Author Archive
Kevin Baron
Executive Editor, Defense One

Kevin Baron is executive editor of Defense One. Baron leads a newsroom of journalists covering the future of international security while overseeing all editorial output and events. He is also a frequent on-stage event host, moderator, and on-air contributor. For 25 years, Baron has reported on war zones and world leaders, covering the military, foreign policy, intelligence, and politics for Foreign Policy, National Journal, Stars and Stripes, and investigations at the Boston Globe and the Center for Public Integrity. He is twice a Polk Award winner, founding vice president of the Pentagon Press Association, and a former national security/military analyst at NBC News & MSNBC. Baron earned his M.A. in media and public affairs from George Washington University, and his B.A. in international studies from the University of Richmond. He studied in Paris and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Raised in Florida, Baron lives in Northern Virginia.
Ideas
Defense One Radio, Ep. 114: Germany’s uneasy year ahead + 2023 preview with BAE’s Tom Arseneault
We review the year that was and preview what might lie ahead for the U.S., Europe, and the wider global defense industry.
- Kevin Baron and Marcus Weisgerber
Exclusive
Policy
World Leaders Expected to Push for Ukraine War Crimes Trials at Munich Security Conference
“How do we get them in front of courts?” says the German ambassador who leads the annual event.
- Kevin Baron
Policy
How the New Republicans Could Reshape US National Security
From China to anti-extremism efforts, a GOP-led House will have its say.
- Kevin Baron
Ideas
When Macron and Biden Meet, Will it Be Love, Actually?
America needs to see eye-to-eye with its oldest ally.
- Kevin Baron
Ideas
I’m Thankful for American Troops – All of Them
The right-wing war on American LGBTQ+ troops and diversity in the military is getting worse. Maybe it’s time Pentagon leaders defend their own.
- Kevin Baron
Threats
Is Russia’s Nuclear About-Face More or Less Credible Than Its Earlier Threats?
After months of saber-rattling, Putin and his government have been disavowing the use of tactical nukes in Ukraine.
- Kevin Baron
Ideas
That’s it? Biden’s Overdue Pentagon Strategy Underwhelms
After nearly two years, experts were hoping for more.
- Kevin Baron
Ideas
Sensible Talk Aboard a UK Aircraft Carrier. But Does It Come Too Late?
New poll shows US, UK publics aren’t buying what national-security experts have been selling.
- Kevin Baron
Exclusive
Policy
Woke-ism Not to Blame for Army Shortfalls, Says Top Recruiting General
“That is not what I’m seeing,” says commanding general of U.S. Army Recruiting Command, as right-wing pundits target the military over anti-racism, anti-extremism, gender, and climate change policies.
- Kevin Baron and Elizabeth Howe
Policy
US Denies Ukraine’s Request for Long-Range Missiles in Latest Arms Gift
Ukraine can reach the “vast majority” of targets with what they already have, a Pentagon official says.
- Kevin Baron and Patrick Tucker
Ideas
In NYC, a Bronx Cheer for Putin, Trump, and the Aging UN
As the General Assembly met for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine, Biden warned against nuclear war and the UN’s growing irrelevance. Will he do more?
- Kevin Baron
Exclusive
Policy
After Roe, ‘We Do Have Options’ to Avoid Anti-Abortion States, Army Chief Says
As ever, soldiers can indicate their station preferences—but the Army’s needs come first, Gen. McConville says.
- Kevin Baron
Threats
The D Brief: Abbey Gate anniversary; Afghans protest; A Trumper in Taiwan; and more…
- Kevin Baron and Jennifer Hlad
Ideas
China’s New Ambassador Warns US Has ‘Gone Too Far’ Over Taiwan
Qin Gang is setting himself up as the unflinching mouthpiece of an assertive Beijing. Can he win over Washington?
- Kevin Baron
Ideas
Trump Wants Concentration Camps and Presidential Control of Domestic Troops
The disgraced former president said the next chief executive should take control of the National Guard from state governors and deploy troops to quell cities.
- Kevin Baron
Science & Tech
How NORAD Plans to Ward Off Cruise Missiles Fired at the US
The command has goals for 2025 and 2030, but wants more guidance from the Pentagon.
- Kevin Baron and Patrick Tucker
Threats
Russia is ‘About to Run Out of Steam,’ MI6 Chief Says
Ukraine is “still a winnable campaign,” and America’s divisions are undermining its global influence, said Britain’s spy chief in a rare and sweeping public interview.
- Kevin Baron
Threats
What the West Has Given Is Not Enough to Win, Ukraine Says
Central and Eastern European defense ministers say limited arms packages will not defeat Russia in the Donbas or deter invasion elsewhere.
- Kevin Baron
Ideas
Another Killer Dressed Up Like a Special Operator
The SOF community could do more to protect what they’ve earned and shame wannabes who dress to kill.
- Kevin Baron