U.S. Defense
Reports
2017
Jun
6
Past Event
The growing threat from cyber weapons and what the United States needs to do to prepare
-
Washington, DC
2017
May
22
Past Event
A discussion with Rep. Mac Thornberry on military readiness, modernization, and innovation
-
Washington, DC
2017
Apr
27
Past Event
Assuring a ready fleet: A discussion with Admiral John Richardson, chief of naval operations
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Washington, DC
Michael E. O’Hanlon
Senior Fellow - Foreign Policy, Center for 21st Century Security and Intelligence
Director of Research - Foreign Policy
Co-Director - Center for 21st Century Security and Intelligence
The Sydney Stein, Jr. Chair
John Hudak
Deputy Director - Center for Effective Public Management
Senior Fellow - Governance Studies
![An aerial view of the Pentagon building in Washington, June 15, 2005. [U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld defended the Guantanamo prison against critics who want it closed by saying U.S. taxpayers have a big financial stake in it and no other facility could replace it at a Pentagon briefing on Tuesday.] - RTXNK0I](https://i0.wp.com/www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/pentagon002-e1473173020271.jpg?w=617&crop=0%2C0px%2C100%2C347px&ssl=1)
US military buildup so far is not part of a larger strategy, so it's not clear what the end game is for the US. That was the same ultimate goal for the administrations of George W. Bush, Obama, and now Trump. The Carl Vinson strike group cannot stay at the DPRK's [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] doorstep indefinitely.
The president is surrounded by serious advisers who have either served or serve in the military, and are aware of the risks of military action [against North Korea]. I think Trump, whatever his public posture, is getting a sober education on some of the realities.