President Donald Trump’s return to the White House may or may not prove auspicious for Pakistan. Trump’s victory will certainly have wide-ranging ramifications for the geopolitical chessboard because of existing challenges to international order. It could potentially transform the fabric of international cooperation. No region will remain untouched. South Asia will be no exception. Most […]

The ICBM EAR report provides a detailed assessment of the U.S. nuclear deterrent’s status and future outlook, focusing on the threats posed by Russia and China. By 2035, these adversaries are projected to possess a combined 11,000 nuclear warheads, requiring the U.S. to prioritize modernization efforts to maintain a credible deterrent. The report emphasizes the […]

Donald Trump’s Iron Dome? Proposal to Counter Nuclear Attack Takes Shape By: Ellie Cook, Security & Defense Reporter for Newsweek The U.S. is not prepared enough for a possible long-range missile strike from Russia, China or North Korea, a new report seen by Newsweek says, offering one potential road map for President-elect Donald Trump to piece together the American version […]

The Middle East experienced significant geopolitical shifts over the past year. In October 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths. Israel’s subsequent military response led to an estimated 40,000 Palestinian casualties, predominantly in Gaza. The conflict caused widespread destruction and displacement, exacerbating the long-standing humanitarian crisis in the region. It […]

A strong nuclear deterrent reduces risks to the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Such is the view of many within the nuclear enterprise. Arms control and disarmament advocates differ with this view, seeing the deterrent as a risk that must be reduced in size and function via various forms of diplomacy […]

Politics in Europe are growing increasingly unstable. The Starmer government in the United Kingdom (UK) is stalled and the German coalition of Gerhard Scholz dissolved, with elections coming. Under French President Emmanuel Macron, the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier lasted barely three months, as it recently collapsed upon a no-confidence vote by a parliament […]

As the world prepares for Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the implications for global arms control loom large. New START, the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia, is set to expire in February 2026. Russian president Vladimir Putin suspended participation in the treaty a year ago due […]

Cyberspace is the new battleground for nations vying for global dominance. At the heart of this competition lies the semiconductor industry—a linchpin of modern technology. It is essential for computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced military systems. Understanding the dynamics of semiconductor production and supply chains provides critical insights into how cyber deterrence strategies are […]

In a reply to a recent article in Global Security Review, which advocated for American escalation dominance, Katerina Canyon, Executive Director of the Peace Economy Project, challenged the importance of escalation dominance, instead advocating for a reduction in nuclear weapons and an increase in domestic spending. Canyon is wrong on three points: the history of the […]

ICBM EAR Report Executive Summary Based on the latest EAR Report, these are the critical points on global security, upcoming events, and the ongoing discourse on nuclear deterrence, modernization, and geopolitical strategy for 2025. Quotes of the Week Xi Jinping (China): “No one can stop the historical trend” of China’s “reunification” with Taiwan.” U.S. Ambassador […]

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is a formidable force locked in a global competition with the United States for power and leadership. The PRC’s aim, since its creation 75 years ago, is to secure its autocratic governance at the minimum and, at the maximum, to recenter and reorder […]

The argument for “escalation dominance” as a cornerstone of US deterrence policy, presented in Joe Buff’s recent Global Security Review article, relies on outdated Cold War logic that fails to address the complexities and ethical considerations of today’s global security environment. While the premise of maintaining deterrence is essential, the emphasis on overwhelming military capability […]

The incoming Trump administration will pick up the Ukraine dossier where the outgoing administration left it. As American leadership moves away from election rhetorics and back to the reality of governing, President Trump will attempt to bring the war in Ukraine to a negotiated resolution, but what that might look like is uncertain. The incoming […]

With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Arab states already face a pivotal moment in shaping their foreign policy. Known for his transactional diplomacy and “America First” approach, Trump is likely to prioritize issues that directly benefit the US economy and enhance its strategic power, particularly vis-a-vis China and Russia. For Arab states, the […]

Summary Report for ICBM EAR Report of December 20, 2024 The EAR Report is a must read for National security professionals to stay informed about rapidly evolving global threats and the strategic implications for U.S. defense policy. This report addresses critical developments in nuclear deterrence, missile defense, and geopolitical trends, and equips professionals with actionable […]

On November 21, 2024, Russia struck the Pivdenmash aerospace factory in Dnipro, Ukraine, with six warheads delivered by an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). Each warhead dispensed a group of six non-nuclear, kinetic submunitions. The attack, in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russia using the American Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) ballistic missiles and British Storm […]

Executive Summary: Week of December 8, 2024 This report asserts that the United States is at a critical inflection point in global security,  facing mounting threats from an increasingly assertive China, a resurgent Russia, and a shifting nuclear landscape characterized by rapid technological advancements and diminished international agreements. This week we underscore the critical juncture […]

The state of New Jersey is apparently facing an invasion by unstoppable drones. This development is creating demands for investigation on the part of federal, state, and local governments. Citizens are concerned and media curiosity is at fever pitch. Contacts with foreign sources were not very informative. The Chinese Ministry of Defense denied any use […]

Plutonium-239 has an important relationship with uranium-235 when it comes to nuclear weapons. Let me explain. With the symbol Pu on the Periodic Table, plutonium is an element with an atomic number of 94, which means its nucleus has 94 protons. As a heavy metal it has many more neutrons than protons, but more on […]

Imagine drones are forced to land. Rockets are deflected. Electrical grids, telecommunications, and transportation systems are degraded. Airliners are driven off course. Interference with Global Positioning System (GPS) signals is a fact of everyday life, and things are only getting worse. One example is instructive. The rate at which aircraft locations are electronically manipulated, “spoofed,” […]

South Korea’s presidential impeachment: Challenges and lessons for democracy. ROK Army Lieutenant General (retired) Chun In-bum examines the recent impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and its implications for the nation’s democratic framework. It delves into the events leading up to the impeachment, including allegations of corruption and abuse of power, and discusses […]

The volatility of cryptocurrency markets has been a major topic of discussion since the inception of digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Its impact extends beyond financial speculation and the promise of decentralized finance. Cryptocurrency’s creation is creating distinct ripples through the global economy, even reaching security and geopolitical affairs. Among the more intriguing dimensions […]

December 6 ICBM EAR Report – By: Peter Huessy This week’s ICBM EAR Report is a must-read.  Here is a summary of what you need to know. Notable Quotes: The week’s top quotes emphasize the importance of maintaining and modernizing the United States’ strategic deterrence capabilities to address the growing threats from peer nuclear adversaries, […]

Recently, Japan and South Korea began discussing the need for their own indigenous nuclear arsenals. Either or both might yet decide in favor of fielding their own nuclear forces. Australia has not openly talked about pursuing nuclear weapons, but as an American ally in Asia such a move may become necessary. A driving factor is […]

Learn what the Global Security Review provides its readers in China. Now is the time to create a knowledge base on this provocative adversary. In the aftermath of the U.S. Election fog, we must focus on the looming threat that marches toward us. Here is what you need to know: “China’s Growing Power and the […]

Korea was referred to as the “Land of the Morning Calm” and the “Hermit Kingdom” by those who founded it centuries ago. These titles reflect the nation’s historical isolation and serenity. They contrast sharply with Korea’s modern history. Since the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948, the Korean Peninsula has experienced violent ideological […]

In the aftermath of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s election, it is time for the national political dialogue to calm down and move away from dysfunctional hyperbole. During the presidential campaign, political activists and media commentators trafficked in exaggerations and misrepresentations of facts that distracted from responsible debates on public policy.  Admittedly, some of this political […]

As the nuclear deterrence landscape continues to change, the United States must reinvigorate its alliances and partnerships to project power effectively and effectively hold adversaries at risk. The 2022 National Defense Strategy outwardly identified the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as a pacing threat. Russia’s almost three-year war on Ukraine has also made the North […]

Staying informed is more critical than ever in an era of rapidly shifting global dynamics. Global Security Review delivers unmatched insights into the issues shaping our world, from examining the intricate strategies of geopolitical players to exploring innovations in deterrence and space security. Modern Escalation Dominance Is Essential to Effective Deterrence and Assurance Joe Buff […]

Introduction This week’s EAR Report brings critical updates on global security dynamics in a world fraught with geopolitical tensions and nuclear threats. ​ From the evolving nuclear doctrines of major powers to the strategic imperatives of missile defense, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of international security. ​ Understanding these developments is […]

Defense commentators note that adversaries, prior to acting aggressively, will first calculate risks and rewards. Significant to this calculus is an evaluation of how, if at all, America is likely to respond at different stages of any intensifying aggression, that is, at different rungs on the escalation ladder. Historically, adversaries, ranging from Imperial Japan to […]

The geographical position and long-standing ambitions for regional influence are long-time influences of Iran’s geostrategic thinking. As a state that controls a critical part of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping passage, Iran’s focus is on securing dominance in the Gulf. However, Iran’s aspirations extend far beyond this region. The regime developed […]

Iranian leaders increased their belligerent rhetoric following the October 1 attack in which the Islamic Republic fired nearly 200 ballistic missiles on Israel. Codenamed “True Promise,” the attack was the second direct Iranian action against Israel since April and indicates Tehran’s growing aggressiveness, which poses a significant threat in its neighbourhood. As discussions of retaliation […]

There are escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean region (IOR), which underscores the need for maritime confidence-building measures (CBM) and risk-reduction strategies to avoid any probability of future conflict. Power projection by the United States, China, and India is visible in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) as they seek to assert […]

For the past six years India-China relations have been at a low point with the two countries getting into skirmishes along the border. The worst of these was in 2020, at Galwan, where at least 20 Indian and 4 Chinese soldiers were killed in a brawl. Both sides subsequently took steps to militarize the border […]

In an August 23, 2024, webinar, Col. (Ret.) Curtis McGiffin and Adam Lowther, PhD, introduced the concept of “dynamic parity” as nuclear strategy for the next presidential administration. Their approach calls for fielding a nuclear deterrent force structure that is symmetrical in types of delivery platforms and numbers of weapons to the collective nuclear arsenals […]

Summary Report Events of Significance​ Nuclear Deterrent Seminar: Scheduled for December 6, 2024, focusing on China’s nuclear buildup with Christopher Yeaw from the University of Nebraska. Triad Symposium: Announced for June 24, 2025, at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, hosted by LSUS, NIDS, and BRF Defense in cooperation with the USAF Global Strike Command.​ Quotes […]

In August 2024, Ukraine launched a significant incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast, advancing up to 30 kilometers and gaining control of 1,200 square kilometers and 93 villages. Analysts suggest the offensive aims to pull Russian forces away from the eastern front lines and secure leverage for potential peace talks. However, Russia continues to make gains […]

In an era where political pundits are quick to sound alarms about the impending decline of American global leadership, the reality paints a more optimistic picture. While the rise of China, the resurgence of Russia, and the saber-rattling of North Korea and Iran led some to predict a seismic shift in world power, a closer […]

The development of hypersonic technology is poised to redefine the landscape of military airpower. Hypersonic vehicles, capable of reaching speeds greater than Mach 5, offer unprecedented speed and agility, making them a game-changer in modern warfare. This article delves into the advancements, challenges, and strategic implications of hypersonic technology, highlighting how it is set to […]

This report provides an in-depth look at recent developments in global defense, with a particular focus on North Korea’s and Russia’s military actions and the United States’ strategic response. Readers will find insights into North Korea’s latest ICBM test and its increased alignment with Russia, including deploying troops to support Russia in Ukraine. The report […]

Space is an operational domain that is highly contested and in a crisis could quickly become a warfighting environment. Space is “militarized” through the deployment of satellites to support a range of terrestrial military tasks. Both the Soviet Union and the United States developed anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon technologies during the Cold War, yet it is […]

Nuclear devices in space have the potential to prove indispensable tools, ideal for protecting the planet from asteroid impacts. They are, however, currently forbidden, unless the 1967 Outer Space Treaty is properly amended. This is because they are viewed as destructive weapons of war. Recent scientific research at Sandia National Laboratories proves that carefully aimed […]

As Americans enter an era of unprecedented technological innovation and global instability, the question of how to secure the nation’s future looms large. While discussions around deterrence often focus on military strategies, weapons modernization, and the shifting balance of power, there is an economic dimension to national security that is largely overlooked. Without proper fiscal […]

ICBM EAR Summary for the Week of October 25th, 2024 Key Essays: Extended Deterrence and No First Use Policy: The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, emphasizing nuclear abolition. The U.S. policy of extended deterrence involves the potential use of nuclear weapons in response to conventional, biological, or chemical attacks.​ The Biden administration […]

For more than 70 years, the world has avoided nuclear war. However, the nuclear order is changing dramatically. Pakistan’s growing nuclear capabilities and ties to terrorist groups present an especially dangerous combination that the United States cannot afford to overlook. It is the world’s fastest-growing nuclear state—with an estimated 170 nuclear weapons. Its military and intelligence service […]

As the media ponders how Israel will respond to Iranian missile attack, many remain awestruck by the September 17, 2024, Israeli pager attack and subsequent walkie-talkie detonations that killed or injured Lebanon-based Hezbollah fighters. While the legality of such an attack is debatable, some are considering this a next step in using technology in warfare. […]

In this conversation, Christopher Stone and Ilan Berman discuss the potential of Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, to promote informational freedom in regions under authoritarian control. Berman emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology for humanitarian efforts and the empowerment of dissidents, particularly in countries like Iran. The discussion also touches on China’s response […]

All eyes are on Hezbollah as the Israel-Palestinian conflict threatens the stability of Lebanon. Undoubtedly, war with the Iranian-backed militant group will cause widespread damage and destruction. Still, as the world watches the Middle East with bated breath, the influence of Hezbollah in Latin America continues to grow largely unchecked. Allowing terrorist organizations to operate […]

Adam, Curtis, and Jim are joined by Jonathan Cefalu, the founder of Preamble. Mr. Cefalu shares insights on enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) trust, specifically in nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) systems. See his recently published article here.

Standoff warfare has emerged as a pivotal approach in modern warfare. By keeping forces beyond the reach of adversaries and utilizing long-range offensive capabilities, nations aim to maintain a tactical advantage while minimizing risk to personnel and equipment. This article delves into the pros and cons of standoff warfare and examines its potential as a […]

As the war in Ukraine rages on, more than two years since it began, many observers are trying to determine who is winning and who will win in the end. There is no easy answer as analysists have differing criteria upon which they base their assessments. This leaves ample room for further assessment. Russia’s Strategic […]

In this episode, Curtis and Jim discuss the National Nuclear Security Administration’s recent achievement of producing the first plutonium pit in 35 years. They delve into the complex process of their production, the challenges faced in ramping up production to meet future demands, and speculations regarding a recent seismic event in Iran.

In September 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled a significant shift in Russia’s nuclear posture. He indicated that any conventional attack on Russian soil, particularly with the backing of a nuclear power like the United States or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), could be treated as justification for a nuclear response. These efforts at […]

Policymakers in the West often fail to take a holistic view of security. China and Russia are doing just that as they prosecute warfare below the threshold of overt conventional fighting. This allows China and Russia to actively degrade the security of the United States and the European members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization […]

As the 2024 presidential election looms, the future of American national security policy, particularly its nuclear posture, is under scrutiny. Whether Donald Trump reclaims the White House or Vice President Kamala Harris steps into the Oval Office, one issue should remain constant: the United States must unambiguously reject a nuclear no-first-use policy. Regardless of the […]

The Space Defense and Security Summit​, that took place in parallel to the September 2024 World Space Business Week conference in Paris, announced positive developments for European space defense. France has the second largest defense export industry in the world and is the fourth-largest military space spender—albeit far behind the US, China, and Russia. The country, emphasizing […]

The complex landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly relevant across all fields and nations. Since AI affects every state, its benefits and drawbacks must be addressed collectively. The recent passage of the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence by the Council of Europe marks a significant turning point in the quest for effective and long-lasting […]

Afghanistan, under Taliban control, is a powder keg ready to erupt with consequences that will ripple throughout the region and the world. The driving forces of this impending disaster are deeply rooted in the Taliban’s ideological, strategic, and operational maneuvers, which intensified after the American exit. The brainwashing of youths, monopoly over illicit drug production, […]

The United States is by far the largest contributor to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operations. According to NATO estimates published in June 2024, the United States will spend $967.7 billion on defense in 2024, roughly 10 times as much as Germany, the second-largest spending country, with $97.7 billion. Total NATO military expenditures for 2024 are estimated at $1.474.4 […]

America waged a Cold War against a nuclear-armed Marxist-Leninist state for four decades. The US government took a number of civil defense measures to protect the American people. These included: the Eisenhower interstate system, duck and cover drills, public fallout shelters, and periodic tests of the Emergency Broadcasting System. Then, as now, these measures caused […]

On a 2015 official visit to the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) National University of Defense Technology in Changsha, China, I (Adam) was talking with a senior PLA colonel about Chinese and American views on nuclear deterrence. The colonel, who knew I specialized in China’s nuclear weapons program, also knew that I was in charge of […]

The United States’ and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) continued support for Ukraine’s valiant fight to repel a Russian invasion may, ultimately, depending on the state of the conflict, lead Russia to employ one or a small number of low-yield tactical nuclear weapons. A conflict between the United States and China, over Taiwan, could […]

The presidential campaign is heading into its climactic final months. Pundits and politicians are inevitably drawing analogies between present and past events in domestic politics and foreign policy. This year, outbreaks of antisemitism across American college campuses, including at the most elite private colleges and universities, remind commentators of the turbulent year 1968. That year […]

Imagine a scene. It is the Indian military command center on the night of May 28, 2028. A high-ranking Indian military officer sends a message to a subordinate commander; Pakistan has initiated a preemptive strike. Prepare for a retaliatory strike. This is not a drill. Missile flight time between both India and Pakistan is a […]

At the annual convention of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), former President Donald Trump made headlines by stating his support for NGAUS’ position on a Space National Guard. He said there should be one and that it should be the “primary combat reserve of the US Space Force.” While this is […]

In March 2024, India conducted a test of its multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) capability by placing miniaturized warheads onto its Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which has a range of over 7,000 kilometers. MIRVs were initially developed to enhance nuclear deterrence capabilities by allowing a single ballistic missile to carry multiple warheads, but […]

As the November presidential election approaches, the prospect of a second Donald Trump presidency raises important questions about the future of American nuclear deterrence. Trump’s first term was marked by a significant focus on nuclear weapons modernization and a distinct approach to nuclear deterrence that contrasted sharply with his predecessor. Understanding what nuclear deterrence could […]

Hostile states actors are knocking on every closed door in Europe in an effort to disrupt normal management of societies and their governments. State institutions, including intelligence agencies, cybersecurity organizations, and policing agencies are exhausted in their efforts at pushing back against non-native and unknown forces. Those European intelligence agencies tasked with countering malicious cyber […]

To date, both presidential campaigns have mostly evaded any serious discussion of the real issues challenging the United States. When they have discussed them, they have interspersed potentially serious ideas with dismaying, if not shocking, examples of economic illiteracy. Vice President Kamala Harris certainly grasps the fact that voters respond to promise that their cost […]

Nordic countries formed the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO) as a cooperative security effort. Among several defense coordination initiatives, one is related to European airspace when faced with threats from Russia. A sub-regional grouping of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden signed a Declaration of Cooperation on Cross-Border Airspace. This declaration ensures that all North Atlantic […]

This article, “The Evolving Context for Deterrence” by Prof. Stephen J. Cimbala and Dr. Adam Lowther was published in the Joint Airpower Competency Center journal, viewpoints edition 38.  Its main discussion centers on how NATO faces significant and evolving challenges in maintaining effective deterrence in the face of modern geopolitical and technological developments. The authors […]

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said about the Arctic Circle, “It has been absolutely clear for everyone for a long time that this is our territory.” He added, “This is our land and our waters.” Russia acts on those assertions today as rising sea temperatures strengthen its de facto economic and military control over the […]

Joe Cirincione is a prolific commentator on nuclear issues with a long track record of advocating for nuclear arms reductions and disarmament. His publications play an important role in shaping the thinking of Americans. However, his recent article in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientist, “Trump has a Strategic Plan for the Country: Gearing up […]

As Americans weigh their vote for president in November’s election, the implications of a Kamala Harris presidency for nuclear deterrence and foreign policy warrant careful consideration. Harris, with seven years of foreign policy experience as a vice president and senator, promises both continuity and evolution in America’s approach to nuclear deterrence. Her leadership might balance […]

With the recent anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, it is time to reflect on the role of nuclear weapons in national security. These weapons are far more than bigger bombs. As one eyewitness in Hiroshima described it, “surroundings turned blindingly white, like a million camera flashes going off at once.” The […]

Following European Parliament elections in June, French president, Emanuel Macron, abruptly dissolved his own parliament and held elections that left him without a majority. In the United Kingdom (UK), Keir Starmer’s Labour Party won a majority in parliament, making Starmer the first Labour prime minister in 14 years. Former German Defense Minister, Ursula von der […]

In an era marked by complex security challenges, the traditional notions of deterrence are being tested in new ways. Adversaries such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, lacking the conventional capability for direct confrontation, are increasingly turning to subtle grey zone tactics to undermine American deterrence. Central to their strategy is the manipulation of […]

Strategic stability as it was once known is on life support. For those unfamiliar with the concept, strategic stability is a condition of strategic power balance that enables deterrence to function more effectively. The obvious goal of deterrence is conflict prevention and the attendant risks of regional and global nuclear escalation. For over 75 years […]

At the occasion of the July 2024 Saint Petersburg Marine National Celebration—Russia’s Grand Naval Day Parade—Russian president Vladimir Putin expressed concerns over the US and Germany’s plans to deploy American intermediate-range missile systems on German territory. Putin warned that Russia would no longer be bound by its unilateral moratorium on deploying medium- and short-range strike […]

The Russian presence in Africa significantly expanded in recent years, especially following the restructuring of the Wagner Group, now renamed Africa Corps. The coups that took place in several African nations over the past two years welcomed the Russian presence. In the previous article, we presented an overview of such developments. Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death in […]

Almost eight decades ago today, on August 6, 1945, the world entered the nuclear era when an American B-29 Superfortress bomber dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The first use of an atomic weapon set into motion the events that led to Japan’s surrender—without the large loss of American life. The […]

Campaign rhetoric aside, the next president and America’s allies around the globe already face a multi-lateral nuclear alliance directed against them. Worse yet, that alliance is on track to become stronger and with a larger collective nuclear arsenal. This autocratic alliance includes China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Its members are already acting globally, and […]

Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) involves collecting, analyzing, and utilizing information from publicly available sources to inform decision-making within the intelligence community. It provides critical insights without the need for clandestine operations, making it a cost-effective and legally compliant method of gathering intelligence. The recent surge in OSINT intake is driven by the exponential growth of digital […]

The American Enterprise Institute’s (AEI) new report, Building an Enduring Advantage in the Third Space Age, is a well-written report, authored by the well-known and respected Todd Harrison. Found in its pages are several assessments and recommendations on areas such as space launch rates and commercial expansion of the overall satellite constellation, as well as […]

A concerning trend in Africa is developing. Political instability is increasing. This trend is reflected in military coups that occurred in African countries between 2020 and 2024. For example, Presidential Guard Commander, General Abdourahamane Tiani, led a coup in July 2023 to overthrow Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum. Two coups transpired in Burkina Faso within the […]

In the evolving strategic environment, where adversaries like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia are expanding their nuclear capabilities, the United States must alter its nuclear strategy to match the increased threat facing the nation. The pages that follow propose a strategy of “dynamic parity” as a solution for maintaining balance and protecting the American […]

The West is behind in rebuilding the infrastructure needed to meet the emerging threats posed by China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. The re-emergence of great-power competition requires an intense effort to rebuild atrophied capabilities. The Strategic Posture Review made the case for urgent investment in modernized strategic forces including a less vulnerable road-mobile Sentinel […]

Andrew Erickson and Joel Wuthnow’s article, “Why Islands Still Matter in Asia,” discusses the views of Major General Karl Ernst Haushofer, Germany’s military attaché to Japan from 1908 to 1910. They write that he regarded the “offshore island arcs of the Indo-Pacific realm as important geopolitical features providing a useful protective veil sheltering continental powers […]

America’s Cold Warrior is a biography of Paul Nitze’s professional life. For those not deeply steeped in this man’s career, he was a “stalwart of the arms control community” and continuously involved in US foreign policy from the beginning of the Cold War until his death in 2004—beginning with the Truman administration and ending five […]

When Americans think of aircraft carriers, they think of projection of force across the seas, particularly in regions where the United States does not have access to airfields. Many consider having them the mark of a superpower. There is some debate, however, as to their continued utility in modern times. They are costly to build, […]

China’s foreign ministry continues to call for the creation and ratification of a no first use treaty for the world’s nuclear weapons states. However, American officials rightfully question the motives of this push as intelligence estimates point to the exponential growth of the Chinese arsenal. The changing features of China’s strategic forces show a nation […]

The US Space Force, if judged by inflation-adjusted funding in the fiscal year (FY) 2024 and 2025 budgets, is showing signs of decline. The Biden administration’s FY 2025 request of $29.6 billion, makes up about 3.5 percent of the Department of Defense’s total budget request. Oddly, the FY 2025 request is the first in which […]

The four years from 2025 promise to be a very difficult time for nuclear deterrence if the trends of the past decade and one-half since the completion of the New START treaty continue. As emphasized by the Nuclear Posture Review at the time, growing cooperation on nuclear matters between the US, China and Russia was […]

This book is not a stale history of an insignificant person. It is a well written, fascinating story centered around a very influential man. It just happens that the man’s name is unknown to most, even if his acts are not. Paul Nitze is a real-life Forrest Gump, albeit a very serious and more reliable […]

With the advent of American efforts to revitalize the nation’s nuclear arsenal, it seems appropriate to review the challenges of the first and most ambitious nuclear weapons program, the Manhattan Project. Current modernization efforts include new intercontinental ballistic missiles, nuclear bombers, ballistic missile submarines, nuclear warheads, and nuclear production facilities. Comparing and contrasting these programs […]

Following the Cold War, there was much intellectual confusion concerning nuclear weapons, nuclear strategy, and why nuclear weapons exist. After the end of the Cold War, people around the world thought that it was the end of great-power competition; there would be no more threat of major conventional or nuclear war between great powers. The […]

American history is imbued with a long-standing skepticism of intervention and long-term commitments that began with George Washington’s farewell address. While there is wisdom in this view, it is even worse to have an inconsistent and dysfunctional relationship with other nations. It is unfortunate but true that the United States has abandoned allies over the […]

ICBM EAR The latest ICBM EAR Report provides updates from USAF Global Strike command ’s on the ICBM Bomber Nuclear Programs, senior officials quotes, Hill developments and international strategic developments. A must read for all National Security professionals. Summary: The US Congress and Administration are now grappling with how to improve US deterrence in the […]

On February 22, 2024, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York updated its list of labor outcomes by major for college graduates. Surprisingly, the data revealed that aerospace engineering is the fourth most unemployed college major, beaten only by fine arts, liberal arts, and art history. Conventional thinking argues that engineering jobs are some of […]