Brookings: Topics - Defense Strategy

Around the Halls: 20 Years After the Berlin Wall Fell

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

November 9 marks the twenty-year anniversary of the opening of the Berlin Wall. With protests in the week prior totaling over one million, refugees were allowed to exit directly through crossing points between East Berlin and West Berlin and all along the border. In the days and weeks to follow the Wall would continue to fall, leading the way for Germany’s reunification. Experts from around the halls of Brookings respond to this historic anniversary.

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.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal: A General Within Bounds in Afghanistan

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, has come under fire for making public comments about the war. Michael O'Hanlon writes that while McChrystal was indeed too blunt, the criticism goes too far because McChrystal critiqued an option – scaling back to a counterterrorism mission – directly at odds with the current policy.

The Afghanistan and Pakistan Indexes and Assessments of U.S. Policies in the Region

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 05, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Afghanistan and Pakistan have challenged President Obama since he took office, as questions persist about the success of U.S. policies in the region. On October 5, Brookings hosted the launch of a new Pakistan Index with a discussion on the state of the Afghanistan mission and the effort to address extremist activities in Pakistan.

How to Measure the War in Afghanistan and Iraq

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Correctly sizing the military force and tracking results on the ground are key to success in counterinsurgency and stabilization missions, write Jason Campbell, Michael O'Hanlon, and Jeremy Shapiro. To determine how the U.S. strategy is working, they assess a range of indicators to measure progress in Afghanistan and relate them to lessons learned from the conflict in Iraq.

Light Fighter Planes: From Crop-Dusting to Counterinsurgency?

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Air Force recently announced a plan to explore purchasing 100 "light fighters" for use in counterinsurgency operations in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Peter Singer explores why the Air Force should not follow through on this plan, and he argues that unmanned systems already developed are better options moving forward.

Wired for War: The Future of Military Robots

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Though robots are currently being used by the U.S. military in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, Peter Singer says this is just the beginning and much more advanced types are coming. In an extract from his book Wired for War, Singer examines the future of robotic warfare on the ground, in the air and from space.

Fueling Our Security: The Need for a Defense Energy Strategy

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer believes the issue of energy security has too long been looked at through only the environmental lens. He argues that it is also a national security issue, noting the U.S. military spends roughly $20 billion a year for petroleum alone, that diverts funds which would be better served elsewhere.

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.

Counterterrorism: Kill or Be Killed?

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the post-9/11 era, the United States is grappling with many ethical, operational and political questions regarding the targeted killings of terrorists. Dan Byman argues that such strikes are a painful necessity in a time when U.S. foes cannot be found or fought onconventional battlefields.

Do Targeted Killings Work?

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

CIA Director Leon Panetta has cancelled a secret CIA plan to train anti-terrorist assassins, but Daniel Byman notes that strikes by U.S. military drones have had mixed success as a tactic for combating al Qaeda in Pakistan. Given the humanitarian and political risks, each strike needs to be carefully weighed. But equally important is the risk of not striking—and inadvertently allowing al Qaeda leaders free reign to plot terrorist mayhem.

We Might Still Need More Troops In Afghanistan

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For all its virtues, the new plan in Afghanistan may still lowball requirements for the mission to succeed, writes Michael O'Hanlon. He believes that, at the very least, the Obama administration should leave the option of upping the troop commitment on the table should the need arise.

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.

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.

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 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.

War of Necessity, War of Choice

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 01, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

The two Iraq wars in 1991 and 2003 represent milestones in American military intervention abroad. They reflect the influences of the two dominant and competing schools of American foreign policy. On June 1, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings will host Richard N. Haass for a discussion of his new book War of Necessity, War of Choice, as well as the implications of these two wars for future American military interventions in the Middle East.

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.

Change of Command in Afghanistan

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon reacts to the announcement by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates that General David McKiernan is being relieved of command in Afghanistan. O'Hanlon believes McKiernan can leave Kabul knowing he improved the dynamics on the ground during his tenure and that the region is far better off now than when he took over.

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.”

Reviving U.S.-Russian Nuclear Arms Control

Wed, 06 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 06, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Nuclear arms control has returned to the top of the U.S.-Russia agenda. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev recently agreed to work out a new agreement to reduce strategic offensive arms, part of a process aimed ultimately at a nuclear-free world. On May 6, the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings hosted a discussion on the role of nuclear arms control in U.S.-Russia relations and its challenges.

Assessing Counterinsurgency and Stabilization Missions

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In conventional warfare, identifying the momentum of battle is a fairly straightforward undertaking, but counterinsurgency and stabilization operations are different, and more complex. Jason Campbell, Michael O'Hanlon and Jeremy Shapiro examine a range of indicators in both Afghanistan and Iraq to reach policy conclusions for current and future counterinsurgency operations.

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.

The Air Force's Role in Irregular Warfare and Counterinsurgency

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 24, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM

On April 24, the 21st Century Defense Initiative at Brookings hosted General Norton A. Schwartz, chief of staff of the United States Air Force, for a discussion of the Air Force’s strategic and operational role in conducting irregular warfare and counterinsurgency operations.

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.

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.

Can Obama Win In Afghanistan?

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By 2010, the Afghanistan conflict will have become the longest war in American history. Michael O'Hanlon defends President Obama's proposed plan for roughly doubling U.S. combat forces in Afghanistan and argues that the strategic stakes in Afghanistan are high, given Al Qaeda's presence in the country. But, says O'Hanlon, the prospects for stability are reasonably good.

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.

Warfare Balance Sheet

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon explores defense spending in Afghanistan, Iraq and other locations in the world where U.S. military personnel are based. O'Hanlon finds that changes planned by the Obama administration will save large amounts of money over the coming years, but he cautions that politics of defense will continue to make it difficult to deny funding which supports troops in the field.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Turning the Tide in Afghanistan: A Discussion with Sen. Joseph Lieberman

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 29, 2009, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Brookings hosted Senator Joseph Lieberman, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, for a discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing the Obama administration in Afghanistan.

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.

Sunni and Shi ’a Terrorism: Differences that Matter

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There are significant and little appreciated differences in the trajectory of Sunni extremist terrorism and that of Shi’a extremism. 2007-2008 Federal Executive Fellow Thomas F. Lynch explores the differences that exist across six key areas that impact American policy considerations, especially in light of steadily escalating tensions with Iran.

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.

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

Event Information:

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.

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."

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Iraq 2012: What Can It Look Like, How Do We Get There?

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Carlos Pascual addressed the vulnerability that Iraq’s ongoing crisis presents for U.S. troops, key elements for a revised diplomatic strategy, and critical issues in need of debate.

Political and Strategic Consequences of the French White Paper

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Christopher S. Chivvis and Etienne de Durand discuss the upcoming April 2008 French White Paper on Defense and how it will set a new direction of French security policy for the next decade.

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.

Assessing the Surge in Iraq

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Ivo Daalder joins Diane Rehm and other foreign policy experts to assess the impact of the Iraq "surge" strategy and how to maintain recent military and economic progress in the country.

Iraq After the Surge

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Ivo Daalder argues the troop surge in Iraq has been a tactical success, but a strategic failure. He offers solutions to the the challenges facing the current U.S. military and political strategy towards Iraq.

Thoughts on the Nanjing Massacre

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Seventy years ago the Japanese Imperial Army seized Nanjing and killed Chinese soldiers and civilians on a scale that will never be known. Richard Bush demonstrates how defective decision-making processes helped lead to the conflict that created the conditions in which the Nanjing Massacre and other atrocities took place.

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.

Progress of the War in Iraq

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon discusses key statistics and reconstruction efforts regarding the war in Iraq.

Sure, He's Got Guns for Hire. But They're Just Not Worth It.

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer advises Defense Secretary Gates that, "on balance, for all the important jobs that contractors are doing, Blackwater and its kin have harmed, rather than helped, our troops' counterinsurgency efforts."

Blackwater Hearings Ain't No Superbad

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer discusses his perceptions of the October 2 Congressional hearings on private security contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

France Learns How to Say Yes

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Nicolas Sarkozy’s presidency marks a mini-revolution in French foreign policy. His avowedly pro-American administration is getting tough on Iran, considering reintegration with NATO, and asking how it can help in Iraq. The Sarkozy era is an opportunity to remake relations between France and the United States.

Can't Win with 'Em, Can't Go to War Without 'Em: Six Questions for P.W. Singer

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter W. Singer discusses private security contractors in Iraq, concluding that they are actually undermining the American military’s achievement of its declared objectives in a counterinsurgency operation in Iraq.

Can't Win with 'Em, Can't Go To War without 'Em: Private Military Contractors and Counterinsurgency

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter W. Singer says that the use of private military contractors appears to have harmed, rather than helped, the counterinsurgency efforts of the U.S. mission in Iraq.

The Future of American Multilateralism

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Senior Fellow Philip Gordon and Edward Joseph, visiting scholar at SAIS, note that attention is once again on the U.S. as presidential elections near. They argue that "when Europeans show themselves to be responsible, capable partners, they bolster multilateralists in America."

Banned In Baghdad: Reactions to the Blackwater License Being Pulled

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter W. Singer argues that “when it comes to military outsourcing: We dealt these cards to ourselves.”

A Turning Point in Iraq?

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

E.J. Dionne discusses the state of affairs in Iraq and President Bush's recent address regarding U.S. troop levels in that country.

What Does America Owe Iraq?

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with William Galston and Akbar Ahmed; Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly

Iraq Trip Report

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Following a recent trip to Iraq, Brookings scholars Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack argue that the U.S. is making progress there. "The most important thing Americans need to understand: We are finally getting somewhere in Iraq, at least in military terms," they note.

Department of Defense Energy Strategy

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Paper by Gregory Lengyel (August 2007)

Transformational Diplomacy

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse explores the concept of transformational diplomacy, coined by Condoleezza Rice in early 2006, as a way to respond to new threats facing the U.S. and world. Vaisse offers ways in which transformational diplomacy can be used to promote the interests of those involved.

The State of the Military Today

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 29, 2007, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have stretched the U.S. military thin. Brookings’s Opportunity 08 project and 21st Century Defense Initiative examined the state of the U.S. military today and the challenges it faces for the future.

International Perspectives on the Use of Force and Legitimacy

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 11, 2006, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Hard Power : The New Politics of National Security

Sun, 01 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

In Hard Power, Kurt Campbell and Michael O'Hanlon explain how the Democrats lost credibility on issues of security and foreign policy, how they can get it back - and why they must.

Transforming Military Training: Using the Lessons of the Past to Build the Army of the Future

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 14, 2006, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Brookings's Saban Center for Middle East Policy and 21st Century Defense Initiative co-hosted a discussion with General David H. Petraeus, who discussed the reforms that the U.S. military is undertaking to confront the new challenges of warfare.

The State of Space: Strategic Reconnaissance to Tactical Warfighting to Possible Weaponization

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Michael E. O'Hanlon before the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces of the House Armed Services Committee (6/21/06)

Quadrennial Defense Review Resonance

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Since its publication Feb. 3, the Pentagon's Quadrennial Defense Review has been severely criticized by commentators ranging from The Washington Post's editorial board to former Bush administration officials and neocons to moderates and progressives.

Detention and Interrogation of Captured "Enemies": Do Law and National Security Clash?

Mon, 12 Dec 2005 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 12, 2005, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Controversial interrogation techniques such as waterboarding have become flash points in the debate over the limits of U.S. interrogation policy. Stuart Taylor, Jr. moderated a panel discussion on whether the nation can protect itself against terrorism while giving captured terrorists traditional protections of federal and international law.

Preserving U.S. Dominance While Slowing the Weaponization of Space

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Future Military Scenarios Involving American Forces

Wed, 26 Oct 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Let Military Keep Order In Disasters

Thu, 06 Oct 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Wrong on North Korea

Wed, 13 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Michael O'Hanlon, The Baltimore Sun (7/13/05)

Wanted: A Roadmap for North Korea

Thu, 09 Jun 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Stronger U.S. Push Needed for N. Korea Reform

Tue, 17 May 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Michael O'Hanlon, The Christian Science Monitor (5/17/05)

The Risk of War Over Taiwan is Real

Sun, 01 May 2005 00:00:00 GMT

A New Approach to North Korea

Tue, 12 Apr 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Michael O'Hanlon, The Baltimore Sun (4/12/05)

Don't Blame Canada for Missile-defense Snub

Thu, 03 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT