November 18, 2008
British Defense Cuts Threaten the Anglo-American Special Relationship
By Ted R. Bromund, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2210)
The Blair and Brown governments have reduced British defense spending as a share of GDP to its lowest point since 1933. The forces are being ...
November 18, 2008
Executive Summary: British Defense Cuts Threaten the Anglo-American Special Relationship
By Ted R. Bromund, Ph.D.
(Executive Summary #2210)
The Blair and Brown governments have reduced British defense spending as a share of GDP to its lowest point since 1933. The forces are being ...
November 13, 2008
Getting the Big Ideas Right: The Strategic Concepts that Helped Achieve Substantial Progress in Iraq
By General David Petraeus
(Heritage Lecture #1101)
U.S., coalition, and Iraqi forces have made substantial and durable progress in providing security and stability for the Iraqi people; but security alone is an ...
November 10, 2008
The Global Response to a Terror-Generated Energy Crisis
By William W. Beach, James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., Ariel Cohen, Ph.D., David W. Kreutzer, Ph.D., Karen A. Campbell, Ph.D., and Hopper Smith
(Center for Data Analysis Report #08-11)
In June 2008, The Heritage Foundation invited energy scholars and policy experts to participate in a computer simulation and gaming exercise assessing the economic effects ...
October 20, 2008
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack: A Preventable Homeland Security Catastrophe
By Jena Baker McNeill and Richard Weitz, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2199)
A major threat to America has been largely ignored by those who could prevent it—the U.S. Congress and the President. They should conduct research on ...
October 7, 2008
Changing Course on Navy Shipbuilding: Questions Congress Should Ask Before Funding
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(Backgrounder #2193)
After a decade designing and testing the DDG-1000 Zumwalt multimission destroyer as a “warfighting imperative,” Navy officials now recommend that Congress limit Zumwalt procurement because ...
October 7, 2008
Executive Summary: Changing Course on Navy Shipbuilding: Questions Congress Should Ask Before Funding
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(Executive Summary #2193)
Executive Summary: After a decade designing and testing the DDG-1000 Zumwalt multimission destroyer as a “warfighting imperative,” Navy officials now recommend that Congress limit Zumwalt ...
September 25, 2008
Europe, Missile Defense, and the Future of Extended Deterrence
By Baker Spring
(WebMemo #2080)
During the Cold War, the U.S. supported the security of its allies by threatening a possible nuclear response to an attack on them by the ...
September 23, 2008
Building Infrastructure Resiliency: Private Sector Investment in Homeland Security
By Jena Baker McNeill
(Backgrounder #2184)
America’s infrastructure is in desperate need of repair and lacks resiliency—the ability to keep the country running after a disaster has struck. Rather than spending ...
August 26, 2008
Real Solutions for Challenges on the Mexico-U.S. Border: The Mérida Initiative
By Honorable Arturo Sarukhan
(Heritage Lecture #1095)
The Mérida Initiative should provide Mexico and the United States an opportunity to think strategically and to understand how enhanced cooperation and security will provide ...
August 26, 2008
Challenges on the U.S.–Mexico Border: A Panel Discussion
By Helen E. Krieble, James M. Roberts, Marcus Brubaker, and Mario Loyola
(Heritage Lecture #1096)
Challenges on the U.S.–Mexico border include economic, immigration, and security challenges for both countries. The Mexican government should take the painful but necessary steps to ...
August 21, 2008
Who Serves in the U.S. Military? The Demographics of Enlisted Troops and Officers
By Shanea J. Watkins, Ph.D., and James Sherk
(Center for Data Analysis Report #08-05)
The men and women of America’s all-volunteer military do not come disproportionately from ...
August 19, 2008
Russia-Georgia War Highlights Need for Directed-Energy Defenses
By James Jay Carafano, Ph. D.
(WebMemo #2030)
For the second time in recent years, the United States has witnessed another wake-up call for the importance of fielding directed-energy weapons capable of shooting-down ...
August 14, 2008
Congressional Commission Should Recommend "Damage Limitation" Strategy
By Baker Spring
(Backgrounder #2172)
The Strategic Posture Commission will need to choose from three options (nuclear disarmament, multilateralized deterrence, and damage limitation strategy) in making its recommendation to Congress. ...
August 14, 2008
Executive Summary: Congressional Commission Should Recommend "Damage Limitation" Strategy
By Baker Spring
(Executive Summary #2172)
Executive Summary: The Strategic Posture Commission will need to choose from three options (nuclear disarmament, multilateralized deterrence, and damage limitation strategy) in making its recommendation ...
August 13, 2008
When Electrons Attack: Cyber-Strikes on Georgia a Wake-Up Call for Congress
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2022)
Washington needs to get serious about systematically developing the cyber-strategic leaders in the public and private sector who are skilled in dealing with the complex ...
August 11, 2008
Congress Should Pass a 2009 Defense Authorization Bill This Year
By Mackenzie Eaglen
(WebMemo #2018)
The legislative calendar is quickly running out on the 110th Congress, and many competing priorities await the U.S. Senate upon return from recess. However, the ...
July 23, 2008
Executive Summary: Mexico, Drug Cartels, and the Merida Initiative: A Fight We Cannot Afford to Lose
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(Executive Summary #2163)
As a drug-consuming nation and major source of arms, cash, and precursor chemicals, the U.S. shares responsibility with Mexico for combating the drug trade. The ...
July 23, 2008
Mexico, Drug Cartels, and the Merida Initiative: A Fight We Cannot Afford to Lose
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2163)
As a drug-consuming nation and major source of arms, cash, and precursor chemicals, the U.S. shares responsibility with Mexico for combating the drug trade. The ...
July 14, 2008
Congress Set to Open the Air Cargo Security Sore
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #1989)
Congress should use tomorrow’s hearing on the 9/11 Commission Act to reexamine the feasibility of the 100 percent screening mandate.
July 11, 2008
Congress Should Not Permit Negative GAO Report to Curtail Weapons Programs
By Baker Spring
(Backgrounder #2160)
The Government Accountability Office recommends an additional layer of bureaucracy to review acquisition programs under a "knowledge-based acquisition approach." But this course, if adopted, could ...
July 11, 2008
"A Glorious Mess": EPA Notice Would Have Dramatic Impact on U.S. Military
By Mackenzie Eaglen
(WebMemo #1988)
The EPA's proposed new rules could put more obligations on our already-burdened military.
June 30, 2008
U.S. Should Defy Chinese-Russian Attack on Missile Defense
By Baker Spring
(Backgrounder #2154)
China and Russia need to recognize that the more defensive strategic policies that have been formulated by the Bush Administration, including support for missile defense, ...
June 30, 2008
NATO in Afghanistan: A Special Address by the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe
By General Bantz John Craddock
(Heritage Lecture #1092)
NATO is succeeding in Afghanistan, and we will continue to succeed, but we in the international community can and must do more. We need to ...
June 23, 2008
Why NATO Must Win in Afghanistan: A Central Front in the War on Terrorism
By Sally McNamara
(Backgrounder #2148)
NATO members cannot afford to underestimate the threat that al-Qaeda continues to pose to the West and its values of freedom, liberty, human rights, equality, ...
June 23, 2008
Why NATO Must Win in Afghanistan: A Central Front in the War on Terrorism
By Sally McNamara
(Executive Summary #2148)
Executive Summary: NATO members cannot afford to underestimate the threat that al-Qaeda continues to pose to the West and its values of freedom, liberty, human ...
June 17, 2008
Paying for America's All-Volunteer Military: Reform Is Not a Dirty Word
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(Backgrounder #2144)
Military compensation reform should not be treated as a "third rail" of annual budget submissions or as an effort to cut benefits. A serious discussion ...
June 13, 2008
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: An Effective Tool for Winning Hearts and Minds
By Jeffrey Gedmin, Ph.D.
(Heritage Lecture #1089)
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has changed in terms of technology and medium, but its core principles, philosophy, and guidelines remain the same as they were ...
June 9, 2008
The Pentagon's Balancing Act: A Special Address by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
By Admiral Michael G. Mullen
(Heritage Lecture #1087)
U.S. military challenges are highlighted by incredible uncertainty about the future and the incredibly dangerous time that we're living in. It's a very delicate balance ...
June 5, 2008
War Funding Bill: PAYGO Awry, Surtaxing Toward GI Benefits
By J.D. Foster, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1947)
The Congress is readying legislation to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and threatening to load up the bill with unrelated related programs and ...
June 2, 2008
U.S. Air Force Guard and Reserves Are Force Multipliers that Deserve Support
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen and Samuel C. Mahaney
(WebMemo #1942)
While Congress continues debate on the fiscal year (FY) 2009 defense bills, the services continue their work on the Pentagon’s 2010 budget proposal in consultation ...
May 29, 2008
Strategizing Strategic Communication
By Tony Blankley and Oliver Horn
(WebMemo #1939)
The United States can and must improve in strategic communications. There is no national security strategy for strategic communications seven years into the War on ...
May 21, 2008
U.S. International Broadcasting on the Frontlines of Freedom
By James K. Glassman
(Heritage Lecture #1086)
U.S. international broadcasting is by far the largest public diplomacy program, reaching the largest number of people—some 175 million per week. Its language services are ...
May 21, 2008
Fighting Terrorism, Addressing Liability: A Global Proposal
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2138)
The SAFETY Act provides protections to manufacturers, distributors, and providers of anti-terrorism technologies for cases under the jurisdiction of U.S. courts, but terrorism is a ...
May 20, 2008
Cuba Solidarity Day 2008: Remembering Our Totalitarian Neighbor
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1928)
May 21 is Cuba Solidarity Day. The day seeks to remind Americans that 90 miles away from the United States is an island nation controlled ...
May 6, 2008
The Bucharest Summit: NATO and the Future of the Transatlantic Alliance
By Kurt Volker
(Heritage Lecture #1082)
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) faces diverse threats, such as terrorism, proliferation, and the consequences of failed states. NATO must sharpen its focus on ...
May 1, 2008
The U.S. Should Reject the U.N. "Responsibility to Protect" Doctrine
By Steven Groves
(Backgrounder #2130)
Advocates of "responsibility to protect" believe that the international community has an obligation to intervene, militarily if necessary, in another country to prevent acts of ...
May 1, 2008
Executive Summary: The U.S. Should Reject the U.N. "Responsibility to Protect" Doctrine
By Steven Groves
(Executive Summary #2130)
Executive Summary: Advocates of "responsibility to protect" believe that the international community has an obligation to intervene, militarily if necessary, in another country to prevent ...
April 28, 2008
Congress Should Fund Development of Air-to-Air Missile Defense Technology
By Baker Spring
(WebMemo #1904)
Congress should make certain that development of the Network Centric Airborne Defense Element interceptor continues into the 2009 fiscal year. Assuming continued interceptor success on ...
April 18, 2008
Missile Defense: The Way Forward
By the Honorable Jeff Sessions
(Heritage Lecture #1077)
The U.S. currently spends less than $10 billion on national missile defense and all our other missile programs. Maintaining funding for the European missile defense ...
April 18, 2008
The Value of American Leadership in the 21st Century
By the Honorable Mirek Topolánek
(Heritage Lecture #1076)
The Czech Republic is now witnessing a debate about the construction of the U.S. radar site for an anti-missile defense system. This issue primarily concerns ...
April 18, 2008
Reagan's Strategic Vision for Missile Defense
By the Honorable Richard B. Cheney
(Heritage Lecture #1078)
In March 1983, President Ronald Reagan announced an initiative to build strategic defenses for the United States with a system to intercept and destroy ballistic ...
April 17, 2008
The War in Afghanistan: More Help Needed
By James Phillips and Lisa Curtis
(Backgrounder #2124)
Greater international support is needed to secure and stabilize Afghanistan, a crucial front in the global war on terrorism. The February 18 Pakistani election provides ...
April 15, 2008
Private Faith, Big Government: Understanding the Impact of Marginalizing Religion
By Ryan Messmore
(Backgrounder #2123)
In the 20th century, America witnessed a significant transition toward a privatized understanding of reli¬gion. Social and political pressures have prompted many to view religion ...
April 15, 2008
Losing Latin America? A Protectionist Congress Is Destroying U.S. Credibility
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1890)
In American election years, a theme sure to grab the nation’s attention is who "lost" a certain country. In 1952, it was "Who lost China?" ...
April 14, 2008
The Heritage Foundation's Leadership on Missile Defense
By Edwin J. Feulner, Ph.D.
(Heritage Lecture #1075)
One of The Heritage Foundation’s main objectives is for the U.S. to fully deploy a comprehensive missile defense system within the next decade. Heritage will ...
April 4, 2008
NATO Backs Washington's Missile Defense Plans: A Victory for U.S. Diplomacy
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1884)
NATO's endorsement stands as testimony to the Alliance's strategic relevance in the 21st century and its enduring commitment to the principle of mutual defense.
April 2, 2008
SOS: Congress Must Save the Aircraft Carrier Fleet
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen and Jim Dolbow
(WebMemo #1880)
Congress should reject the Navy's request to temporarily reduce its fleet of 11 aircraft carriers to 10.
March 28, 2008
Iraq: Pause in Troop Drawdown Makes Sense
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and James Phillips
(WebMemo #1871)
The Bush Administration and Congress should fully support the recommendation on force levels from the commander on the ground.
March 21, 2008
U.S. Africa Command: Challenges and Opportunities
By Brett D. Schaefer and Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(Backgrounder #2118)
The decision to create the U.S. Africa Command reflects the increasing strategic importance of Africa to the U.S. and recognizes that a single independent command ...
March 18, 2008
Supporting Our South Korean Ally and Enhancing Defense Cooperation
By Bruce Klingner
(WebMemo #1859)
Legislation pending in Congress would facilitate foreign military sales to South Korea.
March 18, 2008
Iraq Five Years On: The Coalition Is Winning the War Against Al-Qaeda
By Nile Gardiner, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1860)
The U.S. and its allies must make a long-term military commitment to defeating the al-Qaeda threat in Iraq.
March 14, 2008
Liberty's Best Hope: Why American Leadership Is Needed for the 21st Century
By Kim R. Holmes, Ph.D., Henry R. Nau, Ph.D., and Dov Zakheim, Ph.D.
(Heritage Lecture #1069)
To counter the challenges to America's leadership at home and abroad, even by long-standing allies, we must be more persuasive, win the war on terrorism ...
March 14, 2008
How the U.S. Navy Inadvertently Supports Hugo Chávez
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1855)
A U.S. designation of Venezuela as a terrorist-sponsoring state would allow the Navy to end its practice of buying gasoline from a company owned by ...
March 14, 2008
Public Diplomacy: Reinvigorating America's Strategic Communications Policy
By Edwin J. Feulner, Ph.D., Helle C. Dale, Colleen Graffy, Michael Doran, Ph.D., Joseph Duffey, Ph.D., and Tony Blankley
(Heritage Lecture #1065)
U.S. government agencies are hampered in their efforts to improve public diplomacy by a combination of poor leadership, inadequate coordination, and insufficient resources. As we ...
March 13, 2008
Questions on Iraq for the Petraeus-Crocker Hearings
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1850)
When General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker testify before Congress, Members must ask questions that will help Americans develop an informed opinion about the ...
March 13, 2008
Principles for Stability Operations and State-Building
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(Heritage Lecture #1067)
Historically, the United States has done very poor job of post-conflict planning before and during conflicts. In order to be successful in a post-conflict setting ...
March 13, 2008
The Surge in Iraq: One Year Later
By Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno
(Heritage Lecture #1068)
The 2007 Iraq surge allowed Coalition and Iraqi forces to hold the hard-earned ground that was wrested from the enemy, while continuing to pursue terrorists ...
March 12, 2008
Securing the High Seas: America's Global Maritime Constabulary Power
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen, James Dolbow, Martin Edwin Andersen, and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(Special Report #20)
To meet 21st century threats to freedom and world commerce, greater emphasis needs to be placed on bolstering the Navy’s core warfighting mission while expanding ...
March 11, 2008
Nuclear Games: A Tool for Examining Nuclear Stability in a Proliferated Setting
By Baker Spring
(Heritage Lecture #1066)
The United States can address the threat posed by nuclear proliferation and start taking steps to reverse a disturbing trend. “Nuclear game” exercises showed that ...
March 10, 2008
President Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative Proposal 25 Years Later: A Better Path Chosen
By Baker Spring
(WebMemo #1841)
President Reagan's visionary proposal for a missile defense system was based on principles that remain valid today.
March 6, 2008
Sovereign Wealth Funds and U.S. National Security
By Daniella Markheim
(Heritage Lecture #1063)
Sovereign wealth funds are coming under growing scrutiny due to concerns about the investment strategies underlying these funds and the fear that these funds could ...
February 29, 2008
Competitive Technologies for National Security: Review and Recommendations
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., Andrew Gudgel, and Alane Kochems
(Special Report #21)
Emerging technologies will provide capabilities that include protection and possible immunity against biological agents, better screening at airports and ports, more efficient information-gathering and information-sharing ...
February 25, 2008
The FY 2009 Defense Budget Request: The Growing Gap in Defense Spending
By Baker Spring
(Backgrounder #2110)
Projected growth in entitlement spending, not defense spending, is at the core of the federal government's looming fiscal crisis. Current defense expenditures, or even spending ...
February 22, 2008
Satellite Shootdown Was a Necessary Operation
By Baker Spring
(WebMemo #1823)
The Bush Administration made an appropriate executive decision to protect human life, property, and the environment.
February 19, 2008
Providing for the Common Defense: What 10 Years of Progress Would Look Like
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., Baker Spring, and Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(Backgrounder #2108)
The U.S. military must cap manpower costs, adapt Reserve Component forces, maintain access to cutting-edge technologies, deploy a robust missile defense system, obtain military space ...
February 19, 2008
Executive Summary: Providing for the Common Defense: What 10 Years of Progress Would Look Like
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., Baker Spring, and Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(Executive Summary #2108)
The U.S. military must cap manpower costs, adapt Reserve Component forces, maintain access to cutting-edge technologies, deploy a robust missile defense system, obtain military space ...
February 11, 2008
Russia on the March: The Return of the Red Square Parades
By Ariel Cohen, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1805)
The world should take notice of Russia’s increasing militarism.
February 11, 2008
U.S. Public Diplomacy: The Search for a National Strategy
By Helle C. Dale
(Executive Memorandum #1029)
Engaging strategically in the war of ideas is crucial to U.S. national security, but U.S. public diplomacy is hampered by a lack of leadership, poor ...
February 8, 2008
International Missile Defense: Washington and Warsaw's Postive Step Toward Final Agreement
By Sally McNamara and Peter Brookes
(WebMemo #1803)
A comprehensive missile defense system would offer protection to America, its forward deployed troops, and its allies.
February 8, 2008
Combating Enemies Online: State-Sponsored and Terrorist Use of the Internet
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and Richard Weitz, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2105)
The United States is not defenseless in the face of illicit exploitation of computer networks. Both the government and the private sector have developed significant ...
February 8, 2008
Defense Trade Cooperation Treaties with Australia and the U.K. Will Improve Security
By Baker Spring
(Backgrounder #2107)
The U.S. arms export licensing process can be time-consuming and confusing. Ratification of defense trade cooperation treaties with the United Kingdom and Australia would reduce ...
February 6, 2008
Administration Makes Needed Reforms in the Arms Export Control Process
By Baker Spring
(WebMemo #1798)
The Bush Administration should also lay the groundwork for more fundamental changes to an outdated system.
February 4, 2008
The Commission on the National Guard and Reserves: Reforming the Reserve Component
By Mackenzie Eaglen
(WebMemo #1793)
Congress should pass legislation to transform America's military—specifically, its Reserve component.
January 24, 2008
Securing American Interests in Japan's Uncharted Political Waters
By Bruce Klingner
(Backgrounder #2100)
The United States should encourage Japan to maintain course on adopting a stronger security presence and implementing the necessary legal and constitutional changes to do ...
December 28, 2007
Grassroots Disaster Response: Harnessing the Capacities of Communities
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., Jennifer A. Marshall, and Lauren Calco Hammond
(Backgrounder #2094)
The survivors of a major disaster require immediate, personal relief, and the government is simply not equipped to provide for all of these needs, especially ...
December 21, 2007
Pakistan: Defense and Security Challenges
By Lisa Curtis
(Heritage Lecture #1055)
To garner the full counterterrorism cooperation the U.S. requires from Islamabad, Washington must develop a realistic and hard-nosed policy that takes on Pakistan’s ambivalence toward ...
December 19, 2007
The Pentagon's Robots: Arming the Future
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and Andrew Gudgel
(Backgrounder #2093)
America's capability to seize and maintain a strategic advantage in robotic national security applications could be lost without sustained and focused commitment from the Administration ...
December 18, 2007
Omnibus Eliminates Funding for the Reliable Replacement Warhead Program
By Baker Spring
(WebMemo #1755)
Creating a new nuclear warhead is essential for the security of the United States and its friends and allies.
December 13, 2007
Providing for the Common Defense: Four Percent for Freedom
By The Honorable Jim Talent and Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(Executive Memorandum #1028)
U.S. foreign policy needs a strong military. Allocating a minimum of 4 percent of GDP to defense spending would be a first step toward meeting ...
December 12, 2007
Trojan Dragons: China's International Cyber Warriors
By John J. Tkacik, Jr.
(WebMemo #1735)
China's clandestine intelligence collection is the top intelligence threat to America's science and technology secrets.
December 11, 2007
Future Combat Systems: A Congressional Guide to Army Modernization
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen and Oliver L. Horn
(Backgrounder #2091)
Having gone to war in Iraq in 2003 with equipment based on 30-year-old technologies that has deteriorated even more in harsh operating environments, the Army ...
December 3, 2007
Obsolete Restrictions on Public Diplomacy Hurt U.S. Outreach and Strategy
By Juliana Geran Pilon, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2089)
Section 501 of the U.S. Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 (Smith–Mundt Act) prohibits domestic dissemination of information designed for foreign consumption, ostensibly to ...
November 30, 2007
Combating Insurgencies: Past, Present, and Future
By Honorable Thaddeus McCotter
(Heritage Lecture #1053)
General David Petraeus's strategy of fostering the grassroots will mollify the Sunnis and success will occur. People who have a vested stake in the future, ...
October 31, 2007
Grading Cybersecurity Initiatives: Six Necessary Components
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1684)
Such initiatives should meet all of the nation's priorities: enhancing security, promoting economic growth, and preserving liberty and privacy.
October 15, 2007
Revitalizing U.S. Efforts in Afghanistan
By Lisa Curtis and James Phillips
(Backgrounder #2076)
Consolidating a stable Afghanistan that is free from Taliban influence and ideology will be expensive and will require a patient, long-term, integrated political, military, and ...
September 25, 2007
Four Percent for Freedom:
The Need to Invest More in Defense - Selected Writings
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(Special Report #18)
Four Percent for Freedom: The Need to Invest More in Defense provides the rationale for sensible spending on defense; illustrates the dire consequences of inadequate ...
September 24, 2007
Treatment of Detainees and Unlawful Combatants: Selected Writings on Guantanamo Bay
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., Steven Groves, and Janice Smith
(Special Report #17)
The research presented in The Heritage Foundation’s Guantanamo Bay collection clearly indicates that Congress should not interfere with the U.S. military’s policy of detaining unlawful ...
September 21, 2007
Nanotechnology and National Security: Small Changes, Big Impact
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and Andrew Gudgel
(Backgrounder #2071)
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, leaders in both the legislative and executive branches essentially discarded public diplomacy as a Cold War relic. Since ...
September 20, 2007
The Air Force's Cyber Command: Combating Electronic and Network Threats
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(WebMemo #1629)
Congress and the President must fully support the effort to thwart America's adversaries in the cyber domain.
September 19, 2007
The House's Anti-Terror Insurance Bill: Unnecessary Corporate Welfare
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1623)
Congress should reject any reauthorization of TRIA, for any period of time.
September 18, 2007
Public Diplomacy and the Cold War: Lessons Learned
By Carnes Lord, Ph.D., and Helle C. Dale
(Backgrounder #2070)
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, leaders in both the legislative and executive branches essentially discarded public diplomacy as a Cold War relic. Since ...
September 18, 2007
Follow the Leader: The House and Senate Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Appropriations Bills
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(WebMemo #1621)
To alleviate equipment shortfalls and enable the military to fulfill current and future missions, Congress must fully fund the Army's Future Combat Systems program and ...
September 16, 2007
"Cut and Run Lite": Congressional Iraq Proposal Puts Troops at Risk
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1618)
Congress limiting deployments would tie Pentagon planners' hands and force a de facto drawdown of U.S. force levels in Iraq.
September 13, 2007
A Baghdad Statistician's Perspective on the Positives and Negatives of Polling in Iraq
By Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1615)
Due to the difficulties of polling in a place like Iraq, policymakers should approach such polls with caution and should use them to measure trends ...
August 31, 2007
Questioning the CIA's Claim of a Drop in China's Military Spending
By John J. Tkacik, Jr.
(WebMemo #1597)
The CIA may be under political pressure to downplay the "China threat."
August 20, 2007
If the Real Simón Bolívar Met Hugo Chávez, He'd See Red
By James M. Roberts
(Backgrounder #2062)
Hugo Chávez aims to dominate the Caribbean Basin and Andean region and fulfill the dream of his mentor, Fidel Castro. Venezuela has become a hub ...
August 20, 2007
Executive Summary: If the Real Simón Bolívar Met Hugo Chávez, He’d See Red
By James M. Roberts
(Executive Summary #2062)
Hugo Chávez aims to dominate the Caribbean Basin and Andean region and fulfill the dream of his mentor, Fidel Castro. Venezuela has become a hub ...
August 1, 2007
Terrorists in Their Own Words
By James Phillips and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2057)
U.S. security depends on bolstering the security of Muslims against the menace of Islamist totalitarian movements. Such unified action requires consensus: a common view of ...
July 25, 2007
If Iran Provokes an Energy Crisis: Modeling the Problem in a War Game
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and William W. Beach
(Center for Data Analysis Report #07-03)
A focused but restrained use of military power oriented toward objectives that address vital national interests would demonstrate U.S. determination to uphold freedom of navigation ...
July 23, 2007
National Security and Biotechnology: Small Science with a Big Potential
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and Andrew Gudgel
(Backgrounder #2055)
Because dual-use biotechnologies developed in the private sector offer powerful tools to protect Americans from biological threats and to increase the military’s operational capabilities, the ...
July 20, 2007
CBO Weighs In on the All-Volunteer Force
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1561)
A new report by the Congressional Budget Office debunks the notion that a volunteer military is inferior to a conscripted force.
July 17, 2007
New Handguns: The Wrong Priority for the U.S. Air Force
By Mackenzie Eaglen and Oliver Horn
(WebMemo #1560)
Instead of spending more than $100 million on an unnecessary handgun replacement program, the Air Force should devote resources to more urgent priorities such as ...
July 13, 2007
International Missile Defense: Ensuring America's Safety and Its Global Alliances
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1553)
An amendment to pull funding for proposed missile defense installations in Poland and the Czech Republic would damage the transatlantic security alliance.
July 13, 2007
Bolstering Pakistan in its Fight Against Extremism
By Lisa A. Curtis
(WebMemo #1554)
As Pakistan faces a crucial moment in its battle against extremism, Washington must support President Musharraf's offensive against terrorism while pressing for free and fair ...
July 13, 2007
Senate Effort to Impose Iraq Study Group Recommendations: Unrealistic, Unwise, and Unnecessary
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1555)
Senate Amendment 2063 mandates a "cut and run" strategy that ignores key conclusions of the Iraq Study Group report.
July 13, 2007
Dispelling Misconceptions: Guantanamo Bay Detainee Procedures Exceed the Requirements of the U.S. Constitution, U.S. Law, and Customary International Law
By Steven Groves and Brian W. Walsh
(WebMemo #1556)
Contrary to the claims of the Bush Administration's critics, the detainees held at Guantanamo actually receive the most systematic and extensive procedural protections afforded to ...
July 12, 2007
Visa Waiver Reform: The Heritage Foundation's Research
By The Heritage Foundation
(WebMemo #1552)
Restricting casual travel with many countries that seek stronger ties to America has hurt the U.S. economy, diminished America's image abroad, and actually foreclosed one ...
July 10, 2007
Deployment-Length Amendment Is First Step Toward "Cut and Run" In Iraq
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1544)
Legislating combat deployment schedules would limit the Commander in Chief's flexibility during war and would be the first step toward cutting and running from Iraq. ...
July 5, 2007
Future Computing and Cutting-Edge National Security
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and Andrew Gudgel
(Backgrounder #2049)
Data mining and cognitive computers are powerful tools that could greatly improve the identification, analysis, and decision-making capabilities in homeland security and defense. Congress not ...
July 5, 2007
The War on Terrorism: Habeas Corpus On and Off the Battlefield
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1535)
Extending habeas corpus rights to unlawful enemy combatants would impede military operations, undermine the laws of war, and unnecessarily burden an already fair legal process. ...
June 29, 2007
Ratifying the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty: A Bad Idea in 1999, a Worse Idea Today
By Baker Spring
(WebMemo #1533)
U.S. ratification of the CTBT would jeopardize the national security of the United States by undermining its nuclear deterrent.
June 26, 2007
Twelve Principles to Guide U.S. Energy Policy
By Stuart M. Butler, Ph.D., and Kim R. Holmes, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2046)
The best way to facilitate access to oil and gas and foster new alternatives that work for the U.S. economy while addressing homeland and national ...
June 18, 2007
Visa Waiver Reform: Time for Action
By The Honorable George V. Voinovich
(Heritage Lecture #1032)
The Visa Waiver Program is an important tool that we can use to modernize and improve homeland security, public diplomacy, and economic competitiveness. Expanding visa-free ...
June 18, 2007
Keep Missile Defense on Track in the Senate
By Baker Spring
(WebMemo #1511)
The Senate should scrap two provisions in its Defense Authorization bill that would block space-based missile defenses and impose unreasonable delays on fielding a missile ...
June 15, 2007
Enduring Alliances Empower America's Long-War Strategy
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and Sally McNamara
(Backgrounder #2042)
Enduring alliances should be the centerpiece of America's long-war strategy, but they will require a concerted U.S. effort to facilitate secure travel and interchange between ...
June 12, 2007
Collective Bargaining for Defense and DHS Would Undermine National Security
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1498)
Congress considers collective bargaining policies that would empower unions at the expense of national security.
June 8, 2007
"Buy America" Provisions Hurt War Fighters and Taxpayers
By Baker Spring
(WebMemo #1494)
The House version of the National Defense Authorization Act would restrict the supply of certain specialty metals used in weapons construction to domestic sources. Congress ...
June 8, 2007
Adjusting to the Reality of a Democratic Indonesia
By Walter Lohman
(WebMemo #1495)
House appropriators have charted a strikingly unwise course in slashing and conditioning military assistance to Indonesia. Indonesia is a natural partner for the United States ...
June 7, 2007
Putin's Missile Defense Proposal Leaves Key Questions Unanswered
By Baker Spring
(WebMemo #1493)
A new openness on the part of Russia to missile defense in Europe? Perhaps.
May 31, 2007
America's Image Abroad: Room for Improvement
By Lisa A. Curtis
(Heritage Lecture #1027)
Recent polls show that large majorities of Muslim populations believe the U.S. seeks to undermine Islam as a religion. Defeating terrorist ideology requires that we ...
May 29, 2007
Four Percent for Freedom: Spend More on National Defense
By Baker Spring
(Executive Memorandum #1027)
The Bush Administration's budget proposal shows the defense budget declining to 3.2 percent of GDP by 2012. Even with robust levels of economic growth, this ...
May 23, 2007
Making Progress on National Guard "Empowerment"
By Mackenzie Eaglen
(WebMemo #1467)
As Secretary Gates acts on the recommendations of the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves, Congress must do its part to ensure that those ...
May 21, 2007
Building on the House's National Defense Authorization Act To Ensure Long-Term Readiness
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(WebMemo #1462)
Congress should restore funding for Army modernization and missile defense while supporting funding for many other important defense programs and initiatives that will help provide ...
May 18, 2007
Airmen vs. Modernization: The Air Force Budget Dilemma
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(Backgrounder #2037)
Current operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere have strained the Air Force's ability to man, operate, maintain, and modernize simultaneously, all of which are essential ...
May 14, 2007
The National Security Consequences of Oil Dependency
By Ariel Cohen, Ph.D.
(Heritage Lecture #1021)
The dependence of the U.S. and the global economy on oil is growing, which can have dire consequences for the economic well-being of the United ...
May 11, 2007
International Missile Defense: Challenges for Europe
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1453)
"Third site" installations allow America to extend its own security umbrella and protect its European allies at the same time.
May 11, 2007
Congress's Critical Role in the Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW) Program
By Baker Spring
(Executive Memorandum #1026)
Post–Cold War security requires a new nuclear weapons policy, operational doctrine, arsenal, and infrastructure. Congress needs to accelerate the Reliable Replacement Warhead program, require a ...
April 27, 2007
Efforts to Deal with America's Image Abroad: Are They Working?
By Lisa Curtis
(Testimony )
The attacks of September 11, 2001, and their aftermath have renewed Washington's focus on the importance of reaching out to foreign audiences, particularly within the ...
April 26, 2007
The Navy Needs to Close the Projected Gap in the Attack Submarine Fleet
By Baker Spring
(WebMemo #1432)
Attack submarines provide invaluable capabilities to the Navy and the nation, but without action from Congress, the fleet could fall beneath the number needed for ...
April 25, 2007
The Next Steps for Missile Defense
By Baker Spring
(Backgrounder #2028)
Congress and the American people need to understand that, despite recent progress in putting missile defense systems in the field, the U.S. remains largely vulnerable ...
April 13, 2007
Remarks by the Vice President to The Heritage Foundation
By Vice President Dick Cheney
(WebMemo )
Remarks by the Vice President to The Heritage Foundation
April 10, 2007
Four Percent for Freedom: Maintaining Robust National Security Spending
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., Baker Spring, and Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(Executive Memorandum #1023)
Congress and the President should commit to spending 4 percent of GDP on national defense even after any drawdown of U.S. forces in Afghanistan or ...
April 9, 2007
A Step Forward in Reforming the U.S. Arms Export Control Process
By Baker Spring
(WebMemo #1416)
An industry proposal to streamline the arms export approval process deserves serious consideration by the Bush Administration.
March 27, 2007
Delayed Emergency Appropriations Put U.S. Forces at Risk
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(WebMemo #1410)
Further delay by Congress will have serious real-world consequences for U.S. military operations and U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
March 27, 2007
House and Senate Defense Budgets Imply the Need for Future Supplemental Funding
By Baker Spring
(WebMemo #1411)
Congress needs to support plans to fill the gaps in the defense budget between FY 2009 and FY 2012 and pave the way to sustai
