national defense

Not Your Grandfather's Military-Industrial Complex

by Ben Freeman and William D. Hartung

Eisenhower warned of the power of the military and industry to shape America's priorities and warp society in their own interests. He had no idea of how bad it could get. 

Peace is Not Our Profession

by William J. Astore

The unveiling of the newest stealth bomber underscores the fundamental insanity and cruel wastefulness of the policy of peace through nuclear deterrence, argues a historian and retired USAF lieutenant colonel. 

History Exposes the Problem with Biden’s Defense Secretary Nominee

by Grant Golub

World War II demonstrated the need for strong civilian control over a military divided between multiple armed service branches, both to guide strategy and to ensure the ultimate authority of the President over the military. The nomination of a recently-retired Army general for Secretary of Defense departs from that tradition. 

2020 War on the Rocks Holiday Reading List

The staff of War on the Rocks offer suggestions for reading – on defense issues and otherwise. 

The World’s Major Military and Economic Powers Find Happiness Elusive

by Lawrence Wittner

Perhaps it’s time for the citizens of the “great powers” to ask themselves if they are truly benefiting from the much-vaunted military and economic strength of their nations.

The Cost of Loyalty: A Crisis of Ethics in the Military

by Timothy Bakken

Military leadership has inculcated a self-serving culture of loyalty that prevents a long-overdue reckoning with its failures.