s closest ally.

Threats

‘Looking to Break Status Quo,’ Iran Seizes UK Tanker

Pentagon intel chief says Tehran wants to escape U.S. pressure, but not by going to war.

Ideas

Europe Has No Attractive Options in the Post-INF World

Soon to be back in the nuclear line of fire, Europeans wonder how to get arms control back on the international agenda.

Ideas

Brexit’s National-Security Impact: It’s More Than the Economy, Stupid

The Trump Administration must broaden its trade-focused perspective, lest it find itself even more isolated from Washington’s closest allies and partners.

Policy

Britain’s Options for Its Ambassador: Defend or Dismiss

The U.K. is left with two seemingly impossible choices after President Trump’s assertion that “we will no longer deal with” Sir Kim Darroch.

Threats

Why Won't Europe Take Back ISIS Fighters from Syria for Trial?

Italy took one. Hundreds more languish while governments slowly decide what to do next.

Policy

UK Defense Secretary: We Need a Stronger NATO Now More Than Ever

Penny Mordaunt recaps June’s NATO ministerial and looks ahead to the December NATO Summit in London.

Threats

The Making of a Russian Spy

An ethnic Russian serving in Estonia’s military had something to hide. Now he’s in prison as a convicted traitor.

Ideas

Melians’ Revenge: How Emerging Tech Can Fortify NATO’s Eastern Flank

AI, 3D printing, commercial drones, and more can give the alliance’s easternmost nations a surprisingly potent defensive punch.