Ideas
Why Soldiers Might Disobey the President’s Orders to Occupy US Cities
Because it might be their duty to do so. Two ethicists at Navy schools explain.
Ideas
Milley's Chance to Right His ‘Mistake’
The Joint Chiefs chairman now says he was wrong to walk with the president. Will he survive to push back a second time?
Policy
Trump Vows to Keep Confederates’ Names on US Army Bases
As the military wrestles with racism and its symbols, the commander-in-chief draws a line.
Ideas
We Need Joe Biden
Donald Trump has failed. Our national cohesion and security can’t wait another five years.
Ideas
Explainer: What Is Antifa?
Despite Trump's attempts to paint the movement as an organized threat, its members are decentralized, rarely violent, and focused on resisting the persecution of minority groups.
Ideas
Biden’s Foreign Policy Would Be Better Than Trump's, But Just Barely
The former vice president lacks a consistent philosophy of when and how to use military force.
Ideas
This is Not a Civil-Military Crisis
Recent statements by uniformed leaders are anodyne expressions about U.S. law. Those by retired four-stars are more problematic.
Policy
The Generals Are Speaking Up. Is That a Good Thing?
Scholars are warning about what others are celebrating as a necessary corrective to a commander in chief gone wrong.
Threats
Service Chiefs Acknowledge Racism in the Ranks, Pledge Dialogue, Change
After days of civil unrest and several Esper missteps, each one of the service branch chiefs has begun to speak out.
Threats
Who Are They? Unmarked Security Forces in DC Spark Fear
Mistaken for mercenaries, armed personnel from federal agencies refuse to identify themselves to street protestors and media.
Ideas
James Mattis Denounces Trump as a Threat to the Constitution
In an extraordinary condemnation, the former defense secretary backs protesters and says the president is trying to turn Americans against one another.
Policy
Esper Opposes Insurrection Act Use
Trump has threatened to invoke the act in order to use active duty troops to police protests.
Threats
Quieter Night In DC As Protests Continue Amid Large Militarized Response Force
The show-of-force angered protesters, but the crowds eventually dwindled without much police intervention.
Ideas
America’s Generals Must Stand Up to Trump
Our military leaders are willing to take a bullet for this country. But are they prepared to take a pink slip?
Threats
Pentagon Says Guard Did Not Tear-Gas Protesters; Downplays Role In Militarized Response
A senior official also said SecDef was unaware of the plan to clear a public park for a Trump photo op.
Ideas
Trump Finally Gets the War He Wanted
Gen. Milley and Secretary Esper accompanied the president to a photo op — and right into his American war.
Threats
Trump, GOP Allies Reach For Military Response To Domestic Protests
In startling language, Defense Secretary Mark Esper referred to American streets as “the battlespace.”
Ideas
The Coronavirus Is Raising the Likelihood of Great-Power Conflict
U.S. efforts to increase deterrence must be carefully calibrated to avoid accidental escalation.
Ideas