RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Peter W. Singer, February 2012, Armed Forces Journal
In response to the proliferation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used by counterinsurgents, Peter Singer discusses the evolution, history, and future of these weapons on the battlefield, and examines their possible use by domestic terrorists. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Peter W. Singer, February 05, 2012, The Boston Globe
Peter Singer discusses the concept of morality and robotics, and whether drones can or should be programmed to follow the rulings of the Geneva Convention. Singer argues that while increasing the study of the ethics of war and new technology is beneficial, combining war with technology will not make war any less messy. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Michael E. O'Hanlon and Mike Mochizuki , February 04, 2012, POLITICO
Michael O’Hanlon and Mike Mochizuki examine the costs of the current relocation plan for the Marines based in Japan. The authors argue that pre-positioning military supplies in Japanese waters and sending the Marines to Hawaii or California will reduce costs without sacrificing U.S. capabilities in Asia. Read More
PAST EVENT
Friday, February 03, 2012
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Washington, DC
On Friday, February 3, the 21st Century Defense Initiative hosted Colonel Hernando Ortega, the Surgeon for the Air Force Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency, for a discussion on new Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operations and their effects on those serving in them. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Robert Kagan, February 02, 2012, The Washington Post
Robert Kagan writes that a decrease in America's military power could have major global implications. Kagan argues that if the United States lost its ability to contain other countries' conflicting ambitions, adjustments to create a new global balance could result in war Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Marvin Kalb, February 01, 2012, The Brookings Institution
On the 44th anniversary of the Tet Offensive, Marvin Kalb reflects on the Vietnam War and considers its implications on Obama's defense policies, particularly in Afghanistan. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Bruce Riedel, January 30, 2012, The Brookings Institution
Top Republican presidential candidates are calling President Obama's stance on Iran weak and threatening to use force in the region if elected. Bruce Riedel explains why again taking on a second war before finishing in Afghanistan would be a disaster, and could imperil stability in the region. Read More
PAST EVENT
Thursday, January 26, 2012
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Washington, DC
On January 26 the Brookings Institution and the Defense Education Forum of the Reserve Officers Association (ROA), hosted a discussion on the future of the U.S. national security industrial base in the context of changing American defense strategy, declining budgets and a transforming international security environment. The event featured a keynote address by Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Tex.), vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
MacKenzie Eaglen, Rebecca Grant, Robert P. Haffa, Michael E. O'Hanlon, Peter W. Singer, Martin Sullivan and Barry Watts, January 26, 2012, The Brookings Institution
The 21st Century Defense Initiative National Security Working Group outlines key issues in defense industrial policy, writing that policymakers must consider such issues as U.S. budgetary challenges, the success and challenges of the defense economy, changing military demands, and the erosion of American manufacturing over the last several decades. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Marvin Kalb, January 23, 2012, The Brookings Institution
Marvin Kalb assesses several major roadblocks that President Obama is facing in his efforts to conclude the Afghan War. Kalb argues that with a decisive military victory now out of reach, President Obama now must negotiate with the Taliban to create a stable, coalition government, similar to how President Nixon ended the war in Vietnam. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Peter W. Singer, January 22, 2012, The New York Times
Peter Singer discusses the use of unmanned warfare tactics, from combat drones to software like the Stuxnet Virus, and how they are setting a new precedent on the use of force. Singer argues using drones removes the link between cause and effect in combat, allowing an easier, but not necessarily right, decision for politicians and leadership. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Robert Kagan, January 17, 2012, The New Republic
Influenced by Robert Kagan’s work, President Barack Obama argued that, "Anyone who tells you that America is in decline or that our influence has waned, doesn't know what they're talking about." Kagan expands upon the myth of American decline in this article and in his new book, The World America Made. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Noah Shachtman, January 12, 2012, Wired Magazine (Danger Room blog)
Noah Shachtman writes on a recent statement by the head of U.S. Cyber Command, General Keith Alexander, that the Department of Defense’s online networks currently are "not defensible." Shachtman outlines what this means for national security and discusses steps the department plans to take. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Benjamin Wittes and Ritika Singh, January 11, 2012, The Cato Institute
Benjamin Wittes examines the challenges and opportunities that drones present. Wittes argues that drone warfare permits a highly calibrated military response to situations which otherwise may require far greater uses of violence, and allows militaries to contemplate humanitarian interventions. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Vanda Felbab-Brown, January 2012, South Asia Journal
Vanda Felbab-Brown assesses the effects of U.S. policies adopted in Afghanistan on the quality of governance there. Felbab-Brown highlights key policy challenges, including widespread ambivalence over fighting corruption. Read More