China in the Grey Zone
Although China is not the only actor using grey zone approaches to seek geopolitical advantage, the long-term consequences of its efforts may be the most disconcerting for the continuation of a liberal global order.
Content Type: Analysis
Read the most recent analysis from CSIS experts on defense-related issues.
Masterpiece Theater: Missed Opportunities for Missile Defense in the 2020 Budget
The proposed FY 2020 budget for missile defense lacks the programmatic and budgetary muscle movements to contribute meaningfully to overall U.S. deterrence and defense goals.
2020 Budget: One Half Step Towards A Great Power Strategy
There is no question that Pentagon’s 2020 budget takes significant steps to move the department from a focus on regional conflicts and counter-insurgency to a focus on great power conflicts. But the four services clearly are struggling with this balance.
Five Risks to Watch in 2019: Q2 Update
I warned in a 2019 year-ahead look at risks that uncertainty would rule. Let me double down on that bet.
The New Zealand Attack and the Global Challenge of Far-Right Extremism
The March 15 terrorist attack against two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, is symptomatic of a rising trend in right-wing extremism. Far-right attacks across the globe have increased because of immigration fears, far-right utilization of social media, and the inter-connectedness of extremist networks around the globe.
Penny Wise and Pound Foolish: The Navy’s Carrier Construction Strategy
The Navy had several viable approaches for adapting its carrier force to the new defense strategy. Instead, it opted to avoid a decision and will waste billions of dollars as a result. Funds for shipbuilding are too scarce to waste. It’s time to make a decision about carriers.
DOD and Border Security—At What Price?
The Trump administration recently released its FY 2020 budget. In it, the administration proposes to continue DOD’s role in border security, a role that includes both construction and troop deployments.
Spaceports of the World
This report analyzes ground-based space launches from 1957 to 2018, including brief histories of all active and inactive orbital spaceports, 10 year launch records for the 22 spaceports still in use today, and the current status of several proposals to create new facilities capable of supporting orbital space launches.
The Change We Need: Making Defense More Future Proof through Adaptable Systems
We must ensure that we adapt the acquisition system to deliver the systems we need, rather than simply optimize it to deliver the wrong systems more quickly or more cheaply.
War by Proxy: Iran’s Growing Footprint in the Middle East
There is growing Iranian activism in the Middle East despite U.S. and allied efforts to weaken Iran’s economy and politically isolate Tehran. Nevertheless, Iran has weaknesses and vulnerabilities that can be exploited by the United States and its partners.