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September 2015

commentary

Multiple Factors Drive Program Success
Congress continues to express concerns about weapon system cost growth and is considering multiple acquisition reform proposals for the National Defense Authorization Act. One proposal would hold program managers accountable via a “performance agreement” for key parameters that must be met.
Sep 30, 2015

commentary

In Latin America, Breaking the Cycle of Intimate-Partner Abuse One Handwritten Letter at a Time
Latin America has one of the highest rates of intimate-partner violence in the world, but a series of high-profile cases, including the murder of a journalist by her policeman husband, have propelled intimate-partner violence to the fore of Bolivia's public agenda.
Sep 30, 2015
commentary

The U.S. Military: Between a Rock and a Repulsive Place
There is a reasonable argument that the best route to address pedophilia and other human rights violations by Afghan forces is to remain engaged, and to make U.S. support conditioned upon remediation and accountability, as the Leahy law requires. Others might insist that the U.S. guarantee that not a single taxpayer dollar goes to an Afghan soldier who commits gross violations of human rights.
Sep 29, 2015
commentary

Exploring New Approaches to Higher Education: The Expansion of Competency-Based Programs
Policymakers and educators must determine if the risks of maintaining the status quo outweigh the potential benefits of competency-based programs, especially for those students who are ill-served by the traditional higher education model.
Sep 29, 2015
commentary

Any Review of Syria and Iraq Strategy Needs Realistic Reappraisal
Since the American-led coalition bombing campaign began a year ago, ISIS has suffered some military setbacks and lost territory, but it also has been able to capture several more key cities in Iraq and Syria, and, despite the bombing, continues to attract a large number of foreign fighters.
Sep 28, 2015
commentary

China's Currency
Much of the worry in the United States and elsewhere about China's currency “manipulation” is overblown because a less restricted yuan would more likely be overvalued than undervalued, thereby adversely affecting Chinese trade and exports.
Sep 28, 2015
commentary

The Greek Tragedy's Next Act Unfolds
On regaining the mantle of prime minister, Tsipras should expect little, if any, honeymoon from the Greek electorate, as he faces not just the implementation of austerity measures demanded by the International Monetary Fund and the EU: He must also cope with Greece's part of a European migration crisis of historic proportions.
Sep 27, 2015
commentary

Define Acceptable Cyberspace Behavior
While a U.S.-China cyberspace agreement is a welcome step, it also underscores the greater issues facing the United States and the international community in this largely ungoverned space. A precondition for securing U.S. networks should be the development of an overarching cyber doctrine that defines acceptable behavior and allows the U.S. to defend its networks against threats.
Sep 27, 2015
commentary

The U.S.-China Summit Is More Significant for Xi Jinping Than Obama
The Xi-Obama summit will provide the opportunity to discuss contentious issues like cybersecurity and the South China Sea, as well as other issues, such as climate change and economic cooperation. For Xi, the visit underscores the tremendous importance of messaging to a Chinese audience the narrative of a continued stable and robust partnership with the country that matters most to China politically and economically.
Sep 24, 2015
commentary

Nuclear Weapons Should Be on the U.S.-China Summit Agenda
At the impending U.S.-China summit, it would make sense for Obama to put on the table official discussions of strategic nuclear issues between U.S. and Chinese government or military representatives.
Sep 23, 2015
commentary

Xi's Visit Exposes Mismatch in U.S and Chinese Expectations
Chinese President Xi Jinping's U.S. visit this week appears to face serious headwinds. Contrasting U.S. and Chinese priorities will likely lead to disappointment on both sides.
Sep 23, 2015
commentary

New Partnerships for Improving Global Health Research
Partnerships between public and private organizations have become a powerful mechanism for addressing longer-term and structural challenges faced by developing countries that have a high burden of poverty-related diseases.
Sep 22, 2015
commentary

How Failure Can Feed Success: Using Evidence on 'What Does Not Work' to Improve Services and External Recognition
Applying practices and interventions requires learning not only about what works, but also what does not. Negative evaluation findings can be disappointing. But acting on the information they provide can present an opportunity to strengthen an organization.
Sep 18, 2015
q&a

Syrian Refugees: All You Need to Know
The world can only absorb so many millions of refugees. The civil war in Syria demands a political solution facilitated by international leadership that will bring stability and enable refugees to return to home.
Sep 17, 2015
commentary

Lessons from the Past for the Future of the KC-46A
Analysis suggests that fixed-price contracts have not successfully reduced costs to the DoD associated with developing complex weapon systems. This has implications for the Air Force, given the importance of the ongoing KC-46A program.
Sep 16, 2015
commentary

Putting a Human Face on the Refugee Crisis
By welcoming and accepting refugees, the West can send their oppressors a message about what it means to be a free democratic society.
Sep 15, 2015

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