Russia in the Gray Zone
A significant number of Russia’s tactics fall in the space between routine statecraft and direct and open warfare, a space sometimes referred to as the gray zone.
Content Type: Analysis
Read the most recent analysis from CSIS experts on defense-related issues.
Coup-Proofing? Making Sense of Turkey’s S-400 Decision
On July 12, Turkey received the first elements of the S-400, a fourth-generation surface-to-air Russian missile system. Few recent weapon sales have been as geopolitically charged as this one. U.S. officials have threatened both military and economic sanctions should Turkey acquire the Russian system.
The Kremlin’s Disinformation Campaign Against the US Justice System
As part of its broad campaign against democracy, Russia’s information operations are targeting public faith and confidence in the independence and impartiality of our justice system.
To CR Or Not To CR – How Bad Would A Full Year CR Be?
The clock is ticking, and the Senate, where floor time is always at a premium, has only 35 days in session after July 4th before fiscal 2020 begins (August is mostly recess, unless the Senate decides to enjoy the swelter of a Washington summer).
Tell Me How This Ends: Military Advice, Strategic Goals, and the “Forever War” in Afghanistan
After 18 years of military involvement, the United States is still in Afghanistan. This report addresses the factors that allowed U.S. engagement to grow so drastically, makes recommendations on future action, and explores lessons to learn from for future engagements.
Tell Me How This Ends: Military Advice, Strategic Goals, and the “Forever War” in Afghanistan
When the United States invaded Afghanistan after the attacks on September 11, 2001, and
overthrew the Taliban regime, senior military officers were not predicting that the United
States would remain militarily involved 18 years later.
By Other Means – Part I: Campaigning in the Gray Zone
With the significant costs of engaging the U.S. in combat and a growing range of non-military tools at their disposal, rivals threaten U.S. interests by operating in the “gray zone.” The U.S must employ a broad spectrum of tools and concepts to deter and compete in the gray zone.
Agencies Must Learn How to Unleash the Potential of AI
Unless the federal government figures out how to deploy artificial intelligence effectively, its workforce and its mission will be left behind.
Space Force or Space Corps? Competing Visions for a New Military Service
In 2018, President Trump requested the creation of the U.S. Space Force. Since then three competing visions for its structure have been crafted: one from the Department of Defense and two from the U.S. House and Senate. This brief compares these three legislative proposals to create a new military service for space.
How the U.S. Could Respond After Iran Shoots Down A $240 Million U.S. Drone
Tensions continue to escalate in the Persian Gulf as the Iranians down one U.S. drone, shoot at another and, likely, sponsor attacks on tankers and a Saudi airport.