Policy
Foreign ties are crucial to US space dominance, officials say
More partnerships, tighter alliances are needed to counter advances by China and others, U.S. space leaders said.
Threats
China is working to weaken Palau, the island nation’s president says
The western Pacific country is one of only a handful that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Policy
‘The homeland is in the Pacific’
INDOPACOM commander says he's unconcerned about Washington's shift in attention.
Policy
Supreme Court is asked to allow White House to block $4B in foreign aid
A lower court held that the move deprives Congress of its constitutional power of the purse.
Policy
Special operations are becoming the Pentagon’s future ‘normal’
“SOF is floated as a one-size-fits-all solution for a lot of problems,” said one former official.
Policy
Pentagon presses Congress to enable AUKUS' next stage
AI-powered subhunters, quantum gear among areas for cooperation under 'Pillar Two' of the trilateral tech-research pact.
Threats
Effort to build common Mideast air picture gets a ‘B-minus’ from USAF official
“Slow but steady progress” cited by deputy commander of Air Forces Central Command.
Ideas
‘If We Don’t Sell Them Arms, Someone Else Will’ Is a Myth
Some of the assumptions that underpin this familiar refrain don’t hold water.
Policy
Why Congress Can’t Stop the CIA From Working With Forces That Commit Abuses
The Leahy Law prohibits the U.S. military from providing training and equipment to foreign security forces that commit human rights abuses, but it does not apply to U.S. intelligence agencies.
Ideas
Fully Fund America’s International Affairs Budget
Few investments reap larger rewards than the less-than-1% we spend on diplomacy and development.
Ideas
CENTCOM’s Got a New Mission. It Needs More Support.
Ending free-ridership and promoting regional security cooperation requires policy coherence from Washington.
Ideas
House’s ‘Irregular Warfare’ Provision Risks Unintended War
It’s not clear how many of the lawmakers who passed the House defense policy bill were aware of a dangerous provision in it.
Policy
Ukraine Aid Oversight Hindered by Pentagon Record-Keeping, Watchdog Says
The IG report follows congressional concerns about oversight and efforts to coordinate with State and USAID.
Ideas
Could Ukraine Offer a Template for Better US-Gulf Security Relations?
The outpouring of aid to Kyiv shows that a formal defense alliance is inessential to effective wartime assistance.
Ideas
Add Natural Conservation to Security-Cooperation Efforts
Protecting ecosystems can reduce destabilizing refugee flows, resource insecurity, and more.
Ideas
ISIS and Al-Qaeda’s Sub-Saharan Affiliates Are Poised for Growth in 2021
A rundown on jihadi groups’ expansion in the Sahel and Nigeria, the Horn of Africa, and the continent’s southeastern Swahili coast.
Ideas
Don’t Discount America’s Interest in Keeping Africa Safe
As the Pentagon removes more troops, consider what its modest investment has garnered.
Ideas
Esper’s Curious Partners-and-Allies Initiative
Why now? And are the combatant commanders on board?
Ideas
As the US Slumps Away, China Subsumes African Security Arrangements
Organizations created to fight terror groups after 9/11 are becoming conduits for Beijing’s surveillance and influence.
Ideas