Science & Tech

Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missiles Are a Terrible Idea. Russia’s Test Explosion Shows Why

A flying unshielded nuclear reactor would spew massive amounts of radiation, and that’s if it’s working correctly.

Ideas

Trump's Thin Skin Is Hurting US National Security

The president’s aides are reluctant even to broach the dangers of white racist violence and electoral interference with him.

Ideas

Here’s What Foreign Interference Will Look Like in 2020

The incentives for foreign countries to meddle are much greater than in 2016, and the tactics could look dramatically different.

Ideas

Ep. 51: Magnus Nordenman on Russia, the U.S., and "The New Battle for the Atlantic"

Magnus Nordenman explains how America's strategic and operational environment in the North Atlantic has changed since the Cold War, and quite a bit more.

Ideas

The INF Treaty Lapses Tomorrow. Trump & Putin Should Save It

Stability will ebb and danger rise if the U.S. and Russia allow the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty to lapse on Aug. 2.

Ideas

Ep. 50: Cyberwarfare yesterday

This episode, we survey the history of cyberwarfare — from the ascent of Chinese hackers this century to the arrest of a Soviet-linked hacker 30 years ago, and a lot in between.

Ideas

If New START Dies, These Questions Will Need Answers

There’s little public indication that the Trump administration is thinking about several things that will happen if the last strategic arms agreement is allowed to expire.

Ideas

Let the US Air Force Move Ahead with Its Heavy-Lift Rocket Program

Lawmakers' attempt to force the service to allow more companies to bid on satellite launches would do more harm than good.

Science & Tech

Russian Hackers Build Fake Skype, Signal, Pornhub Apps to Lure Victims

Installing the apps activates malware that steals personal data and sends it off to St. Petersburg.

Policy

Graham: I Told Turkey They Can Avoid Sanctions If They Don’t Activate Russian Radar

Sen. Lindsay Graham says President Trump asked him to make the call.

Ideas

The Future of Conflict is Proxy Warfare, Again

A new CNA study offers seven lessons from America’s experience with supporting one side from afar.

Science & Tech

Why the S-400 and the F-35 Can’t Get Along

Today's radar systems and aircraft need to share a lot of information. That's a problem when the countries that produce them aren't on the same side.

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.

Science & Tech

Russia Is Perfecting the Art of Crushing Uprisings Against Authoritarian Regimes

A Russian military leader revealed the blueprint for using mercenaries, militias, and special operations forces to backup dictators from Venezuela to Africa.

Ideas

Send Turkey’s F-35s to Eastern Europe

If Putin is going to send S-400 air-defense systems to Ankara, NATO should send advanced fighter jets where they can deter Russia.

Science & Tech

Russian Warship Enters Ukrainian Gunfire Exercise Area, Creating ‘Dangerous Situation’

The area was being used during a U.S.-Ukraine-led exercise in the Black Sea.

Ideas

Russia, China Offer Challenges in the Arctic

America’s top naval commander in Europe looks at the geostrategic challenges of the warming High North.

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.

Science & Tech

Russian Troops Will Be Getting Tactical Bomb Drones

Having learned from ISIS attacks in Syria, Russia is rushing to put armed drones on the front lines.