COVID-19 Response Update: March 16-27
A roundup of the developments in the military’s response to COVID-19 from March 16-27 by the CSIS International Security Program.
Content Type: Analysis
Read the most recent analysis from CSIS experts on defense-related issues.
Ahead of the Game: Coronavirus
CSIS experts Sam Brannen and Rebecca Hersman explain how their prescient simulation of an infectious disease outbreak involving a type of coronavirus predicted a scenario chillingly similar to today’s COVID-19 pandemic.
Securing U.S. Access to Rare Earth Elements
Control over the production of critical minerals necessary for defense manufacturing processes is a new feature of the escalating tensions between the United States and China. This report explores the state of the supply chain for rare earth elements, a type of critical mineral, the near-monopoly that China holds over it, and potential options for the United States to secure access to those minerals.
COVID-19 is Attacking Our Defense Supply Chains and Our Nation’s Security
The damage happening today in the aviation sector is highly likely to spill over into the defense industrial base through defense supply chains. Recognizing and addressing this reality is essential to avoid profound long-term damage to national security.
Bombshell Podcast – This is Fine
Kathleen Hicks joins Loren, Radha, and Erin for an all-COVID-19 episode, starting with potential contributions by DoD to addressing this crisis. They explore different angles of the global pandemic, including how it’s impacting other ongoing international events, the economy, and domestic politics.
COVID-19 Response: Pentagon Gets A Real $8.3B Slush Fund
Mark Cancian analyzes the Pentagon’s share of a $45.8 billion government-wide funding package to help it cope with the disruptions of sickness and quarantine from the COVID-19 virus.
Regaining Lost Ground: Defense Support in the Coronavirus Pandemic
Even with its late start, the Defense Department can provide valuable support to whole of nation coronavirus response efforts, write Kathleen Hicks and Joseph Federici.
Sino-Russian Military-Technical Cooperation: A Primer
China and Russia have prioritized strengthening their bilateral defense relationship in recent years. This report examines a key aspect of Sino-Russian defense ties, military-technical cooperation (MTC), and offers recommendations for U.S. policymakers.
Use of Military Forces in the COVID-19 Emergency
With COVID-19 sweeping across the United States, CSIS’s Mark Cancian discusses what the U.S. military can, and cannot, do as part of the response.
The Great Unwinding: The U.S.-Turkey Arms Sales Dispute
March marks a critical month for U.S.-Turkish relations, chiefly on the topic of Ankara’s recent acquisition of the S-400 from Russia. Asya Akca and Greg Sanders answers the critical questions surrounding the issue.