Ideas
‘Cost Plus 50’: Welcome to the US Mercenary Force
All the ways Trump’s proposed allied-protection scheme would undermine our national security.
Ideas
Is the Pentagon Truly Committed to the National Defense Strategy?
Various warning signs say "no." The 2020 budget will tell. Congress must scrutinize it carefully.
Ideas
How the White House Is Spinning the North Korea Summit Collapse
The administration no longer thinks Trump alone can reach a deal with Kim Jong Un.
Policy
Here’s What We Know About the Pentagon’s 2020 Budget Request
Money to extend border barriers and lavish use of the war fund are already drawing bipartisan fire.
Policy
Will John Bolton Bring on Armageddon—Or Stave It Off?
The national security adviser could be our best hope for protecting the world from Donald Trump’s impulses.
Policy
Critics Blast Trump ‘Protection Racket’ Offer as ‘Pure Idiocy’
The White House's "cost plus 50" plan would require allies to pay 150% of American troop costs. Former commanders say it only hurts U.S. interests.
Threats
How Many Civilians Die in Covert US Drone Strikes? It Just Got Harder to Say
Trump has revoked an Obama-era reporting requirement even as the CIA has resumed lethal strikes.
Ideas
The Inevitable Return of Muddling Along in North Korea
Trump’s best option is to reduce the scope of the country’s nuclear ambitions—even if he can’t eliminate them.
Policy
Investigating Trump: It’s Not Just About Russia Anymore
House lawmakers issue broad call for documents relating to a wide array of the commander-in-chief’s “abuses of power.”
Ideas
Is Trump Giving Up on a Nuclear-Free North Korea?
The Vietnam summit showed just how high the price of denuclearization will be.
Ideas
Ep. 39: What comes after Putin? Assessing the future of US-Russian relations
This week we take a look at Russia and the future of the U.S.-Russian relationship.
Ideas
Trump Was Right to Walk Away — If He's Telling the Truth
North Korea disputes his account, but either way they must reset and try again, soon.
Ideas
After Raising the Stakes for North Korea Summit, Trump Walks Away
It seemed history was about to be made. Then the second meeting between the U.S. and North Korean leaders concluded abruptly.
Ideas
I Ran the Air War Over Gaddafi. Here's Why The US Should Stop Backing the Yemen War
One hopes Jared Kushner said it in Saudi Arabia, but Congress should curtail the Pentagon’s participation in this war.
Ideas
The Slender Path Back to the Iran Nuke Deal — and Away from War
U.S. policymakers outside the administration must speak up about the need to rejoin the JCPOA, and so pave the way for Trump's successor to do so.
Threats
This ISIS Citizenship Case Could Set a Terrifying Precedent
An Alabama college student who joined ISIS in Syria wants to come home and take responsibility for her actions. The U.S. government says she was never a citizen—and can’t enter the country.
Threats
What to Watch as Trump-Kim II Gets Underway
Let's review how we got here — and why some observers say the stakes are even higher this time around.
Ideas