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
It’s Time to Listen to the Doomsday Planners
Another pandemic, or a terrorist attack, could cripple an unprepared executive branch.
Policy
On Chaotic Day, Trump Vows To ‘Eliminate’ Hong Kong’s Special Status
The move is intended to dissuade China. Some analysts believe it will do the opposite.
Ideas
Trump Wants to Leave Afghanistan Before Election Day? Hold Him to It
None of the arguments for delaying the inevitable make sense.
Ideas
The End of Hong Kong
China moved to take away the city’s autonomy, one of several aggressive actions by Beijing across the region.
Ideas
Lawmakers Ask Trump to Extend National Guard Missions for One Crucial Day
Many pandemic-response missions are slated to end just before Guard troops become eligible for federal benefits.
Ideas