Content

Defense Industrialist

Jan 11, 2017

“Unleash us from the tether of fuel”

By Greg Douquet

Mattis put his faith in the 3rd Marine Air Wing’s ability to defeat Saddam’s formations surrounding Baghdad, and accepted the risk that his force might not achieve its objectives before running out of fuel. In later testimony, Mattis reflected back on the compromising situation of the “March Up,” as well as on the cost of increased fuel demand during the counter-insurgency efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the future, he stated, the military must be “unleashed from the tether of fuel.” Mattis had seen the future imperative to change our sources of energy for military operations.

Afghanistan
Conflict

Report

Dec 6, 2016

Evaluating Western Sanctions on Russia

By Sergey Aleksashenko

It has been more than two years since the European Union (EU) and the United States imposed economic sanctions on Russia for its aggression in Ukraine. For some of the measures that is time enough to evaluate effectiveness. “The sanctions’ greatest achievement is that they have been an important demonstration of transatlantic unity. Still, there […]

Conflict
Defense Policy

In the News

Nov 3, 2016

Reuters cites DFRLab article on Russian emails

By Atlantic Council

Reuters cites a Medium article by the DFRLab analyzing the authenticity of leaked emails between top Russian advisors and Ukrainian separatists.

Conflict
Disinformation

Defense Industrialist

Nov 3, 2016

Technological disjunctures and the 21st century destroyer

By Danny Lam

The future of surface warfare requires cooperation across borders. Sea control in the twentieth century revolved around fleets based on battleships, then aircraft carriers. Lesser vessels like destroyers and frigates were for constabulary duty during peacetime, and during wartime, for assisting the main battle fleet in defeating opposing navies to restore control of seas. In […]

China
Conflict

In the News

Oct 27, 2016

Foreign Policy features the Atlantic Council’s DFRLab

By Atlantic Council

Foreign Policy cites reports from the DFRLab detailing the number of Russian ships in the Mediterranean and their capabiltiies.

Conflict
Disinformation

Defense Industrialist

Oct 25, 2016

No through-ticket to Manila

By James Hasik

Some indications from history on how Philippine “separation” from the United States might affect military planning. Back in March, as Military Times optimistically reported, the US military was planning to place “permanent logistics facilities” at five bases in the Philippines. In May, the Philippine presidential election put a quick end to that. Since then, new President Rodrigo […]

China
Conflict

Issue Brief

Oct 14, 2016

History’s lessons for resolving today’s Middle East conflicts

By Mathew J. Burrows

In the spirit of the adage that “those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it,” History’s Lessons for Resolving Today’s Middle East Conflicts, by Mathew J. Burrows, examines past precedents for resolving highly complex conflicts, by delving into seven historic examples of peacemaking.

Conflict
Middle East

Event Recap

Sep 13, 2016

Roundtable with Nigeria’s chief of army staff

By Africa Center

On Tuesday, September 13, the Africa Center hosted a roundtable discussion with Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, chief of the army staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who gave participants an update on the country’s war against Boko Haram. Africa Center Director J. Peter Pham welcomed participants, introduced Buratai, and, following his prepared remarks, […]

Africa
Conflict

Defense Industrialist

Sep 8, 2016

How to man the unmanned

By James Hasik

With enthusiastic recruits, from all corners, and with a lot of cash. In the New York Times this past Tuesday, Michael Schmidt wrote of how the the US Air Force, “Running Low on Drone Pilots,” is turning to contractors to reconnoitre battlefields. Many of these are “former drone or fighter pilots who are making double or […]

Afghanistan
Conflict

Defense Industrialist

Aug 17, 2016

On battlecruisers, blockades, and Donald Trump

By James Hasik

Whatever administration takes office, the US needs to better match its procurement plans to its operational strategies. Writing this week for Chatham House, Julianne Smith, Rachel Rizzo and Adam Twardowski find that one military topic on which Donald Trump may offer views significantly differing from those of the other presidential candidates is procurement. In their […]

China
Conflict

Experts