How to handle winners (and losers) in the Pentagon’s 8% budget relook
In February, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the Pentagon to reexamine the 2026 budget request, which has not yet gone to Congress, to ensure that it reflected the Trump administration’s priorities. He tasked organizations with preparing lists of lower-priority activities totaling 8% of their 2026–2030 projected budgets, a target equaling $365 billion over five years. […]
The Story of America’s Intervention in Afghanistan
Review of Amin Saikal, “How to Lose a War: The Story of America’s Intervention in Afghanistan” (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2024). Munich, Germany (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) –– More than three years have passed since US troops left Afghanistan in August 2021, putting an end to an occupation that lasted two […]
How to end China’s chokehold on the Pentagon’s supply chains
Around the world, threats to U.S. national security are converging. Our most potent antidote for dealing with these crises — hard power — is at risk not only because of our ailing defense-industrial base but because of China’s grip on our supply chains. It maintains a chokehold on U.S. military munitions and platforms that we […]