Policy
Here’s What Each 2016 Candidate Has Said About Using Military Force
The Presidential Candidates Use of Force Tracker aims to capture and better understand the sort of military missions that prospective presidents might pursue.
Business
Japan's Military Is Recruiting More Women for Its Growing Global Role
A looming gender imbalance is compelling Tokyo to create new jobs and facilities for females throughout its defense ministry.
Ideas
Here’s What’s Keeping the World from Uniting Against ISIS
People need a common story before they will go to war with an enemy. ISIS has one. The rest of the world does not.
Ideas
The Unintended Consequences of Containing ISIS
The Paris attacks have prompted calls for a stronger military response to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. But restraint may be the better course of action.
Policy
Would Sun Tzu Endorse Donald Trump's Total-War Political Strategy?
Forget The Art of the Deal—what does The Art of War have to say about whether the Republican frontrunner’s campaign has peaked?
Ideas
Yemen's Refugee Crisis Is Spilling Over Into Somalia
There are now nearly 1.5 million displaced people in Yemen, though their plight is no less dire than those pouring out of the battlefields of Iraq and Syria.
Ideas
The Rules of Cyberspace Just Got A Bit Clearer
The UN's new recommendations guiding state activity in cyberspace break new ground in three important areas.
Threats
Inside the Pentagon’s Manhunting Machine
A brief history of Joint Special Operations Command, from Panama to the war on terror
Ideas
Who's Leading the World's ‘Counter Violent Extremism’ Efforts? No One
An international institution dedicated to CVE research and evaluation would reduce redundancy and promote buy-in.
Business
Now NATO’s Prepping for Hybrid War
Like the US, the alliance as a whole is readying forces for a full range of combat scenarios — and planning a historically complex exercise.
Ideas
The New US Army Chief Sets His Tone
Here are a few takeaways from Milley's first address since taking command of the nearly half-million strong active duty force.
Ideas
The Legal Problems with Cyber War Are Much Bigger Than You Think
Much of the unchartered territory begins with questions of what it takes to trigger self-defense in cyberspace, and what does it mean for a nation-state to have 'effective control' of a hacker?
Ideas
America's Allies Want More From the US
The next president has to figure out how to give it to them – more presence, more forces, more aid.
Threats
Climate Scientists Warn That Global Warming Is as Threatening As Nuclear War
Rising global temperatures and sea levels will become an international security issue if left unattended.
Threats
Here’s the Biggest Difference Between US and Chinese Military Policy
What their public strategy documents say about the world’s leading military power and its up-and-coming rival.
Ideas
5 Keys to the New US National Military Strategy
From new nukes to the growing threat of interstate war, the new document is the boldest statement yet of the 'complex and rapidly-changing' global security landscape.
Ideas
Beyond the Military: Why the US Needs More National Service Options
Building a next generation of American foreign policy and national security leaders requires new options for national service.
Business
Dempsey’s Final Instruction to the Pentagon: Prepare for a Long War
In a new National Military Strategy, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff warns the Pentagon to reorganize its global footprint to combat prolonged battles of terrorism and proxy wars.
Threats
Is ‘Whack-A-Mole’ Working Against al Qaeda?
The terror group’s No. 2 was killed in Yemen, reportedly by a U.S. strike. But are such killings bringing the U.S. any closer to “degrading and ultimately defeating” terrorism?
Science & Tech