Covid-19 Response Update: January 8-January 15
A roundup of the developments in the military’s response to Covid-19 from January 8-January 15 by the CSIS International Security Program.
Archive
Surveillance, Situational Awareness, and Warning at the Conventional-Strategic Interface
The expansion of dual-capable delivery systems and the diversification of strategic forms of warfare to include cyber, space, and advanced high precision conventional strike capabilities have sharply eroded structural conventional-nuclear firebreaks.
Statement from the Editors on the Attack on the Capitol of January 6, 2021
Like other Americans, we were appalled by the seditious attack on the Capitol last Wednesday. We watched as the mob’s disregard for the Constitution and democracy threatened the safety of elected government servants, congressional staff, and law enforcement officers. At least five people have died as a consequence of these actions. But the sickening element…
Covid-19 Response Update: December 18-January 8
A roundup of the developments in the military’s response to Covid-19 from December 18-January 8 by the CSIS International Security Program.
U.S. Military Forces in FY 2021: Space, SOF, Civilians, and Contractors
Military forces include not just traditional services, but also the newly created Space Force, special operations forces, civilians, and contractors. In his final paper in a series on U.S. forces, Mark Cancian analyzes recent changes to these national security elements.
Covid-19 Response Update: December 11-December 18
A roundup of the developments in the military’s response to Covid-19 from December 11-December 18 by the CSIS International Security Program.
Bad Idea: Dismissing Russia as a Declining Power in U.S. Strategy
Russia has been dismissed as a declining by some policymakers and analysts who prefer to focus on competition with China. Yet Russia remains one of the most assertive and powerful states in the international system and ignoring the threat it poses is a strategic error.
Bad Idea: Considering the Debt a Threat to National Security
Austerity hawks who focus overly much on the size of the national debt as an indicator of national security strength are missing the bigger picture. Expected interest rate hikes haven’t materialized, and instead the U.S. is missing opportunities for long-term investment.
Bad Idea: Eliminating, Rather Than Reforming, Overseas Contingency Operations Funding
Nothing in D.C. has the ability to unite political adversaries like a mutual hatred of the Pentagon’s OCO funding. But eliminating OCO — instead of reforming it — could further imperil the greater transparency and accountability that its detractors seek.
Left of Launch: Artificial Intelligence at the Nuclear Nexus
Artificial intelligence may be used in ways that do not directly involve or are not immediately recognizable to senior decisionmakers. These areas of AI application are far left of an operational decision or decision to launch and include four priority sectors: (1) security and defense; (2) intelligence activities and indications and warning; (3) modeling and simulation, optimization, and data analytics; and (4) logistics and maintenance.