Commentary

Commentary

NATO should shut the door, but not because Russia said so

Keeping the option of NATO enlargement on the table is a faulty policy on an ordinary day. In the case of Ukraine, it’s a disservice.

Commentary

The problems at Red Hill in Hawaii are just the start of DoD’s infrastructure liabilities

The ensuing crisis is shedding light on the weaknesses in U.S. military infrastructure that could prove highly problematic in a potential conflict with China. The Pentagon should act decisively to protect Oahu’s aquifers and stop deferring investments in Indo-Pacific posture that are needed to deter Chinese aggression.

Commentary

A yearlong continuing resolution will hinder unmanned systems integration

Failure to pass funding bills will create a domino effect that will harm U.S. national security for years to come by damaging the growing unmanned systems industry.

Commentary

Modernizing US nuclear deterrence presents a rare bipartisan opportunity

A former senator argues America’s intercontinental ballistic missiles are the foundation of nuclear deterrence, but that they must be modernized to remain effective.

Commentary

Three ways the Pentagon can create an automation first culture

Automation has the ability to transform the DoD, but to do so it must become a mission-critical priority on the same level as cybersecurity and other top initiatives. The time to do that is now.

Commentary

Inflation is the silent cyberthreat jeopardizing our workforce

The inflation expectations in 2022 are the highest in decades, which will directly impact the cost to attract and retain a cyber workforce.

Commentary

Hedging US strategy against an emerging China-Russia partnership

Washington needs to get smart about grand strategy again. Otherwise, an anti-U.S. alliance between Russia and China that looks unlikely today could become a reality tomorrow.

Commentary

Pacific Deterrence Initiative: A look at funding in the new defense bill, and what must happen now

Congress established the PDI last year for two basic reasons: to better understand what the Pentagon was spending in the Indo-Pacific region, and to change the composition of that spending.

Commentary

How to avoid disaster in Ukraine

Definitively stating that Ukraine will not be offered NATO membership not only enhances U.S. security by reducing the likelihood of a U.S.-Russia war — it also addresses the root cause of the war in Ukraine.

Commentary

Integrating deterrence across the gray — making it more than words

The authors propose concepts to address a gap in discourse on "integrated deterrence" in the upcoming National Defense Strategy.

Commentary

Extend the unmanned revolution to our allies

It is important to consider boosting allied access to tools retired from the U.S. inventory that may prove beneficial in allied hands.

Commentary

How might allies respond if Russia invades Ukraine?

NATO needs to plan beyond efforts to deter another Russian invasion of Ukraine and recognize that its actual response may differ depending on the extent of Russian military operations.

Commentary

How to de-escalate Russia: Ukrainian advice

The Russian Federation’s demonstrative accumulation of troops on the border with Ukraine for the second time in 2021 has raised serious concerns about a possible full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine and forced the West to seek dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Commentary

Here’s what America must do to counter Russian aggression against Ukraine

Now is the time for the United States to reassert its leadership.

NATO chief: The alliance is charting its path forward amid a changed security environment

NATO will engage even more closely with partners that share our values and interests, including countries, organizations, private companies and academic institutions. Preserving peace, the global rules and our democratic way of life is a collective effort.

French defense minister: Shifting from a new frontier to a new front

If space was the “new frontier” of the 1960s, there is no doubt that today it is a “new front” on the battlefield.

Australia’s defense industry minister: The importance of AUKUS and a strong economy

The Indo-Pacific region is now at the center of strategic competition, and military modernization is occurring at an unprecedented rate. It is vital that Australia maintains its capability edge.

European Commission VP: Embrace the EU’s ‘Strategic Compass’

The European Union has to be ready to defend our interests and values in this increasingly contested world order.

US Air Force chief: Interoperability is key to winning future wars

We must find fresh ways to connect forces, allies and partners that provide an effective response to the challenge of a highly contested environment not seen in the last 20 years.

Singapore’s defense minister: 7 wishes for the remainder of the decade

Collectively, our world should have done better in dealing with COVID-19. From poorly coordinated early warnings and pandemic measures to disrupted global supply chains, unequal vaccine distribution and ineffectiveness against misinformation, the list goes on.

Polish defense minister: Here’s how NATO must adapt

Addressing the high dynamics of the global and regional situation will not be effective unless we continuously adapt. Our laws, institutions and mindsets must adapt. Our military must adapt. NATO must adapt.

IISS analysts: Fiscal constraints drive the state of South America’s defense

In 2021, South American militaries remained focused on domestic security threats, with power projection ambitions often limited by significant equipment-availability challenges and funding shortfalls.

New Zealand’s defense minister: Industry is still weathering the COVID-19 storm

Looking forward, both the New Zealand and Australian governments are investing in defense relative to the size of our economies. This means that across our two markets there are significant opportunities for industry.

NRO director: Innovation is the key to America’s advantage in space

Our collective success advancing technology and delivering capabilities faster will be vital to maintaining America’s intelligence advantage in space, not just today, but for the next 60 years and beyond.

Latvia’s defense minister: The importance of securing the supply chain

Keep some redundancy in EU defense and dual-use programs to help guarantee a steady supply during crises, argues Artis Pabriks.