June 2016

commentary

A Brief History of the Assault Rifle

The assault rifle is a class of weapon that emerged in the middle of the last century to meet the needs of combat soldiers on the modern battlefield, where the level of violence had reached such heights that an entirely new way of fighting had emerged.

Michael Shurkin

commentary

What Can We Learn from High-Performing Research Units?

Central characteristics of high-performing research units are the high quality of the people and the culture and values displayed within the department, which is often a result of leadership. It is also interesting to explore their differences, such as what makes a unit particularly good at having impact versus producing high-quality publications.

Catriona Manville, Sarah Parks

commentary

The Future of Transatlantic Security

Without the UK, the EU's military and defense capabilities — including in key areas such as strategic lift, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, and special forces — are considerably reduced.

Christopher S. Chivvis

commentary

Looking Out the Window to Transport in 2035

The UK's roads, railways, and airports are some of the most congested in the world. Exploring future transport scenarios and the technologies that will drive them can help guide today's policy and investment decisions.

Charlene Rohr

commentary

South China Sea Spat a Symptom of U.S.-China Jockeying for Advantage

A spate of high-profile diplomatic feuds and military actions related to the South China Sea has raised concern about the direction of U.S.-China relations. Neither country is well positioned politically or economically to engage in a long-term, antagonistic relationship, let alone a major conflict.

Timothy R. Heath

essay

The Digital Underworld: What You Need to Know

A growing threat is emanating from a digital underworld where hackers sell their services like mercenaries and credit-card numbers can be had for pennies on the dollar.

blog

Strategic Reversal in Afghanistan

A new contingency plan considers what an unraveling of Afghanistan's political and security situation over the next 18 months would mean — and what can be done to prevent it.

commentary

All Eyes on Sirte: Beating the Islamic State, but Losing Libya

At a time when the U.N.-sponsored Government of National Accord could be working to unite Libya's armed groups and promote political stability, it has instead become entwined in the race for Sirte.

Amanda Kadlec

commentary

Young Workers Without College Degrees Face Uncomfortable Truths

Young Americans without a college education suffer from high unemployment, low earnings, and delayed adulthood with a limited ability to buy a home. To help them, policymakers need to remind themselves that workforce training and labor policy must focus on the technology-driven jobs of tomorrow.

Diana Gehlhaus

commentary

Don't Learn the Wrong Lessons from Rapid Acquisition

Rapid acquisition practices that worked during recent wars may not easily translate to peacetime endeavors. Enthusiasm for rapid acquisition must be tempered by an understanding of the circumstances that made it work and the downsides that were accepted in wartime.

Jonathan P. Wong @jonpwong

commentary

Russia and America: The World Is Big Enough for Both of Us

The United States' approach to Russia — and any other great power — over the coming decade will ultimately be more effective if grounded in the rules, norms, and institutions that have come to characterize the postwar global system.

Michael J. Mazarr @MMazarr

commentary

Integrating STEM Learning in Early Childhood Education

Young children can understand concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and early development of STEM skills seems to support learning later in life. But an effective teaching system is needed before STEM learning can be fully integrated into early childhood education.

Rafiq Dossani

commentary

Before Obama Leaves Office, Here's What He Should Do About Iran

The United States needs to pursue policies designed to preclude regional hegemony and create a balance of power in the Middle East, while also expressing support for human rights and engaging Iran diplomatically.

Zalmay Khalilzad, James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins

commentary

Afghanistan After Mansour

The death of Taliban leader Akhtar Mohammad Mansour is unlikely to transform the conflict in Afghanistan or improve the prospects for a deal between Kabul and the Taliban. In the coming months, the U.S. presence in the country will be as important as ever.

Seth G. Jones

commentary

The True Cost of Dimming Street Lights

Local authorities across the UK have considered reducing street lighting to save money. What impact might this have on crime, night-time traffic collisions, and other outcomes?

Matthew Davies