The Soviet Experience in Afghanistan: Getting History Right
President Donald Trump claimed during a cabinet meeting that the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan because of terrorism. This is wrong, but it raises the question of why Moscow did invade.
Content Type: Analysis
Read the most recent analysis from CSIS experts on defense-related issues.
Election Security Isn’t as Bad as People Think
When it comes to election security, it’s easy to play into the fear, uncertainty, and doubt. But for all the talk around election security, the problem isn’t as bad as many people think — and it is getting better.
Don’t Worry, Defense Industry: Boeing Has Not Taken Over The Pentagon
With Deputy Secretary Patrick Shanahan now the acting Secretary of Defense, there has been some hyperventilating about whether Boeing has the inside track in the Pentagon. Industry can relax.
This is the one norm Trump didn’t break when he pulled troops out of Syria
Over the holidays, President Trump lashed out at outgoing Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. What to make of this public dust-up?
How Much Will the Space Force Cost?
The proposed creation of a new military service for space, known as the Space Force, is likely to be a hotly debated issue in the FY 2020 legislative cycle. This brief provides rough estimates for the number of military and civilian personnel, the number and locations of bases, the budget lines that would transfer to the new organization, and the additional personnel and headquarters organization that would be needed for the new military service.
U.S. Military Forces in FY 2019: The Buildup and Its Limits
Mark Cancian examines the changes in the FY 2019 budget for each of the military services, DOD civilians, and contractors, how the budget shapes the forces, and the challenges ahead for building and maintaining the forces needed to implement the administration’s stated strategy.
Defense Buildup: Where Are the Forces?
The Trump administration increased spending for defense by $95 billion between FY 2016 and FY 2019, but even with such a large increase, there was no escaping the trade-off among readiness, modernization, and force structure. Readiness came first so that forces could meet a minimum standard. The next priority was to increase modernization by expanding…
The Year of the Industrial Base
The industrial base review coupled with policy and strategy documents gives DoD and its inter-agency network a great deal of homework for the upcoming year. While it is clear that the Department will be rigorously working toward supporting and reinvigorating industries as well as deeply engaging with its partners and allies, it will have to overcome the challenge of the competing interests associated with these two core strategic goals.
Security Cooperation as a National Defense Strategy Tool
The 2018 National Defense Strategy elevated security cooperation in stressing the importance of “Strengthening alliances and attracting new partners.” This has typically been an area of strength for the United States in ensuring U.S. superiority in an era of strategic competition. However, countervailing priorities in the current U.S. administration challenge this formulation.
FY 2018 Endgame: Assessing the State of Defense
As we reach the endgame of 2018, it is hard to be sanguine about the state of defense. DoD leadership should be commended for pushing forward with daily business amid myriad distractions and obstacles as their approach has led to greater normalcy compared to counterparts at other agencies. Yet far-reaching changes are necessary to advance the defense agenda laid out by Secretary Mattis.