Ideas
Normalizing Illegal Action May Be the Only Lasting Effect of Trump’s Syria Strike
A president has broad leeway to send American forces into harm’s way, but Trump has blown past the few constraints that remain.
Ideas
Can Trump’s Defense Department Get More For Less?
If the administration’s version of defense reform is to succeed, it must focus on a few key principles.
Business
Defense Industry Bulls Are Turning Bearish
Trump’s first hundred days in office have dampened execs’ hopes that he might bust through spending caps.
Policy
White House Wants to Bake Security Into New IT Projects
Trump’s top cybersecurity advisor has been tapped to help son-in-law Kushner ensure security is built into any new government tools from the beginning.
Ideas
South Sudan Needs UN Help. Will Trump’s Ambassador Lead the Way?
The magnitude of the war’s human cost now dwarfs nearly every other global conflict, with the exception of Syria.
Policy
President Trump's First 100 Days Could End in a Government Shutdown
The historical marker on April 29 will coincide with the expiration of federal funding—unless Congress can strike a bipartisan deal in time.
Ideas
Don't Let Trump Fool You, He's Still No Interventionist
Despite the cruise missiles in Syria and MOAB in Afghanistan, if you’re anticipating another military campaign the size of Libya’s in 2011, prepare to be disappointed.
Ideas
Here’s What 71 Years of US Presidential ‘Red Lines’ Have Taught Us
The country has walked to the brink of war or beyond with Iran, North Korea, Iraq, and Syria to prevent or stop them.
Ideas
What's Really at Stake for America in Yemen's Conflict
As the Trump administration navigates the risks of escalation, there’s a real danger it will get the calculus wrong.
Policy
The President Is Preventing the Foreign-Policy Debate America Needs To Have
He promised to do both more and less abroad, but his frequent reversals and missteps are derailing efforts to choose one path.
Policy
Trump Wants to Overhaul Federal IT, But He’s Missing the People Who Could Help
Trump’s prepping big plans to modernize and secure government technology, but he’ll need government’s buy in to get it done.
Ideas
Trump Blew It at His China Summit
The U.S. president’s performance last week suggested to his Chinese counterpart that he is all talk, and can be pushed around with subtlety and patience.
Policy
It’s Too Early to See a ‘Trump Effect’ on NATO Spending
The U.S. president's rhetoric may have allies talking about their growing defense spending, but it won’t affect most budget proposals for months.
Policy
Trump Ends Federal Hiring Freeze, but Workforce Cuts Loom
In issuing guidance for reductions, OMB director tells feds not to focus on who will be fired.
Ideas
Trump's Unlawful Attack in Syria
Trump launched an attack on Bashar al-Assad’s government without the legal authority to do so.
Ideas
The Syria Strike Was International Security Theater
It was designed to look as if it would keep us safer, while actually doing nothing of the sort.
Ideas
Easy There, Blob. With Obama, We Faced A Different Syria
Four years ago, everything was different in Syria. I support these strikes, but two of our worries remain the same: escalation and loss of control.
Ideas
Seven Disturbing Implications of Trump's Syria Strike
The attack raises a series of questions about the president’s approach to America’s political processes and institutions.
Ideas