Year: 2024

Keith B. Payne, “America First”:  Neither Cosmopolitan Nor Isolationist, No. 609, December 16, 2024

“America First”:  Neither Cosmopolitan Nor Isolationist Dr. Keith B. Payne Dr. Keith B. Payne is a co-founder of the National Institute for Public Policy, Professor Emeritus at the Graduate School of Defense and Strategic Studies, Missouri State University, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, and former Senior Advisor to the Office of the Secretary […]

Written by on December 15, 2024

Michael Hochberg and Marcus Gomez, AI is for Allies, No. 608, December 12, 2024

AI is for Allies Dr. Michael Hochberg Dr. Michael Hochberg earned his PhD in Applied Physics from Caltech; he is currently a visiting scholar at the Centre for Geopolitics at Cambridge University.  His writings on geopolitics can be found at longwalls.substack.com and his twitter is @TheHochberg. Marcus Gomez Marcus Gomez earned his BS in Computer […]

Written by on December 11, 2024

Jared M. McKinney, Coming Full Circle on Semiconductor Deterrence, No. 607, December 2, 2024

Coming Full Circle on Semiconductor Deterrence Dr. Jared M. McKinney Dr. Jared M. McKinney is an assistant professor of international security at Air War College. He is the coauthor, with Peter Harris, of “Broken Nest: Deterring China from Invading Taiwan,” in Parameters, Vol. 51 (2021). In November of 2021, as the world faced semiconductor shortages due […]

Written by on December 2, 2024

Mark B. Schneider, The Implications of the Air Force’s Suspension of the Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter—Symptomatic of a Crisis in Defense Spending, No. 606, November 12, 2024

The Implications of the Air Force’s Suspension of the Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter—Symptomatic of a Crisis in Defense Spending Dr. Mark B. Schneider Dr. Schneider is a Senior Analyst with the National Institute for Public Policy. Dr. Schneider previously served in DoD as Principal Director for Forces Policy, Principal Director for Strategic Defense, Space […]

Written by on November 11, 2024

Keith B. Payne and Michael Rühle, President-Elect Trump and Extended Nuclear Deterrence:  Whither Germany?, No. 605, November 6, 2024

President-Elect Trump and Extended Nuclear Deterrence:  Whither Germany? Dr. Keith B. Payne Dr. Keith B. Payne is a co-founder of the National Institute for Public Policy, Professor Emeritus at the Graduate School of Defense and Strategic Studies, Missouri State University, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, and former Senior Advisor to the Office of […]

Written by on November 6, 2024

Gary L. Geipel, Post-Truth and National Security: Background and Options for a New Administration, No. 604, October 28, 2024

Post-Truth and National Security: Background and Options for a New Administration Dr. Gary L. Geipel Dr. Gary L. Geipel is a Senior Associate at the National Institute for Public Policy, a professor of Defense and Strategic Studies at Missouri State University, and a communications consultant to industry and public affairs clients. Previously, he held diverse […]

Written by on October 28, 2024

Admiral Charles Richard, USN (Ret.) and Robert Peters, On Victory and the Search for a Status Quo Ante Bellum, No. 603, October 24, 2024

On Victory and the Search for a Status Quo Ante Bellum Admiral Charles Richard, USN (Ret.) ADM Charles Richard, USN (Ret.) is a former Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, and the University of Virginia Miller Center’s James R. Schlesinger Distinguished Professor. Robert Peters Robert Peters is the Nuclear Deterrence and Missile Defense Research Fellow at the […]

Written by on October 24, 2024

Michaela Dodge, U.S. Domestic Polarization and Allied Assurance, No. 602, October 21, 2024

U.S. Domestic Polarization and Allied Assurance Dr. Michaela Dodge Dr. Michaela Dodge is a Research Scholar at the National Institute for Public Policy. U.S. domestic polarization affects U.S. foreign policy by negatively shaping allies’ perceptions of Washington’s credibility, hence undermining the U.S. goal of assuring them and managing the alliance structure. While the impact of […]

Written by on October 20, 2024

Keith B. Payne and Mark B. Schneider, U.S. Nuclear Deterrence:  What Went Wrong and What Can Be Done?, No. 601, October 7, 2024

U.S. Nuclear Deterrence:  What Went Wrong and What Can Be Done? Dr. Keith B. Payne Dr. Keith B. Payne is a co-founder of the National Institute for Public Policy, Professor Emeritus at the Graduate School of Defense and Strategic Studies, Missouri State University, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and former Senior Advisor to […]

Written by on October 7, 2024

Admiral Charles Richard, USN (Ret.) and Robert Peters, Escalation: A Tool to Be Considered, Not Dismissed, No. 600, October 2, 2024

Escalation: A Tool to Be Considered, Not Dismissed Admiral Charles Richard, USN (Ret.) ADM Charles Richard, USN (ret.) is a former Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, and University of Virginia’s Miller Center’s James R. Schlesinger Distinguished Professor Robert Peters Robert Peters is the Nuclear Deterrence and Missile Defense Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation In recent […]

Written by on October 2, 2024

Mark B. Schneider, The Chinese Nuclear Threat, No. 599, September 26, 2024

The Chinese Nuclear Threat Mark B. Schneider Dr. Schneider is a Senior Analyst with the National Institute for Public Policy. Before his retirement from the Department of Defense Senior Executive Service, Dr. Schneider served as Principal Director for Forces Policy, Principal Director for Strategic Defense, Space and Verification Policy, Director for Strategic Arms Control Policy […]

Written by on September 26, 2024

Christopher J. Griffin, Cold War Lessons for Revitalizing Deterrence, No. 598, September 9, 2024

Cold War Lessons for Revitalizing Deterrence Christopher J. Griffin Christopher J. Griffin, senior program officer at the Smith Richardson Foundation; former executive director of the Foreign Policy Initiative and legislative director in the office of Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (ID-CT).  In the three years since Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin first described the Biden Administration’s […]

Written by on September 8, 2024

Chris Williams and Marc Berkowitz, National Security Decisions for the Next President, No. 597, August 19, 2024

National Security Decisions for the Next President Chris Williams Chris Williams previously held senior positions in the U.S. Congress and Department of Defense.  He also chaired the Defense Policy Board.  He currently serves as an advisor to various U.S. Government organizations, Chair of the Moorman Center for Space Studies at the National Security Space Association, […]

Written by on August 17, 2024

Kyle Balzer, “Knowing Your Enemy”:  James Schlesinger and the Origins of Competitive, Tailored Deterrence Strategies, No. 596, August 8, 2024

“Knowing Your Enemy”:  James Schlesinger and the Origins of Competitive, Tailored Deterrence Strategies Dr. Kyle Balzer Dr. Kyle Balzer is a Jeane Kirkpatrick Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. In the years ahead, the United States will confront an unprecedented geopolitical challenge that threatens its far-flung alliances and, more directly, the security of the American homeland. […]

Written by on August 7, 2024

Michaela Dodge, Addressing Challenges to Allied Assurance in an Emerging Tripolar Nuclear Environment, No. 595, August 1, 2024

Addressing Challenges to Allied Assurance in an Emerging Tripolar Nuclear Environment[1] Dr. Michaela Dodge Dr. Michaela Dodge is a Research Scholar at the National Institute for Public Policy. Introduction:  The International Context The context in which the United States is managing its alliance relations is unprecedented. Much has been written lately about the rapid deterioration […]

Written by on August 1, 2024

Keith B. Payne, Arms Control:  Past Practices Threaten Extended Deterrence Today, No. 594, July 16, 2024

Arms Control:  Past Practices Threaten Extended Deterrence Today Dr. Keith B. Payne Dr. Keith B. Payne is a co-founder of the National Institute for Public Policy, Professor Emeritus at the Graduate School of Defense and Strategic Studies, Missouri State University, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and former Senior Advisor to the Office of […]

Written by on July 16, 2024

Jacob Blank, U.S. Strategic Culture, Homeland Ballistic Missile Defense, and Mutual Vulnerability, No. 593, July 15, 2024

U.S. Strategic Culture, Homeland Ballistic Missile Defense, and Mutual Vulnerability Jacob Blank Jacob Blank is a graduate of the Defense and Strategic Studies master’s program at Missouri State University and currently works as a federal civilian for the United States Air Force.  All views expressed here are his own and do not necessarily reflect the […]

Written by on July 15, 2024

Mark B. Schneider, Macron’s European Union Nuclear Deterrence Initiative and Extended Nuclear Deterrence, No. 592, July 10, 2024

Macron’s European Union Nuclear Deterrence Initiative and Extended Nuclear Deterrence Dr. Mark Schneider Dr. Schneider is a Senior Analyst with the National Institute for Public Policy. Before his retirement from the Department of Defense Senior Executive Service, Dr. Schneider served as Principal Director for Forces Policy, Principal Director for Strategic Defense, Space and Verification Policy, […]

Written by on July 9, 2024

Laurin Groover and Donald Fielden, Bolstering NC3 Emergency Backup Communications, No. 591, July 2, 2024

Bolstering NC3 Emergency Backup Communications Laurin Groover Laurin Groover spent over a decade on Capitol Hill as senior staff to House Armed Services Committee leaders. With nearly 30 years at the nexus of government, politics, and industry, she is a business development and government relations consultant specializing in cyber solutions for the warfighter. Col. Donald […]

Written by on July 2, 2024

David J. Trachtenberg, How the Lack of a “Two-War Strategy” Erodes Extended Deterrence and Assurance, No. 590, June 17, 2024

How the Lack of a “Two-War Strategy” Erodes Extended Deterrence and Assurance* David J. Trachtenberg David J. Trachtenberg is Vice President of the National Institute for Public Policy. Previously, he served as Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Introduction For years following the Cold War, the United States was considered the sole superpower and […]

Written by on June 17, 2024

Michaela Dodge and Keith B. Payne, No First Use:  Threatening Alliance Cohesion, Assurance, and Non-Proliferation, No. 588, June 6, 2024

No First Use:  Threatening Alliance Cohesion, Assurance, and Non-Proliferation Dr. Michaela Dodge Dr. Michaela Dodge is a Research Scholar at the National Institute for Public Policy. Dr. Keith B. Payne Dr. Keith B. Payne is a co-founder of the National Institute for Public Policy, professor emeritus at the Graduate School of Defense and Strategic Studies, Missouri State […]

Written by on June 6, 2024

Mark B. Schneider, The 2024 Edition of the Federation of American Scientists’ Report on Russian Nuclear Weapons: Flaws and Fallacies, No. 587, May 20, 2024

The 2024 Edition of the Federation of American Scientists’ Report on Russian Nuclear Weapons: Flaws and Fallacies Dr. Mark B. Schneider Dr. Schneider is a Senior Analyst with the National Institute for Public Policy. Before his retirement from the Department of Defense Senior Executive Service, Dr. Schneider served as Principal Director for Forces Policy, Principal […]

Written by on May 20, 2024

Matthew R. Costlow, The INF Treaty, Extended Deterrence, and Assurance: A Case Study in Unintended Consequences, No. 586, May 13, 2024

The INF Treaty, Extended Deterrence, and Assurance: A Case Study in Unintended Consequences Matthew R. Costlow Matthew R. Costlow is a Senior Analyst at the National Institute for Public Policy and former Special Assistant in the Office of Nuclear and Missile Defense Policy, Department of Defense. Introduction The 31-year lifespan of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces […]

Written by on May 13, 2024

Peppino DeBiaso and Robert Joseph, U.S. Homeland Missile Defense: Charting A Different Course, No. 585, May 6, 2024

U.S. Homeland Missile Defense: Charting A Different Course* Dr. Peppino DeBiaso Dr. DeBiaso served in a number of positions in the Department of Defense including as the Director of the Office of Missile Defense Policy from 2000-2021. He is currently Adjunct Professor in Missouri State University’s Defense and Strategic Studies Graduate School in Fairfax, Virginia […]

Written by on May 6, 2024

Todd Clawson, NATO’s Year of Deterrence, No. 584, April 18, 2024

NATO’s Year of Deterrence Todd Clawson Retired U.S. Navy commander and former NATO Operations Chief in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. He is currently a doctoral student in Missouri State University’s Defense and Strategic Studies graduate program. 2024 is a pivotal year for the NATO Alliance. With the Ukraine War […]

Written by on April 17, 2024

Ilan Berman, Israel Seeks A New Strategic Concept, No. 583, April 11, 2024

Israel Seeks A New Strategic Concept Ilan Berman Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, DC On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas carried out a brazen, large-scale attack on communities in the south of Israel. The offensive, dubbed “Al-Aqsa Flood,” entailed the breaching of the border fence separating […]

Written by on April 10, 2024

Matthew R. Costlow, Tailoring Deterrence by Studying Restraints at the Nuclear Brink, No. 581, April 3, 2024

Tailoring Deterrence by Studying Restraints at the Nuclear Brink Matthew R. Costlow Matthew R. Costlow is a Senior Analyst at the National Institute for Public Policy and former Special Assistant in the Office of Nuclear and Missile Defense Policy, Department of Defense. The classic questions of the Cold War about nuclear escalation and how to […]

Written by on April 2, 2024

Keith B. Payne, “A Time for Choosing”: Urgent Action or Continuing Folly, No. 580, March 26, 2024

“A Time for Choosing”:  Urgent Action or Continuing Folly Dr. Keith B. Payne Dr. Keith B. Payne is a co-founder of the National Institute for Public Policy, professor emeritus at the Graduate School of Defense and Strategic Studies, Missouri State University, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and former Senior Advisor to the Office of the Secretary […]

Written by on March 26, 2024

Mark B. Schneider, The Leaked Russian Nuclear Documents and Russian First Use of Nuclear Weapons, No. 579, March 18, 2024

The Leaked Russian Nuclear Documents and Russian First Use of Nuclear Weapons Dr. Mark B. Schneider Dr. Mark B. Schneider is a Senior Analyst with the National Institute for Public Policy. Before his retirement from the Department of Defense Senior Executive Service, Dr. Schneider served as Principal Director for Forces Policy, Principal Director for Strategic […]

Written by on March 18, 2024

Conversations on National Security: Michael Rühle, No. 578, March 5, 2024

The following is an interview with Michael Rühle, former Head of the Climate and Energy Security Section at NATO. In this interview, Mr. Rühle assesses the relevance and applicability of NATO’s security strategy to the current international security environment. He also identifies the most serious security challenges facing the West and offers his perspective on […]

Written by on March 5, 2024

Keith B. Payne, The Congressional Strategic Posture Commission’s Report:  What the Biden Administration’s Nuclear Posture Review Should Have Been, No. 577, February 20, 2024

The Congressional Strategic Posture Commission’s Report:  What the Biden Administration’s Nuclear Posture Review Should Have Been Dr. Keith B. Payne Dr. Keith B. Payne is a co-founder of the National Institute for Public Policy, professor emeritus at the Graduate School of Defense and Strategic Studies, Missouri State University, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and former Senior […]

Written by on February 20, 2024

Steve Lambakis, Moving U.S. Tracking Sensors to Space, No. 575, February 12, 2024

Moving U.S. Tracking Sensors to Space[1] Dr. Steve Lambakis Dr. Steve Lambakis is a Senior Defense Analyst at the National Institute for Public Policy and the Editor-in-Chief of Comparative Strategy, a leading international journal of global affairs and strategic studies. Introduction Today, missile defenses offer protection of the U.S. homeland against long-range ballistic missile attack […]

Written by on February 10, 2024

Conversations on National Security: General Glen D. VanHerck, No. 574, February 1, 2024

The following is an interview with General Glen D. VanHerck, USAF Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM). In this interview, General VanHerck discusses U.S. homeland defense posture and technology developments that are likely to affect future U.S. missile defense capabilities. He also comments on the importance of developing […]

Written by on February 1, 2024

Conversations on National Security: The Honorable Franklin C. Miller, No. 573, January 22, 2024

The following is an interview with Hon. Franklin Miller, Principal, the Scowcroft Group, and a Commissioner on the congressionally mandated 2023 Strategic Posture Commission. Mr. Miller discusses key findings in the bipartisan Commission’s recently released consensus report on America’s strategic posture, including the imperative of proceeding with a timely nuclear weapons modernization program and communicating […]

Written by on January 22, 2024

Keith B. Payne, Great Power Deterrence Lessons from the Middle East War, No. 572, January 8, 2024

Great Power Deterrence Lessons from the Middle East War Dr. Keith B. Payne Dr. Keith B. Payne is a co-founder of the National Institute for Public Policy, professor emeritus at the Graduate School of Defense and Strategic Studies, Missouri State University, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and former Senior Advisor to the Office of the Secretary […]

Written by on January 8, 2024