March 2017

commentary

Where Do ISIS Fighters Go When the Caliphate Falls?

When a conflict ends, transnational terrorists are likely to disperse in many directions and switch their allegiances among terrorist groups. For the West, countering these different groups will require a range of strategies.

Colin P. Clarke, Amarnath Amarasingam

commentary

Body Cameras: Can Police Have Too Much Discretion?

Research on body cameras has shown mixed results. Complaints against police officers dropped when cameras were used, but rates of assault against them during arrests were higher. How much discretion the officers used in turning cameras on and off was also a factor.

Alex Sutherland

commentary

For U.S., Many Options but No Clear Path in Middle East

The struggle against jihadist terrorism has a long way to go. All courses of action come with risks, but are not mutually exclusive. The U.S. could escalate the fight, work with state partners in the Middle East, or withdraw from the region.

Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins

commentary

How to Partner with Putin

Improving relations with Russia is a worthy goal. President Donald Trump could seek to partner with Moscow on some issues, like North Korea, while keeping up heat on others, such as aggression in Ukraine.

William Courtney @courtneywmh

commentary

U.S.-Japan Defense Relations Under Trump

U.S.–Japan relations appear to be stabilizing after a successful visit by Defense Secretary James Mattis to Tokyo that reaffirmed the alliance, followed by an equally successful visit by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the U.S. Next, will the Trump administration articulate goals for the region?

Scott W. Harold

commentary

China Tolerating Vietnam's South China Sea Activities, for Now

China has probably tolerated Vietnam's South China Sea construction activities because it feels confident in its military position in the region. Chinese leaders might change their stance if they believe Vietnam is trying to enlist the support of the U.S. or other partners to settle bilateral disputes.

Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman

commentary

Sticking with the Complicated U.S.-Iran Relationship

The United States and Iran differ on many issues, but they signed what has so far been a successful nuclear agreement and both seek to defeat the Islamic State. The U.S. would have more to gain by sticking with the relationship than by pursuing a policy of “regime change.”

Alireza Nader

commentary

Five Simple Strategy Lessons for a New Secretary of Defense

Secretary of Defense James Mattis will need to lay the intellectual groundwork to fulfill President Trump's promise of “a great rebuilding” of the United States military. History suggests that how the strategies are developed may be as important to their success as what they say.

Raphael S. Cohen

commentary

What Data Is the Government Keeping About You?

Governments are amassing a wealth of data on citizens, a trend that will continue as technology advances. But with no reliable way to ensure that the data is accurate, risks abound. In the criminal justice system, for example, poor quality data could affect individual freedoms and employability.

Dulani Woods, Brian A. Jackson

essay

The Costs of Poor Sleep Are Staggering

Research shows that a little more sleep could help America's families, military, and economy.