Read featured commentary from CSIS experts on the latest developments in defense and national security.
Congress wants to end U.S. military’s dependence on a Russian-made rocket engine. But, what’s the rush? Before hastily cutting off the engines we need, Congress should ensure there is a viable alternative available.
In the format of question and answer, Marc Cancian reviews the May 12 Senate Armed Services Committee proposal for reform of organizations and processes in the national security enterprise.
As a candidate, Clinton has indicated that she will be conventionally strong on defense. Positioned to the right of Bernie Sanders and to the left of Republicans, Clinton is well informed and proposing a tougher stance on foreign policy. This article takes a further look at Clinton’s defense policy and how it differs from President Obama’s policies.
The Packard Commission reform transformed the acquisition side of the Department of Defense. However, it also decapitated the innovation ecosystem. If we are to restore the culture of innovation the Packard Commission will need be addressed.
The United States has never grappled with the degree of civil-military dysfunction that many other nations have faced. The threat of a military coup has never been a significant concern. Yet civil-military friction is intrinsic in the compromise between the nation’s republican nature, which insists on civilian control and military subordination, and the existence of a standing federal military force.
This reflection examines the relationship between Special Forces and general forces. Special Forces operate quickly and with great secrecy. Unlike general forces, the element of secrecy keeps Special Forces out of public debate. Recognizing the strength of Special Forces, how should we wage war with transparency?
Although addressed in the Goldwater-Nichols Act, the question of how much power the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is reemerging. Now in a fiercely partisan environment, Congress should take caution as they reconsider the question.
Goldwater-Nichols legislation of 1986 was a major reform of the Department of Defense. Now thirty years later there are rumblings to identifying more changes for another reform proposal. This article looks at some key issues and proposes some initial next steps Congress should consider.
Even though there is almost no data to crunch from the Trump campaign, it’s time to examine what a Trump defense program might look like because he appears to be the presumptive Republican nominee. As one might expect, Trump has broken all the policy conventions in describing a defense program in the same way he has broken all the political rules to achieve his primary victories so far. He is causing huge discomfort in the Republican national security community.
The perceived need for reform is in the interagency coordination process has increased over the years. Yet, the way forward is complicated by a constitutional fault line. This piece assesses challenges in the interagency process, the national security staff, and a possible way forward for improvement.