United States and Canada

Why independent Scotland must stay in NATO

By George Kerevan, the Scotsman

From George Kerevan, the Scotsman:  [A]t its Chicago summit in May, under heavy German pressure, Nato altered its so-called “deterrence and defence posture”.

America Needs a Rudyard Kipling

By Sarwar Kashmeri

 Not long ago Britain was the world’s hegemon. Nothing stood in the way of British might. Or as the famous saying had it, the sun never set on the British Empire. As it was then with Britain, so it is now with the United States. Somewhere in the world the sun is always rising on […]

Panetta recommends Marine General to replace Allen as commander of mission in Afghanistan

By Phil Stewart, Reuters

From Phil Stewart, Reuters:  Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has recommended General Joseph Dunford, the No. 2 Marine officer, to lead the war effort in Afghanistan once the outgoing commander of U.S. and NATO troops rotates out of the post, a U.S. official told Reuters on Wednesday. The decision will ultimately rest with President Barack Obama […]

U.S. Plans New Asia Missile Defenses

By Adam Entous and Julian E. Barnes, Wall Street Journal

From Adam Entous and Julian E. Barnes, Wall Street Journal:  The U.S. is planning a major expansion of missile defenses in Asia, a move American officials say is designed to contain threats from North Korea, but one that could also be used to counter China’s military.

What if Europe Fails?

By Thomas Wright, the Washington Quarterly

From Thomas Wright, the Washington Quarterly:  Western Europe has been an integral part of the U.S.-led international order since its foundation in the years after World War II.

Breaking the public-sector/private sector stalemate in cyber security

By Derek S. Reveron, the New Atlanticist

From Derek S. Reveron, the New Atlanticist:  As Cyber Command matures, it tends to dominate national cybersecurity discussions.

U.S., Russia, Norway in Joint Naval Drills

By RIA Novosti

From RIA Novosti:  U.S., Russian and Norwegian naval forces are holding joint firing exercises in the Norwegian Sea, a Russian Navy official said on Wedensday.

Is there a NATO consensus on the future of the Arctic?

By Marten Lindberg, ISN

Complexity in the Caucasus: Regional rivals cooperating in peacekeeping missions

By Mark P. Hertling, Foreign Policy

From Mark P. Hertling, Foreign Policy:  European Command’s strategy of Theater Security Cooperation — and USAREUR’s contribution as part of that strategy in training and exercising with the militaries and engaging with military and political leaders — is bearing significant results.

Poland’s desire for own missile defense system linked to uncertainty over U.S. alliance

By Rachel Oswald, Global Security Newswire

From Rachel Oswald, Global Security Newswire:  Poland’s recently expressed interest in acquiring an independent capability to counter theater-level missile attacks has much to do with insecurities over whether the United States, with all of its competing priorities, can reliably be counted on to defend Polish interests, according to issue experts and former diplomats.