Why the House Speaker finally greenlit Ukraine aid Sarah Binder - April 23, 2024 There are underappreciated factors behind Rep. Mike Johnson’s shift.
What O.J. Simpson taught us about political news Danny Hayes - April 15, 2024 People like entertainment more than substance.
Good to Know: The spiral vs. deterrence model in international relations Stacie Goddard - January 29, 2024 Will Iran’s strike and Israel’s retaliation lead to war?
Why the Gaza hostage crisis is different Danielle Gilbert - October 13, 2023 What we know about Hamas hostage-taking and Israel’s hostage recovery policy.
What’s in Biden’s National Security Strategy? Stacie Goddard - October 13, 2022 The NSS conveys the president’s vision – and the country’s ‘grand strategy.’
What the Jan. 6 hearings did and didn’t say about the military Carrie Lee - July 22, 2022 The U.S. military has a strong tradition of staying out of politics. And that’s a good thing.
What to watch for at the 2022 NATO summit James Goldgeier and Sara Moller - June 28, 2022 Putin’s invasion of Ukraine complicates discussions of the alliance’s new Strategic Concept
What will keep ships — and people — safer in the Gulf of Guinea? Simon Rotzer, Sayed Riyadi, Kayla Marie Reno, Curie Maharani, Brandon Prins, Anup Phayal, and Aaron Gold - June 9, 2022 Here’s an update on piracy incidents
Could the U.S. soon be on track to cut carbon emissions in half? Leah C. Stokes - June 7, 2022 Here’s the latest on Biden’s executive actions — and Manchin’s signals about legislation
How the Ukraine crisis could make the Syrian civil war worse Tiina Hyyppä and Aaron Pilkington - May 23, 2022 Shifting Russian troops away from Syria risks opening up new threats
Putin just tested a new long-range missile. What does that mean? Caitlin Talmadge - April 23, 2022 Arms control helped ensure that this was a ‘nonevent’
Russia’s been hit by a financial Cold War Robert Person - March 28, 2022 The Kremlin is juggling the stability of the ruble — and surging inflation
Ukraine has been winning the messaging wars. It’s been preparing for years. Torey McMurdo - March 27, 2022 My research examined how the country learned to craft a powerful national narrative — and limit Russian misinformation
Putin likes to talk about Russians and Ukrainians as ‘one people.’ Here’s the deeper history. Jeffrey Mankoff - February 9, 2022 For centuries, Moscow has worried that foreign powers are scheming to separate Ukraine from Russia.
Beijing issued a white paper on China’s space program. Here’s what’s new. R. Lincoln Hines - February 1, 2022 China wants to shape international rules governing activities in outer space
The Navy’s fuel leak in Hawaiʻi outraged local activists. That’s happened around the globe. Michael A. Allen, Carla Martinez-Machain, and Andrea Malji - January 12, 2022 Military bases’ environmental harms disproportionally hurt ethnic minorities — and they have pushed back
Companies are commercializing outer space. Do government programs still matter? Svetla Ben-Itzhak - January 10, 2022 For now, national governments control the rules — and much of the funding
Biden is threatening Putin with European energy sanctions. That may be difficult to pull off. Emily Holland - December 15, 2021 Europe is counting on a new Russian gas pipeline to alleviate energy shortages
China’s nuclear arsenal is growing. What does that mean for U.S.-China relations? M. Taylor Fravel and Fiona S. Cunningham - November 10, 2021 The new Pentagon report reveals China’s worries about U.S. missile defenses.
American missionaries were kidnapped for ransom in Haiti. What happens in these cases? Danielle Gilbert - October 23, 2021 Here’s the research on hostage-taking and recovery
What did China test in space, exactly, and why? James J. Cameron - October 20, 2021 These components would probably boost China’s nuclear deterrence
There’s just one Department of Homeland Security. So why does it have so many bosses in Congress? Scott Welder, Jennifer Dresden, and Christine Kwon - October 20, 2021 More than 90 congressional committees and subcommittees currently claim jurisdiction over some part of DHS
Why the Pentagon can’t fully account for all its assets — in Afghanistan or anywhere else Christian I. Bale - September 22, 2021 Incomplete audits make wasteful spending more likely
What happens now to U.S. counterterrorism efforts in Afghanistan? Sarah Kreps and Paul Lushenko - September 21, 2021 The lack of accountability for civilian casualties in drone strikes isn’t likely to change
Gen. Milley reportedly tried to work around Trump on nukes. Did he have authority to do this? Carrie Lee - September 15, 2021 No. And here’s why.
The Taliban has seized more cities, despite U.S. efforts to build a strong Afghan military. What happened? Rachel Tecott - August 8, 2021 Persuading partners to emulate the U.S. military approach doesn’t necessarily work, new research finds
Fights over marine boundaries are creating safe zones for pirates Brandon Prins, Anup Phayal, and Aaron Gold - August 4, 2021 New research reveals how contested waters have become maritime hot spots
UFOs exist, and might come from beyond Earth, the U.S. said. Will that encourage conspiracy theorists? Curtis Bram - July 30, 2021 Here’s what my research found.
When Defense Secretary Austin tried to call his Chinese counterpart, here’s what really got in the way Tom Fox - June 23, 2021 The U.S. and China have very different military structures.
The Islamic State has ‘provinces’ in Africa. That doesn’t mean what you might think. Jason Warner - June 6, 2021 Africa’s militant groups retain considerable autonomy, research shows
China’s Belt and Road Initiative invests in African infrastructure — and African military and police forces Natalie Herbert - April 29, 2021 China is looking to protect its economic investments and build its reputation as a world power
The U.S. has spent billions trying to fix Mexico’s drug war. It’s not working. Edward Hunt - March 14, 2021 Here’s why critics want to reassess U.S. security assistance to fight drug-related violence
If you want to know what Americans think about bombing Iran, find out what they think about race Vladimir Enrique Medenica and David Ebner - March 10, 2021 That matters — because when political leaders shape foreign policy, they keep public opinion in mind.
Biden will stop the U.S. troop drawdown in Germany, but also push for smaller deployments around the world Michael Allen, Michael Flynn, and Carla Martinez-Machain - February 10, 2021 Our research reveals what helps U.S. military basing succeed
The National Guard has been called out in Washington, D.C. Here’s what you need to know. Jim Golby and Carrie Lee - January 7, 2021 Attempts to use the National Guard for partisan purposes would be highly controversial.
3 lessons from Russia’s cyberhack into U.S. agencies Jacquelyn Schneider and Erica Borghard - December 16, 2020 Cyberspying may be inevitable. Governments can prepare.
Biden has picked a retired general for defense secretary. Here’s why it matters. Risa A. Brooks, Michael Robinson, and Heidi A. Urben - December 9, 2020 The move marks back-to-back administrations tapping retired generals to fill high-level government positions
Trump’s election fraud allegations suggest military voters uniformly supported him. It’s not so. Max Z. Margulies and Danielle Lupton - November 17, 2020 Three things to know about how active-duty military and veterans vote.
No, Trump is not attempting a ‘coup.’ Here’s why the distinction matters. Erica De Bruin - November 11, 2020 It’s important that we describe the crisis accurately. That will shape our response.
How China sees the U.S. policy of ‘strategic ambiguity’ in the Taiwan Strait Jie Dalei - October 15, 2020 Changes in U.S. policy have heightened Beijing’s concerns about an incremental drift toward Taiwan independence.
Armed group allegedly plotted to kidnap Michigan’s governor. Here are 5 things to know about political kidnappings. Danielle Gilbert - October 13, 2020 Mobile phones have made terrorist kidnappings more dangerous.
The U.S. may be readying drone strikes in Kenya. That might increase the violence. Anjli Parrin and Abdullahi Halakhe - September 30, 2020 Reported targets are al-Shabab militants operating in an area with high tensions
Why Trump’s alleged comments about soldiers brought so much outrage Lauren Prather and Danielle Gilbert - September 11, 2020 This study examines who Americans think deserves government support.
Three things to know about military endorsements for the 2020 campaign Zachary E. Griffiths and Michael Robinson - August 28, 2020 Retired military figures offer endorsements in every presidential election. But these testimonials may not have much effect.
‘Fake news’ methods change faster than Western governments can react. Here’s how to keep up. H. Akin Unver - August 13, 2020 Understanding how Russia, Turkey and the Gulf nations use disinformation could guide better safeguards against foreign interference
What’s happening in Portland could hurt civilian control of the military. Here’s how. Lindsay P. Cohn, David T. Burbach, and Danielle Lupton - July 28, 2020 Blurring the line between police and military could create an internal security force accountable to only one political branch or official.
The military is making changes in response to Black Lives Matter protests. That’s good for fighting wars. Jason Lyall - July 27, 2020 New research looks at ethnic and racial inequalities in armies across 250 different wars
What can stop sexual harassment in the U.S. military? Stephanie Bonnes - July 13, 2020 Here’s what my research suggests.
Do U.S. policing programs help boost the militarization of foreign police forces? Benjamin Kenzer - July 10, 2020 Joint police/military training is a feature of some U.S.-funded programs.
Lt. Col. Vindman’s retirement will hurt military effectiveness. This is why. Carrie Lee - July 9, 2020 The regular politicization of military affairs is highly risky
The secretary of defense spoke out against Trump’s approach to the protests. Yes, this is a big deal. Elizabeth N. Saunders - June 3, 2020 And he did it on TV, which will reach a broad audience
Yes, Trump can send the military to shut down protests. Here’s what you need to know. Lindsay P. Cohn - June 2, 2020 These laws, regulations and limits govern using the U.S. military on U.S. soil.
The Navy won’t reinstate Captain Brett Crozier. There’s more to the story than the Navy is saying William Cameron, Stacie Goddard, and Pierce MacConaghy - April 9, 2020 Key questions remain unanswered about why Crozier’s ship did a “port call” in Vietnam.
This is what was so unusual about the U.S. Navy making Captain Brett Crozier step down. Lindsay Cohn, Jim Golby, and Alice Friend - April 5, 2020 Members of the military can face multiple, sometimes competing, loyalties
The U.S. military’s role in the coronavirus response is likely to grow Lindsay Cohn and Jim Golby - March 30, 2020 But don’t believe the rumors of martial law.
How coronavirus will affect the US military. Rachel Tecott and Erik Sand - March 18, 2020 Yes, modern armies rely on equipment and training — and a healthy fighting force.
If the U.S. withdraws from Afghanistan, will its military contractors stay? That’s not clear. Deborah Avant - February 28, 2020 Here’s what we know about this invisible army.
The Trump administration approved the U.S. use of land mines. That’s a step back for global campaigns to ban their deployment. Naomi Egel - February 10, 2020 It isn’t clear whether land mines offer any military advantages
Trump overrode the Navy’s plans to discipline a SEAL. That wasn’t as troubling as some think. Carrie Lee - December 9, 2019 Firing a civilian Navy secretary – not a career military officer – averted a potential crisis.
Trump wants South Korea and Japan to pay more for defense Michael Allen, Michael Flynn, and Carla Martinez-Machain - November 25, 2019 What does it cost to maintain the U.S. military presence in allied countries?
Trump’s pardon of two former Army officers has sparked new controversy. Here’s why. Michael Robinson - November 17, 2019 Some ex-military are applauding Trump’s decision. Some are condemning it.
What radicalized ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi? Samuel Helfont - November 11, 2019 Iraq’s post-2003 chaos is actually to blame, not Saddam Hussein.
Republicans’ advantage on national security has faded — and Democratic candidates are responding Michael Robinson - October 20, 2019 The Trump administration keeps moving further from what Americans say they want.
No, the Trump impeachment inquiry is not a coup Joseph Wright, John Chin, and David Carter - October 15, 2019 There were four coups attempted in 2019. Trump supported one of them.
Trump’s Syria announcement is a change of speed — not a change of direction Morgan Kaplan - October 8, 2019 The decision to remove U.S. troops from northern Syria may drive Kurds further from America’s political sphere, harm broader U.S. credibility in the region and lead to a resurgence of the Islamic State.
Are cyber-operations a U.S. retaliatory option for the Saudi oil field strikes? Would such action deter Iran? Jacquelyn Schneider - October 1, 2019 This strategic response can have complicated trade-offs
President Trump tapped Gen. Mark Milley as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Here are 3 things to know. Jim Golby - September 30, 2019 Statements by the JCS chairman can have a significant impact on public opinion.
Afghanistan’s election on Saturday could be bloodier than expected. This explains why. Elise Burr and Andrew Shaver - September 25, 2019 Until now, the Taliban had good reason to avoid killing civilians as they tried to vote. That’s changed.
Military service was once a fast track to U.S. citizenship. The Trump administration keeps narrowing that possibility. Theresa Schroeder, Rebecca Best, Kyleanne Hunter, and Jeremy Teigen - September 5, 2019 And that’s hurting military readiness and effectiveness.
The Pentagon is moving money to pay for Trump’s border wall. Here are the consequences. Alice Hunt Friend - September 5, 2019 This politicizes the military even more. It also has constitutional problems.
Free trade doesn’t just lead to job loss. It means more deaths from drug overdoses and increased military recruitment. Adam Dean - July 15, 2019 Agreements like the proposed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement overlook the broader social consequences of free trade.
The G-20 is discussing the ‘international liberal order.’ That’s a bad place to start a debate. Charles Glaser - June 28, 2019 Talk about the ‘liberal order’ ducks the real disagreements in the Pacific
Kazakhstan’s police are cracking down on protesters — as political activism keeps rising. Erica Marat - June 20, 2019 It’s a conflict familiar in post-Soviet nations: Democratic expectations meet unreformed police forces.
Trump wants to buy Greenland. He might want to know about the toxic nuclear waste buried in its ice. Jeff D. Colgan - June 11, 2019 Melting ice will expose waste that has been locked in for decades.
D-Day would be nearly impossible to pull off today. Here’s why. Danielle Lupton - June 5, 2019 ‘Loose lips sink ships’ — but so can social media
Trump tweeted there’s ‘no infighting’ on U.S. policy on Iran. But does he have all the information? Tyler Jost and Robert Schub - May 18, 2019 Advisers help presidents make informed decisions — usually
Trump pardoned a soldier convicted of murder. Is he hurting military effectiveness? Michael Robinson - May 14, 2019 Here are 4 takeaways from recent events in civilian-military politics.
Israel responded to a Hamas cyberattack with an airstrike. That’s not such a big deal. Jacquelyn Schneider and Erica D. Borghard - May 8, 2019 Policymakers are debating how best to retaliate against cyberwarfare actions — and how not to.
Trump changed U.S. policy toward Libya. This is why it matters. Mieczysław P. Boduszyński and Christopher K. Lamont - May 2, 2019 The Trump administration’s about-face on Libya leaves few options in the face of a dramatic escalation of violence.
What do military service members think about diversity — especially gender diversity — in their ranks? Yusaku Horiuchi, John Carey, and John Polga-Hecimovich - May 1, 2019 To find out, we surveyed midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Did India shoot down a Pakistani F-16 in February? This just became a big deal. Sameer Lalwani and Emily Tallo - April 17, 2019 There are broader implications for India — and the United States
Trump issued an executive order to prepare for an EMP attack. What is it, and should you worry? Shira E. Pindyck, Joshua Schwartz, Christopher W. Blair, and Casey Mahoney - March 29, 2019 Nah. But the U.S. should get ready for a very similar threat — from the sun.
Trump wants a safe zone in Syria. Is that even possible? Sara Plana - January 24, 2019 [caption id="attachment_82984" align="aligncenter" width="960"] U.S. military vehicles in Syria's northern
As the U.S. withdraws from Syria and Afghanistan, here are lessons from the Iraq War Debora Han and Andrew Shaver - January 7, 2019 [caption id="attachment_82173" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump speaks to members of
What the Mattis resignation tells us about how Trump is damaging the military’s credibility Michael Robinson - December 21, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81861" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Defense Secretary Jim Mattis welcomes Vice
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church is trying to withdraw from Moscow’s control. The Kremlin is not happy. Robert Person and Aaron Brantly - October 31, 2018 [caption id="attachment_79609" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople,
Former U.S. Special Forces were reportedly hired to kill Yemen’s leaders. Did the government know? Deborah Avant - October 19, 2018 [caption id="attachment_79057" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The carcass of a car reportedly
Privatizing the U.S. effort in Afghanistan seemed a bad idea. Now it’s even worse. Deborah Avant - September 11, 2018 [caption id="attachment_77550" align="aligncenter" width="960"] U.S. troops wait for their helicopter
The U.S. has brought home remains of its Korean War dead. It’ll be years before we know whose remains those are. Michael Dolski and Sarah Wagner - August 20, 2018 Editor's note: Michael Dolski is a historian with the Defense
How cheap oil hurts sub-Saharan Africa Emily Meierding - June 21, 2018 [caption id="attachment_74773" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Cranes line the skyline of downtown
Why has Trump been threatening to attack Syria? (Hint: It’s probably not about Syria.) Carrie Lee - April 13, 2018 [caption id="attachment_72221" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump at a news conference
Will ‘Ghana First’ protests threaten a U.S military agreement? Rachel Sigman - April 2, 2018 [caption id="attachment_50817" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A man walks past political campaign
This simple technological fix helped veterans get health benefits Henry Farrell - February 22, 2018 [caption id="attachment_69529" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The U.S. Digital Service team. (courtesy
Should the U.S. try to deter cyberattacks by promising nuclear retaliation? Sarah Kreps and Jacquelyn Schneider - January 29, 2018 [caption id="attachment_68522" align="aligncenter" width="960"] (U.S. Air Force/AP)[/caption] Washington security circles
Yes, North Korea could drive a wedge between the U.S. and South Korea Oriana Mastro and Arzan Tarapore - January 12, 2018 [caption id="attachment_68033" align="aligncenter" width="960"] South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon,
A new Korean war would kill more U.S. military personnel than you might think Tanisha Fazal - January 8, 2018 Is the United States on the brink of war with North
Here’s why the Trump administration may actually want Congress to pass a new authorization for military force Andrew Rudalevige - November 20, 2017 [caption id="attachment_66466" align="aligncenter" width="960"] In this photo from Nov. 6, U.S.
The military doesn’t love Trump back. This is why. Carrie Lee - November 10, 2017 Veterans’ Day is a good time to examine how U.S.
Four reasons Trump’s Asia trip is so important Andrew Yeo - November 4, 2017 As Donald Trump embarks on his first presidential trip to
Plenty of service members are likely to sympathize with #TakeAKnee Gracie Smith and Allen Linken - October 6, 2017 Is kneeling during the national anthem disrespectful to the American