By John Erath The June 1 Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian airfields have a greater significance than the numbers of aircraft destroyed or damaged on the ground. In the context of the ongoing war, the strikes showed clearly that Ukraine is still in the fight and not stuck with “no cards to play.” The broader importance […]
Deterrence can create space for diplomacy, not replace it.
By John Erath On May 6, India retaliated for the killings of Indian tourists in Kashmir by striking what it identified as terrorist-linked facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. International reaction initially focused on the possibility of nuclear war, an understandable concern when violence between nuclear-armed states worsens. During the following days, both sides have […]
Requiescat in Pace
By John Erath Pope Francis died April 21 after a serious illness, and the world lost one of its best advocates for peace. In recent years, it has become fashionable to criticize the Catholic Church for its institutional shortcomings, but the focus on the problems should not take away from the church’s record as a […]
A South Korean Bomb Would Be No Boon for Burden-Shifting
by Carl Parkin* In its first few months, the second Trump administration has disrupted long standing alliance relationships by questioning existing arrangements. The project to recast the United States’ role in its alliances won’t end with Europe, and if nominations are anything to go by, South Korea may be next on the burden-sharing chopping block. […]
Sound as Violence: The Need for International Regulation of Acoustic Weaponry
by Emmy Tither* The sun began to rise over the ancient city. Outside the city’s walls, an encircling army marched silently for the seventh day, their footsteps synchronized, their faces resolute. On this final day, as the army’s priests blew their trumpets, a powerful, reverberating sound filled the air. Soldiers shouted in unison, the ground […]
