Brookings: Topics - Defense

Video Game Veterans and the New American Politics

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

According to Peter Singer, video games have become an effective recruiting tool for the military, and gaming technology has been used in everything from battle training to dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. However, while creating a new generation of soldiers primed for the fast-pace of modern warfare, Singer cautions that these games may also be desensitizing young people to the realities of war.

Nuclear Renaissance and the U.S.-Japan Alliance: Finding New Markets and Preventing Proliferation

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 30, 2009, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

On October 30, the Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies at Brookings and the Slavic Research Center at Hokkaido University hosted experts from Japan and the United States for a conference looking at nuclear energy and nuclear nonproliferation. Topics included trends in international nuclear markets, the U.S. approach to nuclear energy and the future of nuclear nonproliferation.

Iraq's Economy Needs More Than Security

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Although violence in Iraq has decreased, Raj Desai states other transitions are needed before U.S. businesses feel comfortable about the Iraqi investment climate. In addition to security, Desai offers three sets of fundamental reforms to convince investors that Iraq is really "open for business."

Future U.S. Defense Needs in a High Technology Present

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, October 7, Peter W. Singer and Fred Barbash answered your questions about defense in a high-tech world during a live web chat.

The Scouting Report: Future U.S. Defense Needs in a High Technology Present

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 07, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

New technology and modes of warfare are changing our understanding of national security and defense capabilities. On Wednesday, October 7, Peter W. Singer and Fred Barbash answered questions about defense issues in a high-tech world, including: current U.S. defense needs; defense energy security; and future priorities such as robotic warfare on the ground, in the air and from space.

Fueling the "Balance": A Defense Energy Strategy Primer

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Defense is the world’s single largest consumer of energy, using more resources than 100 nations. Peter Singer and Jerry Warner analyze what can be done to better manage defense energy security by implementing steps to increase energy efficiency and substituting alternative forms of energy to meet the military’s fuel needs.

Obama off to a Good Start on Security Issues

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon assesses Barack Obama's foreign policy record halfway through his first year as president. From Russia to China and India, O'Hanlon concludes that Obama is handling situations about as well as possible. In Iraq and Afghanistan, O’Hanlon believes Obama has been willing to take important advice from commanders on the ground as well as Secretary Gates to make tough but well executed decisions.

Are Chinese Aircraft Carriers a Threat?

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In addition to an aircraft carrier purchased from Russia, China is reportedly planning to add four more to its fleet by 2020. Peter Singer analyzes the future of China's sea power projection and argues that U.S. defense planning should focus on shorter-term concerns ranging from Chinese hackers accessing sensitive material to anti-ship ballistic missiles capable of hitting targets 1,500 miles away.

How the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars Have Shaped the Obama Administration

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:11:16 GMT

Michael O’Hanlon says that conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq presented Obama with a situation that none of his five predecessors had to contend with in their early months in the White House.

Tactical Generals: Leaders, Technology, and the Perils

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

General Charles Krulak coined the term “strategic corporal” (a junior member trained to make time-critical decisions in response to the dynamic ground fight). Peter Singer examines a similar phenomenon occurring among senior officers, observing that modern technology allows generals to personally engage on the tactical level from remote locations.

Preserving Our Institutions: The Continuity of the Presidency

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new report by the AEI-Brookings Continuity of Government Commission examines vulnerabilities in the U.S. presidential succession. It has long been assumed that prospects for a smooth transfer of presidential power in the event of a terrorist attack are assured, as there is already a clear line of succession to the nation's highest office. However, as the report's authors point out, the existing presidential succession could be rendered useless by a catastrophic attack because everyone in line to succeed the president lives and works in Washington, D.C.

Our Dangerous Defense Policy Addiction

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer writes that the United States is a nation of thinking big, but he cautions against continuing to translate this interest to national security and defense policy. Singer believes the Pentagon should encourage more competition to create leaner, cheaper and less time-draining weapons systems and vehicles.

Attack of the Military Drones

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In modern warfare, precision drones can dramatically reduce human casualties. Peter Singer explores the debate surrounding this mechanization of warfare and exposes the battle of ideas—both for and against military robotics use—that it has sparked.

Cross-Strait Relations Improve; China Still Deploys Missiles

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Taiwan and China have made impressive progress over the last year improving relations in the political and economic arenas, but China’s People’s Liberation Army has continued to procure and deploy equipment that puts Taiwan at risk. Richard Bush points out that the rate of growth is a bit less than previous years but it still raises the question, what is going on?

The Rise of the Tactical General

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer frames the ongoing robotics revolution within militaries around the world through the idea of the tactical general who—given the ability through unmanned systems—can micromanage even the lowest-level operations. Singer believes that even though the capabilities in war are changing, lessons of the past should guide military leaders who are tempted to stray from their job of setting broad goals and battlefield objectives.

Obama's Defense Budget Gap

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Obama administration recently announced a defense budget that accounts for nearly zero real growth in the "base budget" over the next five years. Michael O’Hanlon explores the shortfalls of this plan and points to the lack of viability of the proposed budget. O'Hanlon outlines critical changes that must be made in order to best guarantee U.S. national security objectives.

Obama Administration's Sound Thinking On Missile Defense

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A central critique of the Obama administration’s new defense budget proposal is that it underfunds missile defense systems. Given how far the systems have progressed over the years, Michael O'Hanlon argues the critique is overblown and examines the relatively minor cuts to the program.

The Damning Paradox of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" forces soldiers to lie about or hide their sexual orientation to keep from being discharged. Peter Singer believes it is time for President Obama to fulfill his campaign pledge to end the policy so that patriotic and capable military members can focus on national security instead social politics.

Presidential Command: Power, Leadership and the Making of Foreign Policy from Richard Nixon to George W. Bush

Wed, 27 May 2009 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 27, 2009, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

On May 27, the Brookings Institution hosted former Secretary of State Lawrence S. Eagleburger and former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Eric S. Edelman for a discussion of the book, Presidential Command: Power, Leadership, and the Making of Foreign Policy from Richard Nixon to George W. Bush (Knopf), written by the late Peter W. Rodman, a Brookings senior fellow.

Gaming the Robot Revolution

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer examines the growing military robotics industry in light of the Terminator: Salvation and thoughts that robots may someday turn on their human creators. Singer concludes that while many of our inventions come from science fiction, we already have become so reliant on technology that we should not worry about a takeover.

Isaac Asimov's Laws of Robotics Are Wrong

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When people talk about robots and ethics, they always seem to bring up Isaac Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics." But Peter Singer argues there are major problems with these laws and their use in our real world. Singer believes that instead of focusing on the morality of the robots themselves, we should examine the ethics of those behind the machines.

The Future of Global Engagement: A Discussion with Adm. Michael G. Mullen

Mon, 18 May 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 18, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

On May 18, the 21st Century Defense Initiative at Brookings hosted Admiral Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Admiral Mullen discussed the nature of global military engagements over the next decade and how our national security institutions should assess the future spectrum of threats in order to properly organize, resource and respond.

A Defense Force of Terminators is Almost Here

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer addresses a recent Australian white paper envisioning a military force for 2030. Noting that the white paper places very little emphasis on military robotics, Singer writes, “in planning for the future, we should not ignore the technological trends that are already in action.”

Thinking Big on Nuclear Non-Proliferation

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The spread of nuclear weapons is one of the deadliest threats to the human race, and over 30 countries have declared intent to develop nuclear programs. In the wake of a meeting between Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov of Russia, Carlos Pascual and Steven Pifer argue that both countries must breathe new life into the Non-Proliferation Treaty regime to strengthen firewalls against proliferation and curtail weaponization.

Beyond START: Negotiating the Next Step in U.S. and Russian Strategic Nuclear Arms Reductions

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In April, President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced they would work on a new agreement to limit offensive arms before the START treaty expires in December. On Monday, the first round of talks on a new strategic arms reduction treaty begin in Moscow. Steven Pifer assesses the considerations of both countries and offers suggestions for building a new framework to reduce strategic arsenals.

Reasons to Love Washington (D.C.): We're Inventing the Future

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer explains why the Washington, D.C. area can be compared to a science fiction laboratory where the future of technology is created.

2009 Seoul-Washington Forum: The Future of U.S.-Republic of Korea Relations

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 16, 2009, 9:00 AM to 11:45 AM

On April 16, leading experts from South Korea and the United States addressed the economic and military relationship between the two countries during the third annual Seoul-Washington Forum at the Brookings Institution. Brookings Senior Fellow Richard Bush, director of the Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies, provided introductory remarks and moderated the discussion.

Barack Obama's First NATO Summit

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:20:20 GMT

As NATO celebrates its 60th anniversary, Visiting Fellow Steven Pifer says the alliance has serious business to conduct. President Obama and other alliance leaders will address issues of critical importance including unrest in Afghanistan and Russia’s relationship with its neighbors.

Budgeting for Hard Power : Defense and Security Spending Under Barack Obama

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This timely book is the worthy successor to previous Brookings volumes on defense spending, including most recently O'Hanlon's Defense Strategy for the Post-Saddam Era (2005) and Defense Policy Choices for the Bush Administration (2001 and 2002). It continues our proud tradition of nonpartisan empirical analysis of defense issues.

The 3 Laws May Not Be Enough To Guide Robot Warriors

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What does the Pentagon think about a possible robot uprising? Is Star Trek's view of combat realistic? Peter Singer addresses these questions and others in an interview with io9 about his new book, Wired for War.

No-Drama Obama and the North Koreans

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Some analysts suggested a strong U.S. response was in order to North Korea's long-range rocket test. Michael O'Hanlon argued that the Obama administration should instead be patient and use this as an opportunity for cooperation with an international coalition to secure longer-term goals.

Tackling NATO's Challenges

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 30, 2009, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

When President Barack Obama and NATO leaders met in early April to celebrate the NATO alliance’s 60th anniversary, they also confronted the daunting challenges facing NATO today. Prior to the event, the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings held a public discussion to preview President Obama’s first NATO summit.

An Exit Strategy is a Must-Have for Afghanistan

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama has recently stated that any new approach in Afghanistan will require an exit strategy from the get-go. Michael O'Hanlon believes the U.S. can have both a success strategy and an exit strategy at once, writing that we must work with our NATO allies and plan on handing over responsibility to U.S.-trained Afghan security forces slowly over the course of several years.

Toward Reconciliation in Afghanistan

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The United States is committed to Afghanistan and over the course of 2009 will roughly double its troop strength there. Michael O'Hanlon analyzes the prospects for further development of the security sector and what will need to be accomplished for political reconciliation in Afghanistan.

The Robot Wars Have Arrived

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Just as the computer and ARPAnet evolved into the PC and Internet, robots are poised to integrate into everyday life in ways we can't even imagine, thanks in large part to research funded by the U.S. military. Peter Singer discussed his new book, Wired for War with CNET, and explored the future of U.S. war fighting tactics.

Robots and the Rise of "Tactical Generals"

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer explores the most amazing robotics revolution taking place in the history of war, and even perhaps of humanity.

The U.S. Military's New Warriors: Robots

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:32:27 GMT

Peter W. Singer discusses advances in the use of robots by the U.S. military and the ethical concerns they raise.

A New European Security Strategy?

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jeremy Shapiro analyzes Pawel Sieboda's appeal for a new European Security Strategy.

War as Entertainment?

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer joined bigthink.com to explore if force is used more liberally when humans are removed from the battlefield and replaced by robotics.

Global Trends and Security in the Muslim World: Dilemmas for U.S. and Regional Policy

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this U.S.-Islamic World Forum discussion paper, Stephen Grand, Tamara Wittes, Thomas Fingar and Jamal al Suwaidi investigate new and non-traditional security challenges and how they are likely to affect U.S.-Muslim world relations.

Wired for War? Robots and Military Doctrine

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The growth in of unmanned systems by the U.S. military has taken place so rapidly that we often forget how far we have come in just a short time. Peter Singer analyzes these changes in warfare and what it means for the future.

Resources for "Hard Power": The 2010 Budget for Defense, Homeland Security, and Related Programs

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

These are extraordinary times in American national security policy. The nation remains involved in two of the longest conflicts of its history in Iraq and Afghanistan, with more than 4,000 lives lost over six years in Iraq and more than 600 lost over nearly eight years in Afghanistan. In this Foreign Policy Working paper Michael O'Hanlon examines the multi-facted "hard power" budget options moving forward.

Military Robots and the Laws of War

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer explores how unmanned systems are rapidly transforming armed conflict and how the U.S. military fights wars.

The Economic Crisis and its Impact on the Chinese People’s Liberation Army

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Little attention has been given to the impact of the economic crisis on China’s national defense, or to its potential impact on the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA). In this Brookings Northeast Asia Commentary, Kristen Gunness examines the effects of the economic environment on the PLA in three particular areas: the defense budget, domestic unrest, and civil-military relations.

Inside the Rise of the Warbots

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer's Wired for War has been praised by everyone from former National Security Advisor Anthony Lake to Jon Stewart as a definitive look at the growing use of robots on the battlefield. Wired.com interviewed Singer about the rise of the machines.

Wired for War: American Killing Machines

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As science fiction becomes reality on our battlefields, America has a new corps of warriors fighting on its behalf. Peter Singer examines the robotic revolution now underway in the U.S. military and how it may shape the future of war.

The Future of Robotics at War

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When the United States invaded Iraq, there were only a handful of aerial drones and no unmanned ground systems. Today there are thousands of each, and the technology continues to improve. Brookings Senior Fellow Peter Singer joined Jon Stewart to discuss this technological revolution in light of his new book Wired for War.

Military 2.0: Should You Fear the Killer Robots?

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In his new book, Wired for War, Peter Singer takes an in-depth and at times frightening look at the growing use of robotics by the military—a development that he argues will be looked on as "something revolutionary in war, maybe even in human history." Singer spoke with Mother Jones about the unforeseen ripple effects of these new technologies, the folly of calls to use robots in Darfur, and whether we should ban these machines before it's too late.

In the Loop? Armed Robots and the Future of War

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the next generation of unmanned vehicles, ships, and planes hits the battlefield, Peter Singer explores the ramifications of the new battlefield reality involving robots at war.

Prepare for the Robot Wars

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In his latest work, Wired for War, Peter Singer confesses his passion for science fiction as he introduces us to a glimpse of things to come–the new technologies that will shape wars of the future. In this interview with Scott Horton, Singer discusses the future of military technology.

Homeland Security Agenda for the Obama Administration

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Though substantial progress was made on the homeland security front by the Bush administration, Michael O'Hanlon writes that the list of vulnerabilities is still very long. Targets are numerous, but O'Hanlon notes many are hard to protect and preventing catastrophic attacks should be the primary goal.

Wired for War: The Robotics Revolution and Conflict in the 21st Century

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 26, 2009, 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Brookings hosted the launch of Wired for War, a new book by Peter W. Singer, who discussed the ways in which robotics have and will change the face of war, as well as the larger implications of these revolutionary developments. Following Singer’s presentation, General James Mattis, USMC, joined the discussion of the issues surrounding war, politics and technology in the 21st century.

Robots at War: The New Battlefield

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It sounds like science fiction, but it is fact: On the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, robots are killing America’s enemies and saving American lives. But today’s PackBots, Predators, and Ravens are relatively primitive machines. Peter Singer says the coming generation of “war-bots” will be immensely more sophisticated, but their development raises troubling new questions about how and when we wage war.

"Wired for War" Explores Robots on the Battlefield

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Robot soldiers are no longer just the stuff of sci-fi fantasy. As Peter Singer explains, some military tasks previously assigned to humans are now being handled by machines.

Wired for War? Robots and Military Doctrine

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer writes that it is clear that the American military must begin to think about the consequences of a 21st-century battlefield in which it is sending out fewer humans and more robots. Just as the technologies and modes of wars are changing, he argues, so must our concepts of how to fight and win them.

The Economics of a Chinese Currency Attack

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

2007-2008 Federal Executive Fellow Jeffrey Haymond writes that the probability a currency attack on the dollar is low but plausible and potentially devastating. Haymond addresses how such an attack might be carried out and what can be done to prevent it.

A New Old Nuclear Arsenal

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon discusses a likely disagreement between President-elect Obama and Defense Secretary Robert gates regarding the "reliable replacement warhead" (RRW) and the U.S. nuclear arsenal. O'Hanlon believes the right strategy will have two elements: redefine the RRW program as a remanufacture of an older design, and delay that program to allow Obama to create momentum for arms control.

Challenges in Alliance Management between Washington and Seoul

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Issues in its relationship with the United States often become domestic political problems for the South Korean government, to far a greater extent than for Washington. CNAPS Visiting Fellow Park Sun-won describes the various policy forces in Korea, explores their expectations of the U.S., and prescribes some steps for the two governments to maintain stability in the alliance.

How to Win In Afghanistan

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The war in Afghanistan is not going well, but that does not mean the U.S. should give up. Michael O'Hanlon argues it is imperative that the U.S. help the Afghanistan government recruit, vet, train, and equip 300,000 to 400,000 new Afghan troops.

The 4 Percent Defense Spending Chimera

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As U.S. armed forces continue their heroic operations around the globe, worries have intensified about sustaining adequate defense funding in the future. Michael O'Hanlon agues that a 4 percent gross domestic product floor for defense spending is unnecessary, because needs will fluctuate and there should not be a law preventing lower spending in the future if the geopolitical environment allows.

Strategic Counterterrorism

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 24, 2008, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Brookings hosted a discussion on U.S. counterterrorism strategies for the future as outlined in a new paper, Strategic Counterterrorism, by Daniel Benjamin, director of the Center on the United States and Europe and former National Security Council director for counterterrorism.

The Impact of Tomorrow’s Security Challenges on U.S. Northern Command

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:30:00 GMT

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October 24, 2008, 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

The 21st Century Defense Initiative at Brookings hosted Gen. Victor E. Renuart, commander of the North American Aerospace Command and U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), for a discussion of the impact of today's security challenges on the mission and structure of NORTHCOM.

Balancing the Force: Considerations of Size, Structure and Risk

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 22, 2008, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

On October 22, the 21st Century Defense Initiative held a lunch and discussion with Nelson Ford, undersecretary of the Army. He offered his perspective on the challenges of resourcing the current mission of his service and how the Army’s current structure and size affects the U.S. ability to meet future security needs.

U.S.- ROK: The Forgotten Alliance

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Though North Korea receives far more attention in the media, South Korea – a major trading partner and military ally – is far more important to the United States. As defense leaders from the United States and South Korea meet for the 40^th annual Security Consultative Meeting, Brookings Nonresident Senior Fellow Kongdan Oh writes that Washington and Seoul must recast their alliance.

Our Enemies are Watching the Presidential Election

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr and Ariel Kastner write that many throughout the world are watching the U.S. presidential election, including enemies like al-Qaeda. Rather than succumbing to fear, Amr and Kastner believe the U.S. must end torture, close Guantanamo Bay, and engage allies in order to drain the swamp from which al-Qaeda attracts its members.

Normalizing Japan: Politics, Identity and the Evolution of Security Practice

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:15:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 10, 2008, 12:15 PM to 1:45 PM

On September 10, CNAPS hosted Dr. Andrew L. Oros for a presentation on his recent book, Normalizing Japan: Politics, Identity and the Evolution of Security Practice. Dr. Oros argues that Japanese security policy has not changed as much in recent years as many believe, and that future change also will be highly constrained by Japan's long-standing "security identity."

Georgia's Lessons for Taiwan

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jeffrey Bader and Douglas Paal believe the Russian attack on Georgia can provide several important lessons for Taiwan in regards to China. Among the most important is that "a constructive relationship between the United States and major powers is an essential component of security for vulnerable states."

How The Real World Ended “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer analyzes the history of the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy which allows gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans to serve in the U.S. military as long as they stay quiet about their sexuality. Singer argues a world shaped by reality television has created a new generation of troops more open to allowing homosexuals in the military, and that during this difficult time for recruiting and retaining talent, the military should embrace those willing to serve.

"Game Changers" and the Military: Exploring Innovation and Leadership

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 31, 2008, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Brookings’ 21st Century Defense Initiative and the U.S. Army War College hosted Rep. Ike Skelton, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, for a discussion on fostering innovative leaders within the U.S. military. Often referred to as “game changers,” these individuals are essential as the military faces a continually changing global environment. Rep. Skelton speech focused on the deep challenges the military faces in how to foster, train, integrate and retain these unique leaders.

Detention of Terrorism Suspects in Britain and France

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Testifying before the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, Jeremy Shapiro explored the system of detaining terrorism suspects in France and the United Kingdom. He noted that the threats and domestic situations in every country are unique and rules for detention must be rooted in pre-existing laws.

Australia's Defense and Foreign Policy Priorities

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 15, 2008, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

On July 15, the 21st Century Defense Initiative at Brookings and Lowy Institute for International Policy hosted the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, the Australian minister for defense. Minister Fitzgibbon outlined the new government’s priorities and discussed the role of the U.S.-Australia alliance in shaping peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

Iraq, Afghanistan and Beyond: The UK-U.S. Partnership in a Changing World

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 10, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

On July 10, the Brookings Institution hosted the British Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Des Browne MP, for a discussion of British and U.S. policies in Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond—now and with the change in U.S. leadership in 2009.

A New Approach to Missile Defense in Europe

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Steven Pifer addresses the Bush administration's continued desire to install a missile defense system in Europe to counter Iranian weapon threats. Pifer believes that because Iran has not yet developed a missile capable of reaching all of Europe or the U.S., the program's timetable should be slowed to ensure all interested parties, including Russia, are comfortable with the plans.

The Future of U.S.-India Relations

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Stephen Cohen testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia to offer policy recommendations regarding the U.S.-India relationship. Cohen argued the United States should look beyond difficulties of the U.S.-India nuclear agreement and remember the ballast of the friendship is in growing two-way economic, strategic, and societal ties.

Iraq: One Year Later

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 13, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Senior Fellows Michael O’Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack discussed their findings from a recently completed fact-finding mission to Iraq. Beyond offering an assessment of drawdown plans for U.S. troops, the two Iraq experts discussed the fallout from recent battles in Basra, Mosul and elsewhere in Iraq.

Outsourcing the Fight

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Peter W. Singer writes about the increased reliance on and the weaknesses of private military contractors. He believes that the U.S. military needs to re-assess which jobs are appropriate to outsource and which are not as well as increase regulation in the contractor market.

U.S. Overseas Military Presence in the 21st Century

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The next American president will inherit an overseas military base realignment process guided by an effort known as the Global Posture Review. As Michael O'Hanlon argues, a successful outcome will depend on the next U.S. administration refining the current plan—and redefining the broader national security policy context in which base realignment will be viewed.

AFRICOM: The Road Ahead for United States Africa Command

Tue, 27 May 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 27, 2008, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

On May 27, Brookings’s 21^st Century Defense Initiative hosted Vice Admiral Robert T. Moeller, deputy to the commander for military operations, United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), for a discussion on the aims, status and future mission for AFRICOM as it approaches its first anniversary this fall.

Rare Event: A Defense Secretary Says Something Nice About a Secretary of State

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Verbal battles, turf fights, and policy arguments between Secretaries of State and Secretaries of Defense are commonplace in American history. Ron Nessen comments on how complimentary Secretary of Defense Robert Gates was of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the Brookings Trustees dinner in stark contrast to previous snarky relationships between Secretaries of Defense and Secretaries of State.

Steering the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship Program Off the Shoals

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Mohn, Stephen Murray, and Peter Singer write that there is a growing problem in acquisitions related to the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program. They argue that if nothing is done to save the program, the integrity of the U.S. fleet of the future will be in question.

Contracting Out Iraqi Army Advising

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer writes that the Pentagon is now seeking to hire contractors that will train and advise Iraq's army. He believes this task, determined as "essential to our successful war effort," should not be outsourced and that the military should learn from contracting mistakes of the past.

U.S. Military Check-Up Time

Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon explores how well the U.S. military is holding up under the weight of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While statistics do not point to a "broken force or a military on the verge of collapse," O'Hanlon argues that continued strain on personnel needs to be addressed as part of future policy considerations.

A Look at the Pentagon’s Five Step Plan For Making Iron Man Real

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the movie Iron Man debuts in theaters, Peter Singer writes that the superhuman strengths enabled to the star character, through use of a suit, are "no mere fiction." Instead, Singer details how this vision of technology overcoming the weaknesses of the human body has led the Pentagon to invest billions of dollars into creating a military of supersoldiers.

Los Nuevos Niños Soldados de la Guerra

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer discusses Child Soldiers. (Spanish)

Train and Protect Those Who Serve Us in the Military

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Though the current focus continues to be on Iraq, difficulties in recruiting and retaining talent in the U.S. military may continue to impact the country after the conflict is over. Peter Singer believes one of the greatest tasks for the next president will be leading and maintaining our military, therefore difficult questions need to be addressed to ensure readiness and quality in the force.

The Future of the Military

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 07, 2008, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

With Senators Clinton, McCain and Obama debating the war in Iraq and other military engagements overseas, the complex challenges facing the United States military are coming into focus. On April 7, Opportunity 08 was in Miami to discuss the future of the United States armed forces and solutions for our next president.

John Yoo Interrogation Memo

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Justice Department recently released John Yoo's 2003 "torture" memo to Congress. Questions remain on what to do with the people the military and the CIA interrogated brutally in 2002 and 2003, writes Ben Wittes, and how the CIA should handle such people in the future.

NATO: Membership and Identity in a Post-Cold War World

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This week, Romania is hosting the twentieth NATO summit. Brookings Russia specialist Clifford Gaddy discusses the direction and relevance of NATO in a post-Cold War world.

Iraq: Winners and Losers at Five Years

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Five years into the Iraq War, Bruce Riedel provides an interim report on the winners and losers to date. He writes that one of the biggest losers, despite the troop surge, is the United States. Riedel concludes by noting the next president "will face a monumental challenge of how to find a way to end a war we never needed to fight but whose legacy will haunt Americans for decades to come."

Resurrecting the Test-Ban Treaty

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon discusses the usefuleness of nuclear test-ban treaties and offers suggestions for the next president to build on the signing of past treaties.

Assassinating Terrorists: The bin Laden Case

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel explores the history and failures of U.S. attempts to kill Osama bin Laden and what assassinations of terror leaders may mean for their organizations and enemy targets.

Six Years Later: Innovative Approaches to Defeating Al Qaeda

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In testimony before the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Dan Byman states that "to succeed in the long-term, counterterrorism policies must be politically viable for decades." He offers ideas for policy implementations now that can bring consensus and harbor well-informed debate on the issues at hand.

Military Recruitment

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:58:55 GMT

Michael O’Hanlon explains how the U.S. military can rapidly build up its number of recruits without instituting a draft.

Military Readiness

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:42:10 GMT

Peter Singer explains how the next president of the United States needs to ensure that the ranks of our military continue to grow and that our troops have the the resources they need to remain ready and capable.

Blackwater: The Roger Clemens of War

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer discusses a lawsuit against Blackwater USA that claims employees in the field have used steroids and other "judgment-altering substances."

Detention Retention: Are Guantanamo Detainees All Innocent?

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Detainees held for nearly six years at the Guantanamo Bay military prison recently received another hearing at the Supreme Court. But neither the justices nor the public should take at face value the insistence that large numbers of innocents populate Guantanamo, writes Benjamin Wittes. The broader debate over Guantanamo has suffered greatly from these overbroad claims of erroneous detentions.

Maintaining Quality in the Force: A Briefing by General George W. Casey, Jr.

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 04, 2007, 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM

On December 4, the Brookings Institution hosted General George William Casey, Jr., Chief of Staff of the United States Army, for a discussion of the challenges facing the U.S. Army beyond Iraq into the twenty-first century. General Casey offered his vision for maintaining excellence in the Army through recruiting, training and retention during and beyond the service’s longest deployment since the Vietnam War.

Winter of Discontent? U.S., Russia on Arms and Arms Control

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 19, 2007, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

In this installment of the Ed A. Hewett Forum, Professor Catherine Kelleher of the University of Maryland shared her perspective on the US position on arms control and missile defense, along with Russian reactions.

Rewards of Hiring Veterans

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

In "The Rewards of Hiring Veterans," Michael O'Hanlon and Thomas Lynch discuss benefits, challenges, and acquired skills of U.S. servicemen returning from Iraq. They assert that serving the U.S. military provides many advantages for servicemen such as informational technology skills, leadership skills, foreign language training, and a greater understanding of international partners and environments. They, however, believe that the U.S. Government must do a better job of providing veterans benefits, such as career placement, health services, and temporary subsidies.

Outlook: Break the Blackwater Habit

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer answers readers' questions online regarding his Washington Post article listing the myriad ways he sees military outsourcing hampering U.S. efforts in Iraq.