Ideas
Russia Is a Great Power Once Again
Putin’s Syria intervention saved Assad. But is he ready for what comes next?
Ideas
The Dark Arts of Foreign Influence-Peddling
The Mueller investigation is showing the extent of Russian operations. But its real import extends far beyond that.
Ideas
Global Elites Cannot Save a World In Turmoil
Last weekend’s security conference in Munich was a stark reminder that this class has nothing of substance to offer a world in turmoil.
Ideas
Don't Waste the New US Water-Security Strategy
President Trump should order the inclusion of water issues — a major driver of security problems — in the national defense and security strategies.
Ideas
The US Is Drifting Toward War With a NATO Ally
It's not too late to stem Turkey's turn toward Russia — and defuse a World War I-style conflict.
Ideas
How to Keep US Missile Defense on the Right Track
Use the coming funding boost to smooth the development of a new kill vehicle and increase GMD testing in general.
Threats
When the Islamic State Came to Libya
Since the fall of Qaddafi, the war-torn country’s militias have sought to contain extremism. But at what cost?
Threats
Peace Through Bombings: The US Strategy in Afghanistan
The goal of negotiating with the Taliban is at odds with President Trump’s statements.
Threats
Mattis: New Sea-Launched Cruise Missile Is a Bargaining Chip
But don’t call the low-yield option a ‘tactical nuclear weapon’ — it’s still strategic, he says.
Ideas
An Advise-and-Assist Commander Has Advice for the US Army's New Partner-Trainers
Security Force Assistance Brigades, or SFABs, are a great concept, but even the best ideas have limitations and room for improvement.
Ideas
Trump’s National-Security Strategy Is Focused on Great Powers. He Isn’t.
On Tuesday, the president rushed past Russia and China to talk about immigrants, terrorism, and North Korea.
Ideas
If We're Going to Export More US Arms, Let's Do It Smarter
Here are some ways to help ensure that rising sales don't undermine American security.
Ideas
America's Longest War—and the Ally That Fuels It
How Pakistan has perpetuated the Afghan conflict.
Ideas
We Don't Need a Bigger Nuclear Button
The plan outlined in a draft of the Nuclear Posture Review would cost trillions of dollars — and make Americans no safer.
Policy
Mattis: Pentagon Shifting Focus to Great Power Competition — ‘Not Terrorism’
The first national defense strategy in 10 years puts on paper what Mattis, McMaster have signaled for months: the U.S. is refocused on China and Russia.
Ideas
What if H.R. McMaster Is Right About North Korea?
It’s reassuring to think the country wants only a defensive capability. It could very easily be wrong.
Ideas
The US Military Needs a Teacher Corps to Train Its Partners
Much of the $70 billion spent to train Afghan armed forces has been wasted. Here’s how to do better.
Ideas
Hybrid Star Wars: Lessons from The Battle of Endor
In an excerpt from an upcoming anthology of Star Wars-themed essays, a former NATO supreme commander revisits a forest moon in a galaxy far, far away.
Ideas
American Ideals Beat the USSR. Why Aren’t We Using Them Against Russia?
Without an ideological rival to hold a mirror to its faults, the US is turning away from the ideas and institutions that led to victory.
Ideas