Military strategy

Russia’s provocations in the Kerch Strait aren’t just a challenge to Ukraine. Like Beijing in the South China Sea, Moscow is seeking to undermine international maritime law.

A recent article argues that the lack of legal norms invites cyberconflict. But governments know the price of overreach and are refraining from unleashing their full capabilities.

Joint military exercises have kept the relationship strong despite Trump, but that could soon change.

When the president eventually exits the White House, the rest of us will quickly have to make sense of the world he's left behind.

Misperceptions of Tehran’s true intentions could lead to disaster.

It’s not leadership or combat culture driving pilots out of the service.

A new summary of the country’s troubles by a special inspector general doesn’t paint an optimistic picture.

I was the first to write about Russia’s infamous high-tech military strategy. One small problem: it doesn't exist.

The Pentagon always complains for more money – and politicians always eventually give in.

The Trump administration’s Nuclear Posture Review answers questions nobody should be asking.

The historical analogy is wrong — whichever way you look at it.

After eight years at Foreign Policy, here are the ten most popular Best Defense posts

After eight years at Foreign Policy, here are the ten most popular Best Defense posts.

There are multiple ways to describe retired Lt. Cols. David Bolgiano and John Taylor’s article in the December issue of Proceedings.

The recent Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on nuclear weapons introduced some unsettling possibilities.

The West needs a strong, committed, engaged White House to hedge against China’s inexorable rise.

The only way to stand down from a nuclear confrontation is to reassure Kim Jong Un that the United States won’t — and can’t — invade.

While some arguments for the decline of the state are insightful and important, none of them have stuck.

Policymakers must articulate the “why” informing a strategy and periodically revaluate whether it is achievable and what ought to come next.

The U.S. military’s way of operating in Afghanistan is a recipe for failure.