The Second Line of Defense effort has been focused on providing a venue for the expression of fresh thinking about the way ahead to deal with global challenges and defense innovation which can allow the military forces of the liberal democracies to compete effectively with their authoritarian competitors. Second Line…
Dr. Richard Weitz stands as a prominent figure in the realm of political-military analysis, recognized for his in-depth research, policy contributions, and prolific writing. Over decades of dedicated service in academia, think tanks, and policy advisory roles, Dr. Weitz has shaped conversations on security dynamics across Europe, Eurasia, East Asia,…
By Robbin Laird As I reflect on 2025 from my vantage point as a defense analyst with over four decades of experience observing military transformation and strategic shifts, this year stands out as a watershed moment in the evolution of warfare and international security architecture. The patterns I witnessed throughout…
By Pierre Tran Paris – France and Sweden have offered the Rafale and Gripen to Ukraine, raising questions of practicality and financing, but an eventual delivery of the fighter jets could not be ruled out, the Estonian ambassador to France, Viljar Lubi, said Dec. 16. “These are big deals, difficult…
Dr. Paul Bracken stands at the crossroads of political science, management, and technology as a renowned professor at Yale University. Holding dual appointments in the Yale School of Management and the Department of Political Science, he has spent decades influencing both intellectual and practical approaches to complex, high-stakes issues facing…
The 2025 publishing year brought together a remarkably coherent body of work that spans contemporary defense transformation, global political change, and historical reflection, while continuing to deepen long‑standing partnerships with leading strategic thinkers and historians. Taken as a whole, the 2025 list underlines a central theme: democratic states are struggling…
By James Durso After NATO forces evacuated Kabul in August 2021, the U.S. government implemented Operation Allies Welcome to remove Afghan allies, including interpreters, embassy staff, and others who worked alongside U.S. forces. The program provided humanitarian parole and resettlement opportunities for those evacuated during the chaotic airlift from Kabul.…
The passing of Harald Malmgren in February 2025 marked the end of an era in international economic diplomacy and policy analysis. A trusted advisor to U.S. presidents, a visionary academic, and one of the cornerstones of modern trade negotiation strategy, Malmgren’s legacy spans over six decades of shaping global economic…
