Throughout the Republican presidential primary race, there has been no shortage of comments by the candidates on their views of the Pentagon budget. The topic has been highlighted in debates, press releases, and interviews, and it is not going away. Unfortunately, the candidates are being unrealistic, vague, or both, about their plans for the appropriate levels of defense spending.
European Reassurance Initiative lacks Reassurance
Continually reassuring our allies is a pillar of our national defense strategy, yet next year’s proposed defense commitments make the European Reassurance Initiative (ERI) only temporary. The President’s Fiscal Year 2017 Defense Budget includes $3.4 billion for ERI, which will strengthen NATO’s conventional capability near the Russian border, more than quadrupling the $789 million allocated […]
Nuclear Modernization Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank
By: Cassandra Peterson Nuclear modernization is happening. That fact isn’t up for debate. The process, which involves upgrading, altering, and rehabilitating the operational capabilities of the United States’ nuclear arsenal is forecast to cost up to 1 trillion dollars over the next thirty years. The intimidating price tag is touted as a necessary evil in […]
Despite differences, US-Russia still cooperate on New START and More
Make no mistake: we should continue to vigorously oppose Russian actions that undermine international security in places like Ukraine and Syria. But instead of solely focusing on what drives us apart, let’s find the right areas to increase cooperation and improve the security of both countries and the world.
Upgrades and Innovations Characterize Hearing on Future Nuclear Posture
By: Cassandra Peterson Last Wednesday’s Senate Armed Services Subcommittee Hearing on the Future Nuclear Posture of the United States was dominated by discussions of nuclear modernization and Russian saber-rattling. It appeared to be a forgone conclusion that the United States’ existing nuclear infrastructure isn’t good enough. Witness testimonial was given by Dr. John R. Harvey, […]
