Current Articles
Leverage Allied Investments and Capabilities in Rebuilding the US Military
September 1, 2017
President Trump having highlighted the question of allies might be pleased to learn of significant allied investments in new combat systems which his own forces can use, thus saving money and enhancing capability at the same time.
Time for a Tactical and Strategic Call to Action
August 5, 2017
Washington rules dominate as the Trump Administration is losing the fight.
The US Navy Prepares for High Intensity Operations
August 1, 2017
The US Navy along with other key services is focusing on the reset to high intensity operations while engaged in the fight against ISIS at the same time.
The Challenge of Regime Change: Ron Maxwell Looks at Why Resetting US Foreign Policy is Stalled
July 31, 2017
This isn’t merely a story of palace intrigue and revolving chairs in the corridors of power. Brave Americans in the uniform of their country will continue to be sent into far-off lands to intercede in internecine conflicts that have little if anything to do with U.S. national security
Working to Eliminate Some of the Worst Parts of Military Service
July 31, 2017
The Trump Administration is trying to get rid of the worst parts of the over requirements aspects of military service.
The Case for Talking to DPRK
July 29, 2017
Danny Lam discusses the logic for talking with North Korea and has his recent articles have warned the North Korean conflict promises to be a high intensity one, not simply a repeat of the last Korean War.
Chinese European Initiatives: The Key Role of the “Silk Road” Initiative
July 24, 2017
Europeans are starting to see China as not just a checkbook, but as a player that is becoming more strategically relevant to Europe.
Renegotiating NAFTA: The Centrality of the PRC Factor
July 23, 2017
If Canada were to cede any of the major demands from the PRC for a free trade deal, it will be at the expense of all extant trade deals with the US first, and then close US allies.
The PRC Focuses on Canada
July 23, 2017
No trade agreement Canada has in place with the US, including the WTO, will survive a Canada-PRC “free trade” as demanded by PRC.
National Security Dimensions of NAFTA
July 19, 2017
The proposed Canada-PRC free trade agreement is a major concern for the US on NAFTA.
FFG(X) Security Concerns: The Potential Impact the Canadian Surface Combatant Program
July 11, 2017
It is time for the Administration and Congress to pay a bit more attention to what Canada is really doing to the US and to educate their constituents and State and local government colleagues on Canada’s tactics.
Bringing Freedom to the Cuban People
July 11, 2017
Tom Van Hare reflects on Trump/Pence Administration’s Cuban policy.
North Korea Continues to Put on the Pressure
July 6, 2017
What appears to be the Kim regime’s goal is to push the US and allies into pointless dialog that rewards DPRK for their behavior to date and symbolic action that delays action on military options against him for a time.
Syrian Response Highlights Trump’s Nonproliferation through Strength Approach
July 2, 2017
Trump believes that a prerequisite for reducing proliferation incentives was to restore the strength and credibility of U.S. military threats that had eroded in recent years.
Baseball and Climate Change?
June 3, 2017
President Trump called back memories of Pittsburgh and an epoch moment when Pittsburgh triumphed over the mighty Yankees.
Thinking Like North Korea: How to Defeat US BMD?
June 3, 2017
The IC needs to think like North Korea, and not assume we are dealing with a First Nuclear Age power.
Intelligence Failures for North Korea: How Serious?
June 2, 2017
How serious are the intelligence failures concerning North Korean nuclear development?
The Beer Hall and Chancellor Merkel: A Memorial Day Remembrance?
May 30, 2017
Good luck on your European alliance, Chancellor Merkel!
Tough Love for America’s NATO Allies
May 28, 2017
President Trump could have affirmed his support for Article 5 and then publically invoked Article 3 in front of his NATO peers and pointed out that their failure to provide for their own self-defense is a necessary pre-condition for seeking aid under Article 5.
The Gander Airport of Defense Policy Update: Awaiting Canada’s Defence Policy Review
May 24, 2017
The Trudeau regime needs to act now lest we end up with another Gander Airport as the Canadian defense contribution to its own and NATO’s defense.
Trump and the Russian Connection: The Critics Grasp at Straws
May 23, 2017
The conspiracy of critics of Trump using the Russian association card is ironically a throwback to a period which liberals have lionized as a dark phase in US history. So now we have McCarthyism of the left?
We Need a New Systems Architecture to Protect Personal Data and to Deal With Foreign Espionage
May 21, 2017
We need a new systems architecture that compartmentalizes our personal information not just for the sake of protecting civil liberties, but to prevent misuse by both our own government and foreign powers.
America Needs to Set the Example
May 19, 2017
There are a number of key errors made in Washington prior to Trump coming to power that need be corrected in shaping a more effective way ahead for a more credible US government stance in the world.
Refocusing NATO on Imminent Existential Threats
May 18, 2017
DPRK is presently not on NATO’s agenda. It must be.
Trump Strategy and the Days of Our Lives Washington Post
May 18, 2017
The Trump Administration is shaping a new approach to fighting Isis; meanwhile the Washington Post is producing more episodes of Days of our Lives journalism.
Understanding North Korea’s Motives
May 17, 2017
DPRK motives for acquiring a credible nuclear arsenal with the capacity to strike anywhere in the world (including the United States and Western Europe) is both current profit (paid by regimes like Iran) that is essential for rewarding the regime loyalists, and almost certainly with that, for purposes of extortion in the future against any and all states.
Refocusing on High Intensity Conflict: The North Korean Case
May 7, 2017
What matters to the DPRK is winning. And in such a calculus, they have reverted to the Northeast Asian historical norm.
Six China Myths and the Need to Diversify Australia’s Asian Links
May 2, 2017
If are to maximize our success and retain our independence, we need to recalibrate risks and turn increasingly to other parts of the region, especially to our ASEAN neighbours and India.
Major General (Retired) Molan on the Reshaping of Australian Defense
May 1, 2017
We Australians need a policy, which recognizes this and builds more of our capabilities and alliance capabilities in the region, not just with the United States.
An Australian Perspective on Asian Security: An Interview with Dr. Ross Babbage
May 1, 2017
Most Australians have not yet realized that they, too are approaching a fork in the road.
The Trump Administration and North Korea: The Senate DPRK Briefing
May 1, 2017
The challenge that DPRK and Kim Jong Un pose is a fundamental challenge to the system of international relations by a nuclear armed extortionist.
The USS Porter and USS Ross Deliver a Response to Assad’s War Crimes: Thank You to the US Sailors!
April 8, 2017
When President Trump gave the go order to attack Syria, six thousand miles away, two US Navy surface war ships stood ready to implement the order. In one shining moment with Tomahawks fired from USS Porter and USS Ross the world knew a new Commander-in Chief was at the helm.
President Li Trumped?
April 8, 2017
President XI was exposed for what he is: Full of Xi.
Trump’s Next Steps: Looking Beyond Syria
April 7, 2017
The strike, which consisted of 59 Tomahawk missiles, was a calculated warning shot and means to restore deterrence against the further use of weapons of mass destruction in Syria, but it also targeted other audiences.
Operation “Destroy Trump”
April 6, 2017
Every Code Word program needs a Code Word, so why not call President Obama and his National Security Director’s effort to target surveillance of their political opponents exactly what it is—“Operation Destroy Trump.”
President Trump, Congress and Shaping a Way Ahead
March 24, 2017
Trump faces the need to build a new political and bureaucratic consensus in order to carry out promises of change on which he campaigned and won the Presidency.
The Evolving Strategic Map: Challenges for the Trump Administration
March 21, 2017
The tectonic plates are shifting and the United States needs to think carefully about the prospects and consequences of these profound changes between (and within) nations, and how best to respond to this new world order (or disorder).
Time for a Strategic Move Towards India
March 20, 2017
Along with pressing for fairer trade with Germany and China, the Trump administration should strive for greater commercial opportunities with India, especially in the defense sector.
Making the American Worker Great Again: The Fallacy of Labor Costs
March 16, 2017
Clearly, the old excuse that American workers are overpaid, is no longer a valid axiom. Given the state of automation in most manufacturing environments, or at least those that are highly valued by governments, it is government regulations (or lack thereof) that will ultimately drive these decisions.
President Trump and Shaping an Approach to the Global Nuclear Order
March 3, 2017
Given the Trump administration’s openness to rethinking U.S. nuclear strategy, now is the time to reconsider old truths and encourage new thinking about nuclear futures.
The Second Nuclear Age, North Korea and the F-35
March 2, 2017
Declaratory deterrence is not enough; a fully conventional strategy is not feasible; but an integrated offensive-defensive force with a nuclear tip is.
The International Security Dimension of Border Adjustment Taxes
February 27, 2017
Let’s revisit the BAT issue from the National Security perspective. It could become the most valuable and efficacious of policy instruments for the US.
National Security Case for Border Adjustment Taxes
February 24, 2017
Border adjustment taxes may provide a way to deal with regime’s like the PRC who are playing the free trade system to their advantage and building capabilities to undermine liberal democracies.
The PRC and “Free Trade:” Playing the Game Their Own Way
February 23, 2017
Treating the PRC regime with “most favored nation” status and privileges from a multilateral trading regime that is structured to deal with trade between friendly governments make no sense when what is emerging is cold war era competition between Beijing and the US.
What if NATO and other US Allies Fail to Deliver?
February 22, 2017
What can the Trump Administration do about fair weather allies? There is a way ahead if the Administration makes this a serious priority rather than simply a campaign tweet or bumper sticker.
Will Canada Help Deter North Korea?
February 18, 2017
The Trudeau regime needs to act now and do whatever it takes to defend Canada.
Can Allies Deter North Korea by 2020? Updating OPLAN 5015
February 18, 2017
OPLAN 5015 was intended to deal with a very limited nuclear & ballistic missile threat. It is now obsolete and urgently need updating by the Trump Administration.
End the Kowtow to Beijing and the North Korean Nuclear Threat
February 17, 2017
Let’s end this Kabuki theater of kowtowing to Beijing to deter North Korean nucs.
Trump, NATO and Shaping a Way Ahead
February 16, 2017
Remarks made by the President during the campaign have turned into a cottage industry of interpreting his statements with almost church-like dogma by his critics.
Canada and Article III of the NATO Treaty: The Importance of National Defense
February 16, 2017
Today, Canada, a founding member of NATO, is in default of our treaty obligations under Article 3 of the NATO treaty.
Elizabeth Warren on the Warpath Against Jeff Sessions: But Actually You are Not an Indian Warrior!
February 11, 2017
One of the many bizarre moments in the purported rollback of the threat posed by Donald Trump becoming President has been Senator Warren’s attack on Jeff Sessions.
The Upcoming Visit of Prime Minister Trudeau with President Trump: What to Expect?
February 11, 2017
It is less about Donald Trump and more about the way ahead for Canada.
Immigration Controls and A Commitment to the Four Freedoms
February 4, 2017
Setting in place a new vetting system should include consideration of any potential immigrant’s commitment to the four freedoms.
A Perspective on the Presidential Executive Orders on Immigration: Putting It Into Context
January 30, 2017
The dilemma can be simply put: how to craft a unifying message that can establish common ground for action against Islamic fanatics targeting western secularism and tolerance?
Brexit and Shaping a Way Ahead: The UK, Trump, and the Next Phase of European Development
January 24, 2017
Brexit is NOT just about what happens to Britain; it is about defining the next phase of European development.
The F-35 Global Enterprise: Enhanced Allied Capabilities to Deal with Evolving Threats
January 23, 2017
The F-35 provides a ready means for helping realize the Trump administration’s goal of enabling local allies to counter regional threats with less direct U.S. military assistance.
What Do Madonna and Kim Jung-un Have in Common?
January 23, 2017
Madonna and Kim Jung-un have both threatened to “blow up the White House.”
Reshaping a Key Baseline: The Readiness of US Military Forces
January 23, 2017
Repairing readiness needs to be calibrated against priority tasks and rebuilding the force with strategic goals in terms of force structure up against key tasks in mind.
Can President Trump Get Back Robert Kraft’s Super Bowl Ring?
January 21, 2017
Can President Trump make the Patriots great again by getting back their owner’s Super Bowl ring?
Defining Victory Over ISIS
January 19, 2017
Is Trump, Information Warrior, a key part of the effort to be victorious over ISIS?
Changing the Terms of Reference for Taiwan: Expanding the Strategic Options
January 17, 2017
There is a viable way ahead to allow Taiwan to expand its global role without the debilitating dominance of the PRC manipulation of a “one China policy.”
Captain Obvious Joins The Washington Post
January 17, 2017
Apparently to deal with the new challenges, the Post has decided that the Captain Obvious route might make sense.
The Case of the Dodgy Dossier
January 16, 2017
Donald Trump has consistently outflanked the traditional media gatekeepers: the news editors and columnists.
The Trump Presidency: Its Potential Impact on India
January 16, 2017
“Under Trump’s Presidency, we can foresee a stronger America with enhanced substantial partnerships in trade and active diplomacy across the globe.”
The Historical Origins of The “One China” Policy
January 16, 2017
“One China” Policy must be a core interest of the PRC because the regime have no illusions on how perilous and weak their grip on power is within China.
Beijing’s Many “One China Policies”
January 15, 2017
This is the first of a three part series by Danny Lam on the way ahead for the “One China Policy.
An Open Letter to the President of Columbia University: Plagiarism is an Academic Crime
January 13, 2017
The University should rescind Crowley’s PhD and administratively punish her dissertation advisor and her dissertation committee.
Shifting from A Non-Proliferation to a Strategic Deterrence Paradigm: Coming to Grips with a Strategic Shift
January 5, 2017
The non-proliferation paradigm looks to make nuclear weapons irrelevant; the second nuclear age is about their relevance to global power and global conflict.
Moscow and the Middle East: What Might Trump Do?
January 5, 2017
Cooperating against al-Qaeda, as well as ISIS, will likely become more urgent during the Trump administration. Greater U.S.-Russian collaboration against both groups and their affiliates would be welcome in dealing with the ISIS challenge.
The Appeasement Option for the South China Sea
January 3, 2017
The fact is, PRC have so far, gotten away with every move they made in the SCS.
Obama, Trump, and Putin: The Sanctions Game
January 2, 2017
Trump faces his own dilemmas from the latest sanctions.
Trump and the Challenges of 2017
December 30, 2016
TR came to power by accident and in a period of Western ascendancy and self-confidence and relative calm. Trump is not coming to power in such a period of history.
Taiwan and Pacific Defense
December 30, 2016
President Trump has started the process of setting in motion a new policy. There is the possibility that history may record with Donald Trump taking a phone call from President of Taiwan that just taking the call may resonate with the same moral imperative of “tear down this wall” did for President Reagan in Berlin.
Trump and India: A New Opportunity?
December 17, 2016
US Ambassador to the UN, designate, Haley could help Trump deepen relations with India.
A Communications Revolution: Putting A Politico Article in Context
December 11, 2016
It became apparent that the Trump campaign team set their narrative for eventual victory very early; Rule 1 destroy media monopoly of the “truth”, Rule 2 see Rule 1.
A Two-Time Loser: Putting Hillary Rodham Clinton in Perspective
December 11, 2016
Although the press and analysts are looking at the “causes” of the recent victory of Trump versus Clinton and seeking causes such as the Russian factor or “whitelash,” what is being ignored is that this is the SECOND case of a collapse against the ultimately successful candidate.
Russian “Cyber” Attacks and the Election in Context
December 10, 2016
I sincerely doubt there is anyone in the Intelligence Community who would and can say definitely that the Russian Government played a “cyber game” in trying to effect the election.
Tip Over the Outhouse: How to Achieve Accountability For Veteran’s Affairs
December 9, 2016
The election of Donald Trump is so far out of the box as far as American politics is concerned, that maybe this is the time to go for a complete house cleaning of VA.
Air Force One for Half Price?
December 9, 2016
How might Trump go about getting Air Force One for half price?
The Fainting Couch Award: A New Award For Those Shocked by the Trump Administration
December 7, 2016
Our new column will highlight those weak of heart or arrogance of mind who needed to be awarded with the Fainting Couch Award.
Shaping a Trump Template in Foreign Policy: The Taiwan Case
December 4, 2016
President Trump has started the process of setting in motion a new policy. How about the State Department thinking about shaping a new approach to defending US interests, rather than accommodating US decline?
A Trump Presidency: Shaping a Way Ahead
December 3, 2016
Trump will not feel limited by Republican Party orthodoxies, and will likely feel free to intervene in specific business interests and disputes when he sees that as effective.
Connecting Directly with the Electorate: How A Popular President Governs
December 2, 2016
Welcome to a new world technologically but one which Mayor Laguardia, and President’s Roosevelt and Regan would recognize. The popular leader speaks directly to the people.
Technology and Enhanced Border Security: The South African Case
November 30, 2016
New technologies embedded in new concepts of operations for border security forces can lead to significant capability advances.
Can the Veterans Benefits Administration Be Saved — From Itself?
November 29, 2016
The Trump Administration has a once in a lifetime opportunity to drain the swamp at VA starting with the Benefits Administration.
Rebooting Western Values: The Case of the French Presidential Election
November 28, 2016
One may not agree politically with a Donald Trump or a François Fillon. But there is an undeniable common force on the move being currently unleashed: a force opposed to “political correctness.”
Shaping a Trump Template for Change: Breaking from the Past
November 27, 2016
The next decade will be QUITE different from the past two. Donald Trump will become President in the midst of a significant period of global change and will have his own impact upon it. He did not invent this decade; but he is coming to power within it.
Trump Raised the Question about the Future of Extended Deterrence: The Chinese Challenge
November 27, 2016
Trump raised the question about the viability of the future of extended deterrence. China and North Korea are key parts of why raising the question not only makes sense but is part of the evolving strategic equation and reality.
Press Turned Servile To the Authors Of the U.S. Decline
November 26, 2016
Mr. Trump was running against the Bush-McCain-Romney traditional Republicans, the Cruz far-right Republicans, the Clinton-Obama long-term management of the Democrats and the quasi-Marxist Sanders left of the Democrats, and almost all the press and polling organizations. These were impossible odds against him, except that he won.
Castro is Dead: But Cuba is Not Yet Free
November 26, 2016
As Castro proceeds to wax status like Lenin and Ho Chi Minh did in their workers’ paradises, there may be an opportunity for a free Cuba to be born.
Trump’s Challenge: Dividing Moscow from Beijing
November 24, 2016
A strong Sino-Russian partnership is not in the U.S. national interest and that Washington policy makers need to consider how U.S. policies shape Sino-Russian ties.
Trump and China: Doing an End-Around on Beijing
November 24, 2016
Trump has an opportunity to challenge China by going around Beijing’s representation of Chinese interests.
Tweet, Tweet: President-elect Trump Shapes a New Communication Strategy for Working Policy
November 23, 2016
President-elect Trump has shaped an innovative communication approach within which he is announcing and shaping policy.
A New Approach to Cyber Defense: The Analog Option
November 20, 2016
It is time to shape a new cyber defense appraoch, notably because the President-elect has set a key goal as crafting new civilian infrastructure and strengthening the US military.
From Reality Shock to 21st Century Realities: The Arrival of President Trump
November 20, 2016
But the real shock about Trump coming to power is a return to looking at the world as it is, rather than the world of our imagination.
A key reason for the close alliance between Hollywood and the liberals in Washington is that creating myth is a substitute for dealing with the nasty world as it is.
Hamilton, Pence and the Return to Core Values
November 19, 2016
In fact, the make-believe musical called Hamilton is precisely the problem facing contemporary America — the play does not in any way reflect really Hamilton’ values or beliefs and substitutes these like it was a Disney story for the projected values of the rainbow liberals.
The Standing Up of A Trump Administration: A “How Goes it Moment” for the Media-Liberal Cabal
November 19, 2016
Given its partisan role throughout the campaign and from the very moment of Trump’s victory, why should the Main Stream Media be trusted for the next four or eight years?
Defending US Borders and the Role of the US Coast Guard
November 18, 2016
If the new President wants enhanced border security clearly the USCG needs more resources and leadership which does a better job of integrating its assets and efforts with the CBP.
Reshaping the War Against Isis: The Coming of the USS America and the Role of Insertion Forces
November 18, 2016
The new President clearly has the intent to step up the battle against ISIS; and with some creative rethinking and combat innovation has the means.
Trump’s Ripple Effects On French Republican Primaries
November 18, 2016
Somewhat like the debate where Trump did not show up during the Republican primaries in the US, he was the missing participant in the French ones last night.
