Publications

Given that ISIS’s days are numbered, this study outlines various next-step counterterrorism options for the US. The ways ahead range from a surge in the global war on terror to withdrawing forces from the Middle East, The text’s authors believe the ideal option...chevron_right

This study looks at the nuclear and hybrid warfare threats Russia poses to Europe’s security order and outlines the possible responses to them, which include 1) a continued emphasis on nuclear extended deterrence; 2) investing in...chevron_right

This study proposes a new architecture for the US Navy, which would help update the service’s capabilities no later than 2030. The recommended changes include 1) organizing the Navy’s fleet into ‘deterrence forces’ and ‘maneuver forces’; 2) relying...chevron_right

This study analyzes the US’ current foreign and defense strategy for the Asia-Pacific region and how it should be modified to cope with China’s growing military power. Basically, the US needs to maintain its current grand strategy, which emphasizes...chevron_right

Senator John McCain casts a long shadow when it comes to crafting US defense budgets. This brief analyzes McCain’s recently released white paper, “Restoring American Power,” which aims to shape the FY2018 budget and beyond. If the influential senator gets his way, America will…chevron_right

In this testimony, the CSBA’s Thomas Mahnken argues that the US needs to invest more resources in its defense, primarily to 1) restore the readiness of its armed forces, and 2) modernize its conventional and nuclear capabilities. Absent the,,,chevron_right

This study explores the United States' long-standing interest in preventing the rise of a hegemonic power on the Eurasian land mass. In order to prevent this possibility from happening, the text’s author calls for major changes in the US’ current...chevron_right

This paper examines 1) China’s maritime strategy in the Western Pacific, with a particular emphasis on its military construction projects in the South China Sea, and 2) the timid and ineffectual responses to these moves by...chevron_right

In this paper, assorted experts from five leading think tanks lay out 1) their preferred US defense strategies for the future; 2) the capabilities, investments and organizational reforms the strategies would require; and 3) the costs they would entail. Although the experts’ visions for the future did vary from each other, they also agreed that the Army needed more armored brigades, fire battalions, air and missile defense batteries, and more.chevron_right

In this paper, Bryan Clark and Jesse Sloman argue that the US military’s amphibious forces require new operating concepts and capabilities if they hope to circumvent or defeat increasingly effective coastal defenses. In response to these problems, the text’s authors lay out a new strategic approach that the US Navy and Marine Corps might follow. It emphasizes expeditionary advanced bases, preliminary raids to assure access, blockades and much more.chevron_right

This report takes a close look at the Obama Administration’s FY 2017 US defense budget request, which totals $590.5 billion. More specifically, the text first delves into the government’s topline budget request, the Budget Control Act spending limits that are still in effect, and...chevron_right

Each year, the US Department of Defense details the funding requirements for the American Armed Forces’ “big ticket” acquisition programs. This study uses the most recent data available to summarize the status of eighty separate programs that fall under eight procurement categories.chevron_right

This report proposes a number of operational concepts and capabilities that could improve America's ability to defend itself against guided weapon salvos. The recommendations...chevron_right

During the Cold War, extended nuclear deterrence became one of the most important but challenging aspects of American strategy. During the past 25 years, however, many of the dilemmas raised by this defense option have lain dormant. Well, they’re back now and here’s E B Montgomery’s advice on how to deal with them.chevron_right

This study focuses on three regions where the tensions between nuclear and nonnuclear powers are increasing -- Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia. To explore the potential consequences of these te...chevron_right