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adversaries

Reciprocity in Deterrence, Not Just Trade

Reciprocity in Deterrence, Not Just Trade

Published: April 2, 2026 On December 23, 2025, the Pentagon released its annual 2025 China Military Power Report to Congress—a reminder that America is still trying to deter tomorrow with…
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Deterrence on Layaway: A Shutdown’s Quiet Assault on American Security

Deterrence on Layaway: A Shutdown’s Quiet Assault on American Security

Published: March 30, 2026 A nation does not need to lose a battle to look weak. Sometimes it only needs to miss a paycheck. Washington often treats budget shutdowns as…
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Mutually Assured Destruction

Mutually Assured Destruction

Mutually assured destruction or MAD is not an American doctrine or military strategy. Those who believe MAD is how America deters nuclear-armed adversaries assume that any use of nuclear weapons by the United States…
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The Quiet Dismantling of America’s AI Warfighting Edge

The Quiet Dismantling of America’s AI Warfighting Edge

Amid the global artificial intelligence (AI) arms race, elite adversaries such as China and Russia are actively strengthening their military tech structures without any barriers from their government. They are…
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America’s Silent Shield: How Domestic Strength Sustains Nuclear Power

America’s Silent Shield: How Domestic Strength Sustains Nuclear Power

When Americans picture national security, they conjure images of hypersonic missiles, stealth bombers, and aircraft carriers patrolling global hotspots. They measure strength in megatons and defense budgets. Yet, the most…
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ICBM EAR Report 13 Jan 2025

ICBM EAR Report 13 Jan 2025

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…
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Modern Escalation Dominance Is Essential to Effective Deterrence and Assurance

Modern Escalation Dominance Is Essential to Effective Deterrence and Assurance

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…
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Maintaining America’s First-Use Policy

Maintaining America’s First-Use Policy

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…
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What Nuclear Deterrence Might Look Like Under a Second Trump Presidency

What Nuclear Deterrence Might Look Like Under a Second Trump Presidency

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…
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