Policy
Trump Targets Major Weapons Projects To Fund Wall
The funds will be drawn mainly from procurement for major programs like the F-35 fighter jet. $1.3 billion will come from the National Guard alone.
Ideas
The US Should Accept Russia’s Proposed Moratorium on Post-INF Missiles
The temporary measure has no near-term downside — and may jumpstart important arms-control talks.
Ideas
Trump's Former Chief of Staff, John Kelly, Finally Lets Loose
The retired Marine general explained, in the clearest terms yet, his misgivings about Trump’s behavior regarding North Korea, immigration, and Ukraine.
Science & Tech
Executive Order on GPS and Precision Timing Is All Carrot, No Stick
A leading PNT advocacy and educational organization says that's not going to be enough.
Policy
DOD Nominee Who Questioned Ukraine Aid Holdup Denies Report About Her Ouster
A story from the New York Post ignited speculation that Elaine McCusker’s nomination could be withdrawn. It’s not clear that’s the case.
Ideas
The US Military Is Not Ready for a Constitutional Crisis
In nine years on duty, I received no training in how to uphold my oath to defend the Constitution. Today's troops need to know how.
Science & Tech
Amazon Wants Trump to Testify as It Protests JEDI Cloud Award
Amazon Web Services also wants to hear from Defense Secretary Mark Esper and has asked for White House communications in its case against the Defense Department.
Ideas
Trump's Attacks on Public Servants Are Hurting America
Self-dealing and disdain for public service reinforce the autocratic conceit that democratic systems are no better than dictatorial ones, and undermine our biggest advantage.
Ideas
Overspending on the Pentagon Won’t Make Us Safer
We spend far more on the military than the countries we most fear, while shorting the things that would actually help us compete.
Policy
The Billion-Dollar Disinformation Campaign to Reelect the President
How new technologies and techniques pioneered by dictators will shape America's 2020 election.
Ideas
Trump’s Bid to Go Big on Nuclear Arms Looks Like a Fizzle
Russia has no interest in negotiating from scratch. China has no interest in negotiating at all.
Policy
Stunts, Stagecraft and National Security in Trump’s State of the Union
Sounding like a campaign kick-off, the president leaned into one of his as-yet unfulfilled promises from the 2016 election: ending America’s “endless wars.”
Ideas
Trump's Ban on Nigerian Immigrants Will Hurt His Defense Strategy
Expanding immigration bans while seeking closer economic ties with Africa to counter Russian and Chinese influence indicates policy incoherence.
Threats
The Iraq War Has Cost the US Nearly $2 Trillion
The figure includes $838 billion in “emergency” and “overseas contingency operation” funding and $59 billion spent by the State Department and USAID on Iraq and Syria.
Ideas
Under Trump, US Is Less Ready for Infectious Disease Outbreaks Like Coronavirus
The administration has cut CDC funding and disbanded the White House's own global health security team.
Ideas
Iraq Is the One War Zone Trump Doesn’t Want to Leave
The president’s resistance to withdrawing from the country boils down to three of his main enemies: ISIS, Iran, and Obama.
Ideas
Trump’s Iran Strategy Isn’t Working as Well as He Thinks
The killing of Qassem Soleimani upended expectations in useful ways, but the U.S. isn’t in a position to capitalize on the turmoil.
Ideas
ISIS Is No Reason to Stay in Iraq
Don’t take the wrong conclusion from recent news about the group’s “resurgence.”
Ideas