Policy

For Biden, Tough Talk on Saudi Arabia Meets Reality

‘We don't yet know exactly’ how Biden will change things, says CENTCOM’s Gen. McKenzie.

Ideas

Trying to Box in Biden on Arms Control

Former Trump officials complain that the new president doesn’t want what they failed to achieve.

Ideas

The Pentagon’s Chance to Get Serious About Climate Change

Biden’s executive order is a welcome first step — but there's only so much the military can do.

Ideas

Beijing’s Warning Shot to Biden

U.S. policymakers must begin treating sanctions by other countries as a serious national security threat.

Ideas

How Biden Can Reduce the Danger of Nuclear War

The world needs more sanity and justice. Here are four steps to help avoid destroying the world.

Threats

Biden Calls Putin ‘To Make Clear’ Where US Stands

In a marked change, the president read off a list of grievances — and discussed the potential for additional nuclear arms controls.

Policy

‘The Ban Should Never Have Been Imposed’

Former Army Secretary Eric Fanning says it’s time for Congress to pass a law that protects transgender servicemembers.

Threats

War Avoided, Biden Transition Brings ‘Opportunity’ for New Iran Relations, Top General Says

‘Our goal was to deter a war,’ said CENTCOM’s Gen. McKenzie of the past few months, en route to the region for his first visit under the new administration.

Ideas

Iran Will Still be a Slog

We can expect Tehran to use three tactics to seek advantage in negotiations.

Ideas

Joe Biden Has a Europe Problem

The new president has a daunting list of foreign-policy challenges. Among the biggest will be managing a longtime ally.

Policy

Commander in Chief Joe Biden Swears In

The 46th president took the oath on a tense Washington day amid a lingering pandemic and massive security, but no public crowds or Donald Trump.

Business

Trump Did Not Influence Military Contracts, Pentagon’s Top Arms Buyer Says

But he was interested in the new Air Force One’s paint job.

Policy

Biden's NSA May Face Legal Fight Over Trump-Installed Lawyer

Acting SecDef Miller warns firing Michael Ellis could bring new allegations of unfair retaliation.

Policy

Intelligence Community’s Biggest Challenge Is Restoring ‘Trust and Confidence,’ Biden’s ODNI Pick Says

Avril Haines also vowed to put more resources toward tracking Chinese espionage and foreign efforts to stir up domestic strife.

Exclusive Policy

Here’s Who Will Be Running the Pentagon When Biden Takes Office

Dozens named in the most comprehensive roster published to date of who will be running DOD when the president-elect is sworn in.

Ideas

Advice for the Next Secretary of Defense

Our most serious threats are not external. Biden’s team also must address the bitter polarization of our politics, which has divided our country and global institutions.

Ideas

Gaslighting Can’t Obscure Trump’s Iran Failures

The Biden administration must make a firm break from Trump’s approach and restore the status quo ante.

Ideas

America’s Far Right Isn’t Authoritarian. It’s Anti-Statist.

The distinction makes a difference in understanding and confronting the threat.