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National Security

Nuclear Weapons: Big Business, Bad Policy

The recent meeting between President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin offered a glimmer of hope in the form of a joint statement that “a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.”  If they are serious about that, they should make substantial reductions in the nuclear arsenals of both sides as a step towards joining the international consensus in favor of eliminating nuclear weapons.

The Dawn of the New Israel Lobby?

The new government in Israel has not yet indicated what, if anything, it will do differently when it comes to Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, but it has announced a fundamental shift when it comes to another contentious foreign policy issue that could ultimately influence Palestinian relations: its approach to influence in the U.S.

Rethinking Defense: Reducing Pentagon Spending While Increasing Security

The Biden administration’s first Pentagon budget proposal is now slated to come out in early May.  Rather than sticking with current levels of spending, the administration should craft a plan that reduces the Pentagon budget while freeing up funds for investment in other security priorities. Doing so would mark an important first step towards revising America’s approach to security and allocating resources accordingly.

Why is the U.S. Still Building ICBMs?

Although Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) are often touted as an essential part of the United States’ nuclear deterrence apparatus, they don’t actually make us safer.

Trump’s Other Legacy: Making Foreign Influence Great Again

This week, the Senate will begin the impeachment trial of Donald Trump for a historic second time. Regardless of the outcome of the trial that will center around Trump’s role in stoking the violent mob of his supporters that assaulted the U.S. Capitol, this will undoubtedly become a central part

Demilitarizing Our Democracy

These days, it’s completely normal for military and defense officials to weigh in endlessly on what once would have been civilian matters. As the Biden years begin, it’s time to give some serious thought to how to demilitarize our democracy.

Dr. King’s Prophecy and the Fierce Urgency of Now

This week marks the 92nd anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and 53 years since his assassination.  His radical vision is more relevant today than ever. 

President-elect Joe Biden speaks as Vice President during a welcoming and swearing in ceremony for Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel at the Pentagon, March 14, 2013. (U.S. Department of Defense photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley/Released. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Will the Biden Administration Dare Cut Military Spending?

Now that Joe Biden is slated to take office as the 46th president of the United States, advice on how he should address a wide range of daunting problems is flooding in. Nowhere is there more at stake than when it comes to how he handles this country’s highly militarized foreign policy in general and Pentagon spending in particular.

American flag photo courtesy of Cavell L. Blood via Free Images.

Beware the Return to U.S. Global Leadership

Following a disastrous four years of Trump’s “America First” policy, President-elect Biden’s pledge to restore American power and prestige in the world offers a sense of comfort and relief to many.