Read featured commentary from CSIS experts on the latest developments in defense and national security.
In an environment where budgetary concerns are high, it is normal to consider cost-saving operations. However, this piece explains why it is a bad idea to combine multiple defense acquisition programs with unproven technologies into one program as an attempt to cut cost in defense acquisition.
Intentions are well, but the formation of national unity governments in conflict-ridden states is a cookie cutter idea the U.S. should reconsider using.
The strategy of ‘deal-making’ is a hallmark of the political approach employed by the Trump administration and some in Congress. But a deal-making approach is a simple-minded strategy for public policy that disregards crucial implications and complexities that are inherent in politics, that can have negative implications for national security interests.
There is no doubt that a war with North Korea is a bad idea. In this piece, John Schaus highlights the cost attributed to starting a pre-emptive strike against North Korea and emphasizes the importance of persistent and patient diplomatic efforts.
While the use of drones in West Africa is an operational tool, Alice Hunt Friend contends that they will make the U.S. counterterrorism efforts harder to acquire.
Emphasis on accountability, although valuable and necessary, can impede the defense acquisition process rather than alleviate problems. Acquisition reform must look beyond placing blame and create an environment that values collaboration and risk-taking as it seeks to improve the challenges in the acquisition process.
There have been several budget reform proposals for cutting cost in the Defense Department. All of which pose their own challenges. Mark Cancian outlines a few of the proposals and forewarns that it is a bad idea, to think any cost saving options will be easy.
The Navy budget is due to increase as they seek to achieve a 355 ship Navy. However, it is unwise to counterbalance those cost by reactivating the decommissioned Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates. Authors John Cole and Thomas Ulmer address the challenges and explain why the long-term cost outweigh the short-term savings.
The United States has upheld a moratorium on nuclear testing since 1992, but numerous voices have emerged in recent years to urge a resumption of nuclear tests. William Caplan argues the U.S. should not forfeit its nonproliferation credibility and risk starting a string of nuclear tests that threatens the nuclear order.
Perpetuating the debate over capabilities-based planning versus threat-based planning can only inhibit informed discussion of force planning and needs analysis, writes Kathleen Hicks.