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Content Type: Opinion

Read featured commentary from CSIS experts on the latest developments in defense and national security.

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Opinion / Strategy

Bad Idea: Fearing Power Vacuums

Justifying ongoing U.S. military occupations by warning that China or Russia will stand to benefit from the ensuing power vacuum is illogical. There are a number of reasons to think that adversaries will struggle to gain meaningful influence following a U.S. withdrawal.

December 11, 2020 — Benjamin H. Friedman
Opinion / Forces, Strategy

Bad Idea: Disestablishing the Space Force

Despite criticism, the creation of the Space Force as an independent service was a timely, strategically-important decision. It would be a bad idea to roll it back into the Air Force.

December 11, 2020 — Joe Moye
Opinion / Strategy

Bad Idea: The Misguided Quest to Recreate USIA

Calls to revive the Cold War-era United States Information Agency (USIA) are rooted more in the lack of cohesive strategy for global public diplomacy than in any real suitability of the agency for the modern era. Instead, the government should deploy existing tools and resources to engage global publics and advance U.S. interests.

December 4, 2020 — Kristin Lord
Opinion / Strategy

Bad Idea: Prioritizing STEM Education at the Expense of Civic Education

Since the launch of Sputnik during the Cold War, the United States has prioritized STEM education in an effort to grow and maintain a competitive edge — often at the expense of civic education. However, U.S. national security also depends on Americans’ understanding of and commitment to our democratic institutions.

December 4, 2020 — Suzanne Spaulding, Devi Nair
Opinion / Acquisition, Budget

Bad Idea: Ignoring Congressional Oversight on Space Sensor Development

Congress and DoD both agree that the U.S. needs a space-based system of missile tracking sensors. But disagreement over which agency should oversee its development threatens to undercut the project.

December 4, 2020 — Wes Rumbaugh
Opinion / Reform

Submissions for the Represent Series

Please read the entirety of this statement to see if Represent would be a good fit for your work. If you have questions before submitting, please reach out to represent@csis.org.  About Represent There are many reasons to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in American national security. One of the reasons motivating us is that genius…

December 3, 2020 — Represent Editorial Board
Acting Defense Secretary briefs press
Opinion / Strategy

Bad Idea: Treating “The Pentagon” and “The White House” as if They Were People

Using “the Pentagon” or “the White House” as if they were actors in the political process risks misleading readers from what is going on.

December 1, 2020 — Mark Cancian
F-35 Hot load
Opinion / Acquisition, Budget, Forces

Bad Idea: Failing to Think on the Margins of the Defense Budget

Defense budgeting discussions frequently feature all-or-nothing thinking. But considering the marginal costs and benefits of additional spending can lead to better spending decisions.

December 1, 2020 — Justin Joffrion
Secretary of the Army Esper confirmation hearing for Secretary of Defense
Opinion / Acquisition, Reform

Bad Idea: Excluding Qualified Leaders from Pentagon Service Because of Defense Industry Experience

The Pentagon needs strong leadership. Qualified candidates should not be excluded for their defense industry ties — especially as history has shown these individuals lead with integrity and skill.

December 1, 2020 — Thomas Spoehr
DC Riot Police
Opinion / Reform

Bad Idea: Domestic Terrorist Organization Designations

Creating a new authority to designate domestic terrorist groups would be a mistake. There are, however, mechanisms under existing law that could be better utilized to combat domestic terror.

December 1, 2020 — Catrina Doxsee
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