What could a Trump-Vance China policy look like?
Vance’s focus on China is not surprising. In his personal and professional life he’s seen the way People’s Republic of China actions have affected the lives of Americans.
Mark Esper
Rushed Afghanistan Drawdown Likely to Benefit Al-Qaeda
Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller announced last week an order to reduce U.S. troops in Afghanistan from 4,500 to 2,500, to be completed by January 15, 2021. Justified as a move to end “perpetual...
Policy Briefs
The Emerging Sino-Russian Alliance
How the 'great powers' are reconfiguring their partnerships for a new era. Plus, why it matters that al-Qaeda’s media chief was killed in Taliban country.
Op-eds
Yes, Virginia, the Trump Administration Does Have a China Strategy
The administration is pursuing a whole-of-government approach to counter China’s concept of Comprehensive National Power.
Op-eds
Is Esper’s New Plan For The Navy Enough For The Indo-Pacific?
Recent wargames suggest the U.S. Navy would have a hard time fighting China, but this might be nothing compared to infighting Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and his successors will have to manage to build...
Op-eds
Washington Should Avoid a Self-Inflicted Wound in the Sinai
Withdrawing from the Multinational Force and Observers might be penny-wise, but would certainly be pound-foolish.
Op-eds
Worth Preserving: US Military Posture in Germany
Any adjustments to U.S. force posture in Europe should focus first and foremost on sustaining or strengthening readiness.
Op-eds
Plan to Reposition U.S. Forces in Europe Needs More Work
The House Armed Service Committee (HASC) expressed concern last week about the Department of Defense (DoD) plan to reposition U.S. forces based in Europe. In its present form, the plan lacks sufficient...
Policy Briefs
Why skepticism, not China, may be the greatest threat to US Pacific strategy
Washington finds itself playing diplomatic catch-up as Beijing continues to deepen its influence across the Pacific. Case in point: Secretary of Defense Mark Esper’s late August trip to Palau was clearly...
Op-eds
How Washington Can Help Bridge the Gap Between Seoul and Tokyo
Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo’s resignation has raised hopes of a resolution to Japan and South Korea’s ongoing dispute over Tokyo’s abuses during World War II. However, a change in Japanese...
Insights
Trump’s ‘They Want to Do Nothing But Fight Wars’ Smear Was Nasty—And Inaccurate
Contrary to the president’s claim, the Pentagon wants out of the 9/11 wars.
Op-eds
The Dangerous Illusion of Restraining U.S. Power
Isolationists among both Democrats and Republicans want to withdraw from foreign entanglements. That would make the world much less safe.
Op-eds
Arm Taiwan—but Skip the Nukes
As the military balance of power shifts in China’s favor, Beijing may be increasingly tempted to act against Taiwan.
Op-eds
Congressional Momentum Builds to Establish U.S.-Israel Working Group
The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) released its version of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Tuesday, and it includes a provision to require the establishment of...
Insights
China wants to dominate space, and the US must take countermeasures
China is determined to replace the U.S. as the dominant power in space. While proclaiming its peaceful intentions, Beijing’s doctrine considers space a military domain, and it is investing heavily in...
Op-eds
Defending America’s defenders
Beginning to stand up to a hostile international organization
Op-eds
Securing technological superiority requires a joint US-Israel effort
The United States is now engaged in an intense military technology competition with the Chinese Communist Party. The ability of U.S. troops to deter and defeat great power authoritarian adversaries hangs...
Op-eds
Aligning America’s ends and means in the Indo-Pacific
The U.S. combatant command responsible for the Indo-Pacific region warned in a report last month that it lacks the resources and capabilities necessary to implement the National Defense Strategy. This...
Op-eds
Since agreement with U.S., Taliban has attacked Afghan forces in 27 of 34 provinces
The Taliban has launched attacks in against Afghan security forces in 27 of the country’s 34 provinces since it signed an agreement with the U.S. that facilitates the withdrawal of American troops. Many...
Op-eds
Senators Call for U.S.-Israel Operations-Technology Working Group
Two prominent members of the Senate Armed Services Committee are leading a bipartisan effort to establish a U.S.-Israel Operations-Technology Working Group (OTWG) that would coordinate and catalyze combined...