The National Debt Is Crossing an Ominous Line
The U.S. has successfully navigated past debt challenges, notably in the 1990s. Policymakers can fix this if they find the will to do so.
National Defense
The National Debt Is Now So High That Every American Essentially Owes $100,000
We could grow our way out of our debt burden if politicians would limit spending increases to just below America's average yearly economic growth. But they won't even do that.
Opposition to U.S. Steel Sale Shows How Similar Biden and Trump Are on Trade
Economic nationalists are claiming the deal endangers "national security" to convince Americans that a good deal for investors, employees, and the U.S. economy will somehow make America less secure. That's nonsense.
Trump Had a Point About NATO Free-Riding Off American Defense
It’s true that the U.S. pays too much of the continent’s defense bills even as it’s going broke.
Weapons for Christmas
Plus: Elon Musk's mom tells off the FCC, A24 tackles civil war, Nate Silver talks F.A. Hayek, and more...
Pentagon Fails Sixth Audit in a Row
Though federal law has required annual financial reports, the Department of Defense simply did not complete them until 2018. It has since failed each year.
Americans Learned a Lesson About Interest Rates. Washington Has Not.
Higher rates lead to more debt, and more debt begets higher rates, and on and on. Get the picture?
Senators Want To Declare Fentanyl a National Security Threat
Plus: SCOTUS won't hear Reddit sex trafficking case, debt deal would increase spending on SNAP benefits, and more...
Neither the Constitution Nor Common Sense Supports the Argument the Debt Ceiling Is Unconstitutional
Professor Prakash dispatches the arguments for unilateral Presidential authority to disregard the debt ceiling.
Recent Airstrikes Are Our Periodic Reminder That We're Fighting a War in Syria
Four years after IS was officially defeated, the U.S. continues to keep hundreds of troops in Syria to fight the vanquished terrorist group.
The Jones Act Is Driving Up Prices and Making Crises Worse
The legislation, which forbids shipping anything between American ports in ships that are not U.S. built and crewed, is just another a special deal that one industry has scammed out of Congress.
This Military Spending Bill Will Make Puerto Rico's Next Hurricane Disaster Even Worse
The maritime industry inserted some protectionism into the National Defense Authorization Act.
A Skeptical Public May Stop War With Russia
After disappointment in Afghanistan, Americans show no eagerness for a new conflict.
Could the CIA and FBI Have Stopped 9/11?
We may have misinterpreted 9/11 as a harbinger, when it was really just an outlier.
Don't Ask U.S. Troops To Solve Haiti's Problems
It’s unclear what a military intervention could even accomplish.
The Publication of the Pentagon Papers Still Sets an Example 50 Years Later
Whistleblowers and publishers are crucial for keeping government officials reasonably honest.
On Memorial Day, Remember Skepticism Toward a Large, Standing Military
Thank the troops, but question the uses to which they’re put.
Reckless Foreign Policy Gives the U.S. a Bad Reputation
A significant portion of the world views the U.S. as a threat to democracy in their home countries.
The U.S.-China Relationship Doesn't Have To Be 'Increasingly Adversarial'
Many U.S. complaints about China aren’t about actions that threaten U.S. security.
Joe Biden's Secretary of State Pick Has Been an Avid Backer of American Military Intervention
The president-elect's forthcoming nomination of Antony Blinken as the country's top diplomat suggests an appetite for continuing America's role as the globe's policeman.
Trump Administration Threatens Veto Over Defense Bill That Only Spends $733 Billion
The White House is asking Congress to spend $750 billion on the military this coming fiscal year.
Michigan Congressmen Blame Justin Amash After Their State Is Passed Over for Missile Defense Site
They were hoping to hit the Department of Defense jackpot.
Republicans and Democrats Spar Over Whether Defense Spending Should Increase by $20 Billion or $30 Billion
The depressing bipartisan consensus on ever-increasing defense spending shows no sign of breaking down anytime soon.
Good News, Ladies! The Military-Industrial Complex Is Ours Now!
No one wants to consider if casually blowing things up is a good idea in the first place.
Americans Have Always Been Obsessed With National Security
Since the beginning of the republic, nationalists have warned that because America is exceptional, it faces constant danger.
Rand Paul and 10 Heedless Hawks
The Kentucky senator offers a desperately needed alternative to the GOP's mindless militarism.
Alarmist Marco Rubio: 'Nothing Matters If We Aren't Safe.' Okay, I'm Alarmed.
Conversely: We are safe, so some things matter.
Keep Rand Paul Weird
Will the libertarian-leaning presidential candidate shed the differences that make him interesting?
The Squeal of the War Hogs
Why do Lindsey Graham and John McCain think half a trillion dollars is not enough to defend the country?
The Right Is Wrong About Defense
Conservatives insist military outlays must remain high in order to sustain employment levels. Are they serious?
Motives Aside, the NSA Should Not Spy on Us
We may have more to fear from spies acting out of patriotic zeal than those acting out of power lust or economic interest.
Our Fruitless Quest for Missile Defense
We've spent 30 years and $200 billion, and what have we got to show for it?
The Iraq War's Unhappy Anniversary
Remembering the bipartisan efforts to expand the size and power of government.
Air Force Mulls Underground Tunnel Network for Nukes
Would make them harder for enemy to target
Susan Rice May Become National Security Adviser
Famously pushed out of Secretary of State consideration over Benghazi scandal
Covered at Reason 24/7: Hagel Walks Back Defense Budget Doom Talk
It's not the end of the world
Obama: Deep Cuts a Threat to National Security
No word on what effect foreign policy might have on national security
More Countries Eye Patriot Missiles to Deal with Threats
Cheap missiles may come from Iran and China, increasing market for defenses
Stealth Cold War Coming Between US and China
Technology showdown in the air of the South Pacific
Defense Lawmakers Plead for Action to Avoid Sequestration
Please don't take away their sweet, delicious pork!
The President As Planetary Policeman
The GOP's military hawks squawk louder than its budget hawks.
