Threats
Why North Korea Walked Back Its Threat on Guam
Signs of a conflict with the U.S. may have been overblown.
Threats
How US Military Leaders Are Reacting to Charlottesville
While the president wavers in his criticism of white nationalist protesters, military leaders are speaking out against racism and intolerance in America’s ranks.
Ideas
What Happens When No One Believes American Threats?
In the long term, it does America no favors for its president to establish a reputation for hyperbole and unrealistic threats.
Threats
When Words Risk Provoking War
Words especially matter between societies that poorly understand each other’s motivations and intentions, as do North Korea and the U.S.
Policy
Are Mercenaries Really a Cheaper Way of War?
The founder of Blackwater says privatizing the 16-year war could save taxpayer money. History, both recent and farther back, suggests a different outcome.
Ideas
America Is Not Ready for a War in North Korea
If loose words about fire and fury are a mere negotiating tactic, they will not deliver what the United States desires.
Ideas
Why Trump Is Wholly Unsuited to the North Korea Crisis
The president confronts a situation that calls for a trustworthy, careful, decisive leader drawing on all available expertise.
Ideas
Can Trump's National Security Council Handle a Real Crisis?
The people in the Situation Room inevitably neglect basics that will keep them, and the rest of us, alive. In this White House, the risks are especially high.
Policy
The US Balance-of-Power Strategy in the Gulf is Collapsing. But It Never Had a Chance Anyway
The Qatar dispute deals a death blow to Trump Administration dreams of an Arab NATO arrayed against Iran.
Policy
Why Leaking Transcripts of Trump's Calls Is So Dangerous
When the president’s opponents violate norms to undermine him, they do lasting damage to American security.
Business
Here Are the Jets That May Become Air Force One
The USAF has a deal in the works to turn a pair of Boeing 747 jetliners abandoned by a bankrupt Russian airline into the next presidential transport. Here’s what they look like.
Business
Trump Wanted a Cheaper Air Force One. So the USAF Is Buying a Bankrupt Russian Firm’s Undelivered 747s
The service is reportedly getting a good deal on the jets, which list for around $390 million and are now sitting in the Mojave Desert.
Ideas
What’s Left to Sanction in North Korea?
It’s already one of the most isolated countries in the world. Can further financial punishment really change its decisions?
Ideas
The Downsides of John Kelly's Ascension
The former Marine general is unlikely to succeed in his new job, even as his appointment contributes to the decay of American civil-military relations.
Ideas
Give Up on Denuclearizing North Korea
The question now is how to convince it not to use its weapons.
Policy
Trump’s Transgender Troop Ban Sparks An Instant Opposition of Unusual Allies
The commander in chief tweet-declares a stunning change for military personnel, but it’s far from clear he can make it stick.
Policy
The Dangerous Politicization of the US Military
By asking active duty personnel to lobby Congress in their own self-interest, President Trump crossed an important line.
Ideas
If Trump Undermines the Iran Deal
A report suggests the president is looking for ways to get out of the accord. It says a lot about how he views the world.
Ideas
The End of American Support for Syrian Rebels Was Inevitable
Where the insurgency is concerned, Trump and Obama have plenty in common.
Business