Public support for military operations depends partly on expectations. If leaders promise fast, decisive results, long and uncertain campaigns can erode trust. Scholars of strategy emphasize setting realistic goals, explaining …
Managing Expectations in Long Wars Read More
Iran is a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and says its program is peaceful. The International Atomic Energy Agency monitors declared nuclear facilities through safeguards agreements. Key terms include …
Iran’s Nuclear Program: Key Terms and Milestones Read More
Bedouin citizens of Israel are not subject to conscription but may volunteer, and a number serve in the military, often in reconnaissance and tracking roles that draw on knowledge of …
Bedouin Volunteers in the Israeli Military: Background Read More
The United States and Israel have long cooperated on defense, including security assistance, joint research, and co-development of some systems. Missile defense programs are among the best-known areas. Cooperation is …
U.S.-Israel Defense Industrial Cooperation: An Overview Read More
In November 2010, the United Kingdom and France signed two treaties at Lancaster House in London. One covered defense and security cooperation, and the other cooperation on nuclear weapons stewardship …
Franco-British Defense Cooperation: The 2010 Lancaster House Treaties Read More
When budgets fall or stay flat, defense planners must choose among readiness, force size, and modernization. Replacing aging equipment is costly and can be delayed when funds are tight. The …
Budget Pressure and Military Modernization: How Cuts Affect Programs Read More
Defense budgets are among the largest items in many national budgets, so they attract scrutiny. Supporters of higher spending argue that deterrence and readiness require sustained investment and that threats …
Why Defense Spending Is Debated: Basic Arguments Read More
In the mid-2000s, the United States proposed placing a radar in the Czech Republic and interceptors in Poland to defend against long-range missiles from the Middle East. Russia objected strongly. …
European Missile Defense: From Czech Radar to Phased Adaptive Approach Read More
Building partner capacity refers to efforts to help other countries improve their ability to provide security. Typical activities include training, equipping, advising, and exercises. In the United States, several legal …
Building Partner Capacity: What It Means and How It Works Read More
In January 2012, the Department of Defense released Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for 21st Century Defense. It was issued in the context of the 2011 Budget Control Act, which …
The 2012 U.S. Defense Strategic Guidance: Key Points Read More