Author Archive
Kevin Baron
Executive Editor

Kevin Baron is the founding executive editor of Defense One. Baron has lived in Washington for more than 20 years, covering international affairs, the military, the Pentagon, Congress, and politics for Foreign Policy, National Journal, Stars and Stripes, and the Boston Globe, where he ran investigative projects for five years at the Washington bureau. He is a frequent on-air contributor and previously was national security/military analyst at NBC News & MSNBC. Baron cut his muckraking teeth at the Center for Public Integrity and he is twice a Polk Award winner and a former vice president of the Pentagon Press Association. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Baron earned his M.A. in media and public affairs from George Washington University, B.A. in international studies from the University of Richmond, and studied in Paris. Raised in Florida, Baron now lives in Northern Virginia.
Threats
Petraeus Trashes Biden Decision to Quit Afghanistan
Pulling out now is an “unforced error,” the former commander of U.S. troops in Afghanistan said. Other former war leaders say the threat can be managed.
- Kevin Baron
Ideas
Afghanistan’s Situation Didn’t Change. American Politics Did
The Biden administration says it can fight terrorism in a way that its predecessors called impossible. Can it?
- Kevin Baron
Ideas
Beware ‘Just Say China’ Politics
Republicans screamed for more spending to counter China. Democrats are claiming their infrastructure bill does just that. It’s a dangerous game.
- Kevin Baron
Policy
‘We Will Leave' Afghanistan Likely This Year, Biden Declares
But not by May 1. "It's not my intention to stay there for a long time, the question is how and under what circumstance,” the president said, at the White House.
- Kevin Baron
Ideas
The GOP’s Fake Controversy Over Colin Kahl Is Just the Beginning
Senate Armed Services Committee Republicans who call Biden’s Pentagon-policy pick too political are fooling nobody.
- Kevin Baron
Threats
The D Brief: Kim’s sister warns US; Border surge; Asia-Pacific next-gen arms; TR’s master helmsmen; And a bit more...
- Kevin Baron and Bradley Peniston
Ideas
Boycott the Olympics? Cancel the Saudis? How Woke Can Biden Really Get?
Classic international relations realism and wokeness are two different things.
- Kevin Baron
Ideas
Biden Wants to Restore NATO. Macron Is Looking to Move On.
The two leaders appeared to talk past each other at this week’s Munich Security Conference.
- Kevin Baron
Ideas
Confederate Military Base Names Just Met Their Gettysburg
A Black admiral, a gruff Marine, a never-Trumper, and the maker of a viral video slamming Confederate sympathizers? Say goodbye to “Fort Bragg” and the rest.
- Kevin Baron
Threats
Biden Calls Putin ‘To Make Clear’ Where US Stands
In a marked change, the president read off a list of grievances — and discussed the potential for additional nuclear arms controls.
- Kevin Baron
Policy
Biden Orders New Review of Sexual Assault Policies in Military
Combatant commanders are to send plans and best practices within two weeks.
- Kevin Baron
Ideas
Purity Tested, Senators Confirm General Austin for SecDef
With little actual opposition in the end, members voted for the waiver and the man.
- Kevin Baron
Ideas
Pentagon Won’t Throw Traditional Farewell Ceremony for Trump
It’s a shame, and a missed opportunity — not despite recent events but because of them.
- Kevin Baron
Ideas
How Will Biden’s Pentagon Handle Extreme Right-Wing Media?
The Capitol riot was just the latest tell for propaganda outlets masquerading as newsrooms.
- Kevin Baron
Ideas
This is Not a Coup
The mob riot on the Capitol Building was disgusting, violent, and deadly. It’s still not a coup. And that matters.
- Kevin Baron