National Security

By the End of the Week, the Trump Administration’s War in Iran Will Likely Have Cost $25 Billion

The administration reportedly plans to request another $200 billion to fund the war in Iran. What could that much money buy instead?

Loss of Innocents: The U.S. Strike on an Iranian School and Implications for America at War

Please join CAP for an online discussion on this tragedy and its implications for the U.S. military and the future of warfare.

Diplomatic Malpractice: The Trump Administration’s Failure To Protect and Evacuate U.S. Embassies and Citizens in the Middle East

Please join the Center for American Progress for a virtual event on Thursday, March 12 at 2:30 p.m. EDT discussing this dereliction of duty.

What America is paying for Trump’s war in Iran

And how one tax policy could help build 1 million new homes

Iran Spotlights How Trump Is Fracturing the Transatlantic Alliance

President Trump’s war with Iran is exposing how Europe has grown too divided and too dependent to resist an increasingly coercive transatlantic alliance.

Congress Must Stop Prediction Market Corruption

Recent reports of prediction market bets made ahead of surprise government actions point to potentially corrupt use of insider information for personal profit. Congress must put an end to this practice.

Regional Recalibration After the Iran Strikes

President Donald Trump’s decision to strike Iran has upended a careful balance regional actors have long sought to strike between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Trump’s Short-Sighted Africa Strategy

The Trump administration views the African continent as “peripheral” to U.S. interests—a gross strategic miscalculation that will set back America’s security, competitiveness, and influence in the years to come.

The Case Against Trump’s War of Choice in Iran

In starting war with Iran, President Trump and his administration have knowingly put service members in harm’s way, inflicted suffering on innocent civilians, and left the American people to bear the financial burden of this needless conflict.

The real cost of Trump’s reckless war in Iran

Plus, 5 things to know about the DOD’s attack on Anthropic

Counterpoint: War With Iran Means Short-Term and Long-Term Damage

In an op-ed for Inside Sources, Damian Murphy and Andrew Miller argue that the longer the war in Iran continues, the greater the long-term repercussions will be.

The Trump Administration’s Reckless War in Iran Has Already Cost More Than $5 Billion

The Trump administration has launched a reckless war of choice in the Middle East, which has already imposed an estimated cost of more than $5 billion on the American taxpayer.

The Trump Administration’s Trade Deals Are the Epitome of Corporate-Style ‘Short-Termism’ in Foreign Policy, and the American People Will Pay the Price for Years To Come

The lasting consequences of the Trump administration’s trade policy demonstrate the cost of headline-chasing leadership.

An Update on Military Actions in Iran

CAP experts are ready to fill you in on the details and repercussions of military actions in Iran.

Are the Iran strikes a good idea?

In a symposium for NOTUS, Damian Murphy argued that the U.S. strikes on Iran were wrong and unlawful, adding that American voters don't support regime change wars.

What Both Anthropic and the Pentagon Get Wrong

In an op-ed for The New York Times, Frank Kendall writes about the standoff between Anthropic and the Department of Defense, arguing that Congress must pass strong regulations on artificial intelligence to ensure a level playing field and balanced interests.

Trump Is Potentially Leading the United States Into an Unnecessary War With Iran

President Donald Trump is poised to carry out military action in Iran, but intervention is unlikely to achieve its objectives and brings grave risks of retaliation and a longer regional entanglement.

Our Defense Industrial Base—We Get What We Pay For

Frank Kendall writes for the Center for a New American Security about how to address issues with the defense industrial base.

How Trump’s Unilateral Foreign Policy Has Eroded American Power

In his State of the Union address, President Trump will attempt to project strength. But while his administration’s unilateral foreign policy—from military strikes on Iran to reckless tariffs—expands the bounds of executive power, it has only weakened the United States on the world stage.

Reining in DHS and Restoring Accountability

Join a virtual discussion with the authors of five commonsense reforms to rein in DHS.

The Trump Administration’s Fixation on Greenland Reinforces That Climate Change Is a Threat to Americans

Climate change is causing the Arctic to warm at an alarming rate, threatening to heighten geopolitical tensions in the region; yet instead of combating this threat, President Trump has halted all U.S. international climate action, putting Americans’ security at risk.

Congress Must Reestablish Its Role in Foreign Policy To Rein In ‘Militarist in Chief’ Donald Trump

From Venezuela to Greenland to Iran, President Trump has carried out a militarized, imperial foreign policy that has sidelined cost-effective diplomatic tools and relied almost solely on force or coercion.

Risk, Order, and Power: The Saudi-Emirati Divergence

H.A. Hellyer writes on the tense relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and how it could affect the United States.

The Trump Administration’s ICE and CBP Have Become a Threat to Americans: Congress Must Ensure That DHS Follows the Law and Adopts Commonsense Reforms

The Trump administration’s Department of Homeland Security is out of control, endangering the well-being and lives of Americans. DHS must follow the law and fulfill its role to enhance—not compromise—the security of Americans and the homeland.

Trump’s Greenland Threats Reveal the Costs of Overt Aggression

By normalizing coercion over cooperation, the United States forfeits trust, fractures alliances, and invites a more dangerous world.

Illiberal International: The Transatlantic Right’s Challenge to Democracy

In a chapter published in the European Center for Populism Studies’ report “Populism and the Future of Transatlantic Relations: Challenges and Policy Options,” Robert Benson investigates the transatlantic dimensions of far-right political mobilization, tracing the networks linking populist and authoritarian actors across Europe and the United States.

Trump Global Weakness Watch: How Trump Is Undermining American Power

Tracking 111 ways the Trump administration weakens America's security, economy, and global influence.

What Trump’s coup in Venezuela is really about

Plus, Sen. Schumer joins CAP for a housing summit

La intervención militar de Trump en Venezuela beneficia a las grandes petroleras, no al pueblo estadounidense

La administración Trump arriesgó las vidas de militares estadounidenses con sus recientes acciones militares en Venezuela, todo en un esfuerzo por beneficiar a sus donantes petroleros a pesar del alto costo para los contribuyentes.

Trump’s Military Intervention in Venezuela Serves Big Oil, Not the American People

The Trump administration’s recent military actions in Venezuela risked the lives of American service members at a steep cost to the American taxpayer, all in an effort to benefit the president’s Big Oil donors.

Crisis in the Caribbean: Breaking Down the Trump Administration’s Dangerous Actions in Latin America

Leading experts break down the issues behind the Trump administration's actions.

Hegseth’s strikes show concerns about unlawful orders have merit

In an op-ed published by USA Today, Frank Kendall explains why he fears U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth are using military force to unlawfully cling to power.

Trump’s 28-Point Peace Plan Will Invite the Next War

The Trump administration’s leaked “peace plan” hands Moscow strategic victories, forces Ukraine to swallow unilateral concessions, and sets the stage for a deadlier future war.

What will the situation in Russia and Ukraine look like five years from now?

Robert Benson joined a symposium for NOTUS, in which he describes how the Russia-Ukraine conflict may look five years from now.

Video Explainer: Trump’s Attacks on Multilateralism Make America Weaker, Not Stronger

Multilateralism does not restrain the United States on the world stage; it provides a means to support the peace, security, and prosperity of the American people.

Trump’s Sanctions on Russia Are Serious—Enforcement Will Decide Whether They Work

President Trump’s new sanctions finally target the heart of Russia’s war machine, but only aggressive, disciplined enforcement will decide whether they actually bite.

Trump’s Attacks on Multilateralism Make America Weaker, Not Stronger

Multilateral organizations like the United Nations and World Health Organization and international forums like the G20 and G7 do not restrain the United States on the world stage; they provide a means to support the peace, security, and prosperity of the American people.

Video Explainer: The Dangers of Trump’s Occupation of American Communities

President Trump’s use of masked plainclothes officers deployed into American communities is not legitimate law enforcement and threatens the rights of all American citizens.

Trump Is Putting Military Leaders in a No-Win Situation

In an op-ed published by The New York Times, Frank Kendall explains how the current legal chain of command for the military is made up of the yes-men who will not push back on anything President Donald Trump or Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commands them to do.

A New Vision for American Foreign Policy

Please join the Center for American Progress for an event unveiling an affirmative vision for American diplomacy and global leadership.

Peace in Gaza? Hopefully, But Not Assuredly

Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement offers hope for an end to the war, but its implementation will depend on disciplined implementation from the inconstant president.

Los ataques de Trump en el Caribe son un abuso peligroso e ilegal del poder en tiempos de guerra, y no terminarán ahí

Los ataques mortales que lanzó la administración Trump en el Caribe sin autorización del Congreso nos ponen en un camino peligroso hacia abusos más amplios.

Trump’s Strikes in the Caribbean Are a Dangerous, Illegal Abuse of Wartime Power—It Won’t Stop There

The Trump administration’s deadly strikes in the Caribbean bypass Congress and put us on a dangerous pathway to wider abuses.

The Trump Administration’s Retreat From the United Nations Harms the American People

President Donald Trump’s disengagement from the United Nations is not just contrary to lofty American ideals but also a threat to the material welfare of Americans.

Congressional Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act Creates an Unaccountable Slush Fund for the Trump Administration’s Deportation Force

The OBBBA pumps $75 billion into ICE with no guardrails, supercharging the Trump administration’s massive, indiscriminate deportation agenda that is operating without accountability and threatening local communities and economies.

Securing American Democracy: A Conversation With Sen. Adam Schiff

Join the Center for American Progress for a conversation with Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) as part of CAP’s “What’s Next: Conversations on the Path Forward” series.

The Turnberry trap: Trump, Europe and global reordering

In an op-ed published by Politico Europe, Robert Benson argues that President Trump's recent trade deal with the European Union represents an alarming global reordering—one that empowers bullying, sows division, and destabilizes international norms.

President Trump’s Recent Actions in Washington, D.C., Are an Abuse of Power and Threaten Public Safety for All

Authorizing the deployment of National Guard troops and federalizing the local police force are dangerous political theatrics that threaten democracy nationwide.

The Trump-Putin Alaska Meeting: Preventing a Surrender Summit

Trump’s planned Alaska meeting with Putin risks becoming a “surrender summit” that pressures Ukraine into abandoning NATO aspirations and accepting imposed neutrality, rewarding Russian aggression.

America’s Window To Stop Russia Is Closing

Trump’s hasty ultimatum and symbolic tariffs will not deter Putin; only rapid weapons deliveries and enforceable energy sanctions can shift the battlefield and force Moscow to meaningfully negotiate, creating the conditions for a Ukraine ceasefire.

By cutting science, the Defense Department is eating its seed corn

In an op-ed published by Defense News, Frank Kendall warns that the Trump administration's cuts to science and research funding harm U.S. national security by giving China a solid edge on research and technology development.

Hoja informativa: Un marco de inmigración que garantizará el orden en la frontera, mantendrá seguros a los estadounidenses, aumentará el crecimiento económico y nos fortalecerá

Estas reformas ofrecen una estrategia ordenada y eficaz que protege a las comunidades estadounidenses y defiende los valores de la nación, a la vez que satisface las necesidades económicas del país.

A New Immigration System To Safeguard America’s Security, Expand Economic Growth, and Make Us Stronger

America needs a new immigration system that protects our security, grows the economy, reflects our values, and benefits all Americans.

Fact Sheet: An Immigration Framework That Would Ensure Order at the Border, Keep Americans Safe, Increase Economic Growth, and Make Us Stronger

These reforms offer an orderly and effective approach that protects American communities and upholds American values while meeting the nation’s economic needs.

The Trump Administration’s Reckless Strikes in Iran Raise More Questions Than Answers

Amid a tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Iran, the ultimate consequences of President Trump’s military intervention in Iran remain unknown but are potentially deeply damaging to U.S. interests. Congress should exert its authority to prevent the president from drawing the United States further into conflict in the future.

America Is on the Verge of Catastrophe in the Middle East

In an op-ed published by Foreign Affairs, Andrew Miller argues that by joining Israel’s campaign against Iran, the United States has made a sustainable long-term solution less attainable.

NATO’s 76th Summit Is a Reckoning—Not a Celebration

President Donald Trump’s second term has begun, and the NATO alliance faces its most existential threat yet.

America’s Role in the World: The Value of Leadership and Alliance

Join us for a conversation with Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) as part of CAP’s “What’s Next: Conversations on the Path Forward” series.

President Trump’s Gulf Trip Is Heavy on Theatrics, Light on Policy

President Trump’s Middle East trip was a wasted opportunity to secure major progress on a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear program and resolving the war in Gaza.

All the President’s Extremists: How the Trump Administration’s National Security Nominees Threaten Americans’ Safety

These Trump administration nominees for key national security positions have exhibited extremist views that are dangerous for Americans’ safety. Congress should reject their nominations.

100 Days of the Trump Administration’s Foreign Policy: Global Chaos, American Weakness, and Human Suffering

In only 100 days, the Trump administration has wrought chaos around the world and weakened the United States’ place in it—leaving the American people and billions of others worldwide to pay the price.

Trade, Trust, and Transition: Shaping the Next Transatlantic Chapter

The Center for American Progress and the Foundation for European Progressive Studies offer essays on the most pressing transatlantic issues.

How State Capture and Corruption Harms Citizens: Lessons From Abroad

Examples from abroad serve as prescient warnings that corruption and state capture erode services, impoverish societies, and compromise public safety.

How Democracies Defend Themselves Against Authoritarianism

Democracies facing authoritarian threats from within have found ways to push back by strengthening institutions, reinforcing democratic norms, and building popular resistance against encroaching autocracy. Understanding these strategies is vital to learning how to fight back.

CAP Experts Discuss the Impact of Cuts to USAID and PEPFAR

USAID health programs have bolstered millions of lives, and cutting them puts those lives in danger

How Congress Can Help Curb the UAE’s Role in Sudan’s Crisis

To see a peaceful end to the conflict, Congress must hold the UAE accountable for its role in fueling Sudan’s violent civil war and deepening its humanitarian crisis through the weapons and gold trade.

Congressional Response to Trump’s National Security Chaos

Congress must pick up the leadership mantle amid grave global and domestic uncertainty.

The Risks of Trump’s Politicization of the Military

Please join the Center for American Progress for a virtual discussion about the Trump administration's recent decision to fire high-ranking U.S. military members.

It’s Time for a Just and Lasting Peace in Israel and Palestine

In an op-ed published by Inkstick, Allison McManus argues why the United States should seize moments of opportunity ahead to propel the West Bank toward a just and lasting peace and outlines the role the country could play in doing so.

Trump and Vance’s Disgraceful Oval Office Ambush of Zelenskyy Comes at America’s Expense and Only Benefits Putin

Trump and Vance’s deliberate humiliation of Zelenskyy in Washington signaled to allies and adversaries alike that America’s leadership is in crisis, jeopardizing Ukraine’s fight for survival and emboldening Putin’s aggression.

Trump’s Rash Immigration Actions Place Cruelty and Spectacle Above Security

Rather than adopting commonsense measures to fix the United States’ badly broken immigration system to benefit all Americans, President Trump’s indiscriminate immigration actions follow a pattern of cruelty, ripping apart families and communities and jeopardizing Americans’ security.

Syria’s Transition and the Shadow of the Arab Uprisings

While the Syrian people should ultimately determine their own future, the United States must learn from its mistakes during the Arab uprisings to best facilitate a democratic transition.

Pete Hegseth Is Unfit To Lead the Pentagon

Pete Hegseth lacks the credibility and experience required to lead a body as massive and as critical as the Department of Defense; his confirmation as secretary of defense would be a major risk to Americans’ safety and security.

Trump and China: An Unprincipled, Impractical, Reactionary Approach to China Policy

Trump and his China hawk team, through current words and past deeds, risk making America poorer, weaker, and less secure.

A Bellwether for Trans-Atlantic Democracy: The Rise of the German Far Right

With its anti-immigrant rhetoric, skepticism of NATO, and alignment with authoritarian regimes, the AfD’s rise could destabilize both German democracy and the trans-Atlantic security order.

Climate Is the Future of the U.S.-India Trade Relationship

As the United States and India seek to turn climate action into economic opportunities, the case for a deeper trade partnership has never been stronger.

The Dangers of Project 2025: Global Lessons in Authoritarianism

Far-right policies such as the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 threaten American democracy by mirroring authoritarian tactics seen in Hungary, Turkey, and beyond.

America Needs a New Strategy to Avert Even Greater Catastrophe in the Middle East

In an op-ed published in Foreign Affairs, Andrew Miller argues that America will need to take a much more proactive approach to shuttle diplomacy in order to end the war in Gaza over the next several weeks.

An American Democracy Built for the People: Why Democracy Matters and How To Make It Work for the 21st Century

Although democracy is failing to meet the needs of many Americans, it is far preferable to an autocratic system, and it can be modernized with a compelling set of reforms.

Humanity has been a casualty in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

In an op-ed published in Politico Europe, Andrew Miller shares key takeaways from the front lines of conflict negotiations between the United States and its overseas partners.

Congress should block aid to Egypt

In an op-ed published in The Hill, Allison McManus argues that instead of releasing $320 million in military aid, Congress should hold Cairo accountable for its flagrant human rights violations.

The United States, China, and the Climate Crisis: Imperative for Action in the Context of Competition

Please join the Center for American Progress for the second installment of our China Policy Virtual Roundtable Series.

Project 2025 Will Undermine America’s National Security

The far-right policy proposals in Project 2025 will fundamentally undermine the national and economic security of the United States, benefiting its adversaries and making all Americans less safe.

Preventing Wider War in the Middle East

As tensions flare between Hezbollah and Israel, U.S. officials must continue their urgent work toward a ceasefire to avoid wider war.

At Home or Abroad, U.S. Firearms Should Not Fuel Violence, Instability, and Abuse

Congress and the Biden administration should strengthen the U.S. Department of Commerce’s efforts to prevent American firearms from reaching adversaries and fueling global violence and rights abuses.

Shaping NATO’s Future: 5 Key Priorities for Washington to Build on After the 75th NATO Summit

To maximize the impact of the 75th NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., NATO must build on summit outcomes and set a future course for the alliance.

CAP Submits Comments in Support of Federal Rule on Firearm Exports

The Center for American Progress submitted a comment letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce on its rule to strengthen firearms export policy.

CAP Joined by National Security and Gun Violence Prevention Advocates To Urge Congress To Protect Firearm Export Rule

The Center for American Progress, along with 34 organizations, authored a letter to Congress about protecting the Commerce Department’s firearm export rule, which will establish a new regulatory framework to protect U.S. national security interests.

5 Priorities for the 50th G7 Summit

The G7 summit in Apulia, Italy presents a chance for the world's major democracies to collectively tackle immediate challenges, while forging a path toward a more resilient and inclusive future.

The Far Right’s Invitation for Foreign Interference in U.S. Elections

U.S. elections belong in the hands of the American people alone, but the far right is trying to roll back foreign interference protections and allow adversaries to tip the scales in elections.

Principles and Positions on Israel and Palestine

To advance peace between Israelis and Palestinians, the United States must advance policies based on principles of international law, human security, justice, self-determination, accountability, and anti-discrimination.

From Policy to Law: Strengthening Arms Transfer Principles

The Biden administration's inconsistent implementation of the Conventional Arms Transfer policy risks complicity in rights abuses abroad, highlighting the need for Congress to safeguard rights protections.

A Progressive, Principled, and Pragmatic Approach Toward China Policy

Meeting the foreign policy challenge of the 21st century.

In Defense of NATO: Why the Trans-Atlantic Alliance Matters

As NATO approaches its 75th anniversary, the Center for American Progress reflects on the enormity of its successes and the challenges the alliance faces in the years ahead.

U.S. Must Weigh the Strategic and Moral Costs of Abandoning Support for Ukraine

As the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine draws near, the United States must look toward fortifying the bedrock principles of the international order.

Congress Must Provide Funding and Protect Oversight To Meet Global Security and Humanitarian Needs

Recent bipartisan Senate legislation provides security and humanitarian assistance in critical areas—Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, and the Indo-Pacific—but Congress must ensure more oversight so that the funds are used according to U.S. law and policy.

Taiwan’s Election: PRC Interference and Its Implications for the 2024 Election Landscape

The Democratic Progressive Party’s triumph in Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election signals Taiwan’s resilience against the People’s Republic of China’s coordinated and intense interference efforts; but it also accentuates the critical need for nations worldwide to formulate robust strategies against escalating threats of interference, thereby safeguarding the integrity of global democratic processes.

Restore Transparency to U.S. Arms Aid

Allison McManus writes about the importance of congressional oversight for international military aid.

Hungary’s Democratic Backsliding Threatens the Trans-Atlantic Security Order

Hungary’s democratic backsliding under Viktor Orbán threatens trans-Atlantic security, necessitating a strategic U.S. response to counter the rise of authoritarianism in Europe and protect our shared democratic values.

1.3 Million Active-Duty Service Members Would Go Without Pay During a Government Shutdown

As the U.S. Congress continues negotiations to pass a federal budget, active-duty service members and their families are once again left wondering if they will pay the price for extremist House Republicans’ political maneuvers.

These Fossil Fuel Industry Tactics Are Fueling Democratic Backsliding

As citizens around the world increasingly favor serious policy action to fight climate change, the fossil fuel industry is undermining democratic principles to stem the tide of climate action—spreading misinformation and obstructing elected governments’ climate efforts, promoting anti-democratic movements and candidates, and even undermining democratic rights.

Response to Horrific Attacks in Israel Must Avoid Collective Punishment for Gaza and Confront Obstacles to Peace

The horrifying Hamas terror attack on Israeli civilians has provoked an understandable imperative to bring the perpetrators to justice, but Israel must avoid collective punishment for Gaza that can bring a loss of moral clarity and reinforce historic grievances.

5 Reasons Why Congress Must Approve Aid to Ukraine Right Away

Immediate assistance to Ukraine is an imperative to counter Russian aggression, address Ukraine's immediate security needs, strengthen European and NATO resolve, check China's regional ambitions, and underscore American global leadership in times of crisis.

Point: Tuberville’s Misguided Stunt Threatens Our National Security

Maggie Jo Buchanan and Allison McManus write in "DC Journal" about how a senator's views on abortion are jeopardizing national security.

Guatemala’s Election Result Is a First Step in the Right Direction

However, the long transition period presents a risk to Bernardo Arévalo and Guatemala’s fragile democracy.

The United States, Ukraine, and the Global South

Missed opportunities fuel global ambivalence on Ukraine; reforming political and economic decision-making bodies can help rebuild trust.

McGovern-Dole Program Alleviates Hunger, Protects Democracy, and Bolsters U.S. Trade

Every McGovern-Dole dollar spent on food is a down payment on thriving democracies and trade.

Why Jens Stoltenberg Should Be a Candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize

Lawrence J. Korb and Stephen J. Cimbala make the case for NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.

India’s Backsliding Democracy

Examining how attempts to stifle dissent threaten the world’s largest democracy

Artificial intelligence: Challenges and controversies for U.S. national security

Stephen J. Cimbala and Lawrence J. Korb write about the implications of artificial intelligence for national security.

Erdoğan’s Reelection Illustrates the Bleak Future of Turkish Democracy

Turkey saw unprecedented political mobilization, partly because going to the ballot box offered one of the last opportunities to make one’s voice heard. But little changed.

A Democratic Tipping Point in Israel

How attempts to undermine the courts have threatened Israel's democracy and mobilized its defenders

Guns Without Borders

Addressing the flow of U.S. firearms to Mexico and Central America

The Summit for Democracy Highlights Need for Global Leaders to Address Tech Harms

We cannot expect technology companies to protect democracies if they do not integrate democratic values such as transparency, pluralism, protections against harm, and accountability into the fabric of their operations and governance.

A New Horizon in U.S. Trade Policy

Under President Biden, the United States is reinvigorating its trade policy to better confront the major challenges of the 21st century, but key questions remain.

Ukraine vs. Russia: 1 Year Later

CAP Senior Fellow Johan Hassel reflects on the Ukrainian-Russian war one year later.

Why the United States Must Stay the Course on Ukraine

The United States must maintain its course on Ukraine because it is essential to America’s national security interests and democratic values. A Ukraine defeat would create a more dangerous and unstable world.

California Bill Would Limit Political Spending by Foreign-Influenced U.S. Corporations

Michael Sozan, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, filed written testimony before the California State Assembly in support of A.B. 83, a bill that would limit political spending by U.S. corporations with appreciable foreign ownership.

Congress Must Pass the Preventing a Patronage System Act To Protect Federal Civil Servants’ Impartiality

Passage of the Preventing a Patronage System Act is critical to allow civil servants to do their jobs and to ensure the federal government’s stability, reliability, and authority in domestic functions and international relations.

The Seeds of Russia’s Military Collapse in Ukraine Were Planted by its Bungled Elimination of Conscription

Larry Korb describes the conditions that allowed Russia's forces to be overwhelmed by Ukrainian troops.

Nuclear Escalation Would Be Disastrous for Russia

Lawrence J. Korb and Steve Cimbala argue why Russia would not be able to contain a nuclear war on Ukrainian territory.

A Primer on the 2022 National Security Strategy

The 2022 National Security Strategy introduces new ideas on navigating strategic competition with China and Russia, investing at home, and a renewed focus on the fight against climate change.

The Case for Reducing Defense Spending

Larry Korb argues that the Biden administration must reduce the U.S. defense budget without jeopardizing national security by canceling tactical nuclear weapons; retiring irrelevant and old Navy ships; and slowing the production of F-35 fighter jets.

The FBI’s Mar-a-Lago Papers Search

Former President Trump didn’t just abscond with classified material he wasn’t allowed to have; he may have gravely harmed U.S. national security at the same time.

Rising Anti-China Sentiment in South Korea Offers Opportunities To Strengthen US-ROK Relations

The Yoon administration’s posture toward China has important implications for the U.S.-ROK alliance and America’s strategic approach in the region.

Helping Afghans Without Helping the Taliban

Creative policy thinking can help the United States and the international community avert the worst human security outcomes in Afghanistan.

A Conversation With Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch

Russia’s re-invasion of Ukraine and democratic backsliding at home and abroad pose threats to the freedom and security of the United States, its allies, and its partners.

The China Difference in the U.S.-South Korea Alliance

It is important to understand why the United States and South Korea do not see eye to eye on how to confront challenges presented by China.

How To Regulate Tech: A Technology Policy Framework for Online Services

Online services have become an essential and ubiquitous part of American life. This report proposes a new regulatory framework to address existing harms, promote equitable growth, and protect the public interest online.

Creating a Domestic U.S. Supply Chain for Clean Energy Technology

With the federal government poised to make historic investments in deploying clean technology, America also needs policies that build renewable energy supply chains at home.

Personal Reflections on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

Staff and fellows at the Center for American Progress share how 9/11 changed their lives.

The United States Needs a Comprehensive Protection Plan for the Forcibly Displaced in Afghanistan

The Biden administration should lead in developing a human rights-centered plan for the forcibly displaced to mitigate further disaster in Afghanistan.

Fact Sheet: Recommendations for Advancing Gender Equality at Home and Abroad by Leveraging Women, Peace, and Security

The Gender Policy Council should include the following recommendations in its governmentwide strategy to ensure it can fully leverage and expand the U.S. government’s existing women, peace, and security mandate and architecture.

Advancing Gender Equality at Home and Abroad by Leveraging Women, Peace, and Security

To achieve even greater gains in gender equity and equality around the world, the Gender Policy Council should leverage and expand the U.S. government’s existing women, peace, and security mandate and architecture.

Redefining Homeland Security: A New Framework for DHS To Meet Today’s Challenges

To meet the challenges of today, the Biden administration and Congress should reform the Department of Homeland Security around a mission that highlights safety and services alongside its traditional protecting roles.

A New Framework for DHS To Meet Today’s Challenges

What America needs from the Department of Homeland Security today is different from when it was founded nearly 20 years ago.

The Case for EU Defense

U.S. opposition to EU defense efforts since the 1990s has been a strategic mistake that has undermined both the EU and NATO. It’s time for a new U.S. approach that encourages ambitious EU defense strategies.

Northern Syria Security Dynamics and the Refugee Crisis

Ensuring stability in northern Syria will require international engagement that balances humanitarian concerns with the moral hazard created by Turkey’s occupation.

National and Community Leaders Discuss How To End White Supremacist Violence

This video presents highlights from an event following the release of a joint report from the Center for American Progress and the McCain Institute for International Leadership on how to address the growing national security threat posed by white supremacist violence in the United States.

The First 100 Days: Analyzing the Biden Administration’s Foreign Policy Successes and Opportunities for the Next Year

The Biden administration has put U.S. foreign policy back on track and can continue crafting a sustainable and progressive national security agenda.

Fact Sheet: A National Policy Blueprint To End White Supremacist Violence

This fact sheet outlines a comprehensive strategy for tackling the urgent and complex threat of white supremacist violence.

A National Policy Blueprint To End White Supremacist Violence

America needs a comprehensive strategy to tackle the urgent and complex threat of white supremacist violence.

An Opportunity for Change: President Biden’s First Defense Budget Proposal

President Biden’s proposal is a chance to reshape how U.S. federal agencies handle the country’s top national security issues.

A Plan To Reform U.S. Security Assistance

The U.S. security assistance system that provides arms, training, and support to foreign partners is not fit for today’s global challenges; the Biden administration should reform it to ensure it supports overall U.S. goals.

Turning the Tide on Dirty Money

To promote domestic resilience and curb the malign influence of authoritarian powers, the United States and its democratic partners need to unite against corruption and kleptocracy.

In Our Hands

To effectively relaunch and renew the trans-Atlantic bond, both the United States and Europe must make a comprehensive commitment to progressive values.

Flashpoints in U.S.-Turkey Relations in 2021

Turkey’s pursuit of strategic autonomy should be met with firm transactionalism by the Biden administration, and while this stance is unlikely to change President Erdoğan’s unilateral approach, it could help preserve certain institutional ties.

NATO’s Financing Gap

NATO needs to think beyond the 2 percent pledge to close its capabilities gap.

No Time to Celebrate: Progressive Politics in the Pandemic’s Wake

While the pandemic has illustrated the need for progressive policies more than ever, significant challenges still confront those who advocate for and hope to implement them.

The Treasury Department Should Lead the Fight Against Corruption and Kleptocracy

The United States should do more to combat the strategic use of corruption by authoritarian states and the private sector actors who enable it.

A Rights-Centered Paradigm for Protecting the Forcibly Displaced

The world needs a flexible, inclusive, and rights-centered paradigm to protect people who have been forcibly displaced—and the United States can help build it.

5 Priorities for the U.S.-Japan Alliance in 2021

Over the coming year, new administrations in the United States and Japan must strengthen the alliance and reaffirm its value in Asia and beyond in order to tackle significant challenges.

Creating a Democratic Strategic Advantage Initiative

The Biden administration should create a new initiative to make a significant investment in U.S. foreign assistance to support democracies.

How To Bring the World’s Democracies Together

The United States should prioritize a dual-track approach to strengthening coordination among the world’s democratic nations by expanding the G-7 and hosting a global summit of democracies.

Bridging the Divide in the U.S.-South Korea Alliance

For the U.S.-South Korea alliance to be most effective, the two countries must strive to understand one another—and progressives must find common ground on key challenges.

5 Key Recommendations for Social Media Platforms on Handling Hacked Materials Around Elections

This column offers five clear recommendations to social media platforms on how they should handle hacked materials for the remainder of the 2020 election season and into the future.

Taking Advantage of a Pivotal Decade in Outer Space

Wise investments in space exploration today will pay off for years to come.

The First 100 Days: Toward a More Sustainable and Values-Based National Security Approach

An actionable plan for the next administration’s progressive national security agenda.

Interactive: The First 100 Days

This interactive database features nearly 250 recommendations that the next administration can advance, adopt, and implement within the first 100 days to set the country on a path toward a more progressive national security approach.

There Is a Solution to the Huawei Challenge

To compete at full strength in 5G, the United States must first counter China's market-distorting industrial policies.

What the Intelligence Community Doesn’t Know Is Hurting the United States

The U.S. intelligence community must invest in understanding its own business model to make data-driven decisions for the future.

Turkey’s President Erdoğan Is Losing Ground at Home

Generational change and shifting attitudes in conservative Turkey could bring fragmentation of the dominant right-wing bloc and, potentially, a new political alignment—prospects that will continue to shape President Erdoğan’s actions at home and abroad.

Why Hungary’s Democratic Backsliding Should Prompt NATO To Act

Hungary’s democratic backsliding and increasingly nationalist rhetoric threatens the stability of the alliance. NATO needs to respond.

President Tsai Ing-wen Discusses the Diplomatic, Security, and Economic Challenges Facing Taiwan

4 Ways Congress Can Amend the Insurrection Act

It is time to put more constraints on the president’s use of the military at home.

Turkey’s Changing Media Landscape

Government censorship is rapidly reshaping how Turks get their news, with major implications for Turkish foreign policy, political polarization, and Erdoğan’s rule.

Ensuring Safe Voting for Veterans During the Coronavirus Pandemic

The Pentagon’s Fiscal Year 2021 Budget More Than Meets U.S. National Security Needs

The Trump administration can enhance U.S. national security by transferring funds from unnecessary programs in the defense budget to other agencies.

Getting Ahead of the Curve: Why the United States Needs To Plan for the Coronavirus in the Americas

The United States cannot afford to ignore the progressing spread of COVID-19 among its neighbors in the Americas.

What’s Next for U.S. Policy in the Middle East?

The Middle East Peace Process: An Analysis From Former U.S. Negotiators

CAP executive vice president for policy Mara Rudman testified before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism.

To Respond to the Coronavirus, Trump Should Take 6 Immediate Steps on the Defense Production Act

The Trump administration can save lives if it takes these six steps now on the Defense Production Act.

Putting Diplomacy First

In order to avoid another costly war in the Middle East, the United States must prioritize diplomacy and a more balanced regional stabilization strategy.

3 Ways the New Coronavirus Is a Stress Test for Regional Security and Politics in Asia

The new coronavirus has the potential to undermine and upend politics in Asia and makes clear the need for urgent action and global coordination.

The State of U.S. National Security Is Not Strong Under Trump

Ahead of the State of the Union, here’s the real state of national security under President Trump.

How To Approach the North Korea Problem in 2020

In 2020, the United States must get creative about jump-starting diplomacy with North Korea while simultaneously repairing U.S. alliances—policies that will strengthen America’s position regardless of what North Korea does.

CAP National Security Conference Recap

This video provides a recap of CAP’s national security conference, “Progressive National Security: The First 100 Days,” held on January 14, 2020, in Washington, D.C.

Progressive National Security: Perspectives on the First 100 Days

The opening panel of CAP’s national security conference featured former government officials on the importance of the first 100 days of a new administration.

The Power of Progressive National Security With Ambassador Samantha Power

The lunch keynote of CAP’s national security conference featured Ambassador Samantha Power on the power of progressive national security.

President Trump’s Alarming Human Rights Agenda at Home and Abroad

On international Human Rights Day, the Trump administration’s policies are harming rights at home and abroad.

Caring for U.S. Veterans: A Plan for 2020

Ensuring that future political leaders provide U.S. veterans with the care and benefits they have earned will require legislators to understand how and why the current system has come to be.

Embrace the Union

To revive and rebuild the trans-Atlantic alliance, the United States should fully embrace the European Union.

America Adrift: Listening to What Americans Want From U.S. Foreign Policy

An innovative study of U.S. public attitudes on foreign policy this year finds a strong appetite for an alternative to the current U.S. foreign policy approach.

Taking the High Ground

Repairing the damage done to global human rights under President Trump will require a forceful and expansive human rights agenda from the next administration.

Donald Trump’s Gift to Kleptocrats

The president’s attempted shakedown of Ukraine is a colossal blow to U.S. efforts to fight corruption around the world.

The Executive Privilege Is Far From Absolute

There are limits on the president’s ability to withhold information from Congress.

How to Support Democracy and Human Rights in Asia

As challenges to democracy and human rights in Asia grow, the United States must stick to its principles by acting early and often to stand up for universal values.

Democratic Resilience

This report analyzes different countries’ approaches to prevent, mitigate, and respond to Russian interference operations and draws lessons for policymakers and stakeholders ahead of the 2020 U.S. election.

Trump Against the World at the G-7 Summit

Daniella and Ed chat about President Trump's controversial antics at the G-7 summit and revisit a conversation with former Ambassador Wendy Sherman.

How to Create a Durable U.S.-South Korea Alliance

Progressive policymakers in Washington and Seoul need to work together to build a stronger U.S.-South Korea alliance that can advance shared interests, regardless of which political parties are in power.

Fact Sheet: The Case for a New U.S. Relationship with Afghanistan

It is time to end the war in Afghanistan responsibly and make a strategic transition to more pressing U.S. national security challenges.

The Case for a New U.S. Relationship with Afghanistan

It is time to end the war in Afghanistan responsibly and make a strategic transition to more pressing U.S. national security challenges.

The National Security Council and the ‘American Way of War’

Daniella and Ed chat with two former National Security Council staffers—John Gans Jr. and CAP’s Kelly Magsamen—to discuss foreign policy under the Trump administration, as well as Gans' new book about the NSC.

The Real Roots of the Border Crisis

The United States has to first understand what's driving migration in the Americas in order to manage it in a cooperative, compassionate, and pragmatic way.

American Foreign Policy Has Left Young Voters Behind

It’s time for a U.S. foreign policy that resonates with all generations.

The Time Is Right for a Deal With North Korea

The politics of negotiating with North Korea have changed—at least for the moment—and the United States and the international community should seize this opportunity to make progress before it disappears.

CAP Ideas 2019: The Changing National Security Debate

Former U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice and Reps. Elissa Slotkin and Abigail Spanberger discussed national security and how the debate is changing at the 2019 CAP Ideas Conference.

CAP Ideas 2019: Rep. Adam Schiff and Ari Melber on the New Era of Oversight

Rep. Adam Schiff and Ari Melber sit down at the 2019 CAP Ideas Conference to discuss the new era of oversight in the House.

What the FY 2020 Defense Budget Gets Wrong

To successfully promote U.S. national security, the Trump administration’s fiscal year 2020 defense budget needs to consider myriad factors—and set necessary, realistic funding levels.

The [Redacted] Mueller Report: Where Things Stand, With Max Bergmann

This week, Daniella and Ed are joined by Max Bergmann, CAP senior fellow and director of CAP Action Fund's Moscow Project, to discuss the Mueller report on Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Using Transparency to Deter Russia’s Asymmetric Attacks on the West

Releasing the full Mueller findings will help shed light on the details of Russia’s political assault on the United States, helping prevent and deter future attacks.

President Trump Cannot Hide His Tax Returns From Congress

Congress must request the president’s tax returns to understand his murky finances; monitor potential conflicts of interest relevant to national security and other critical issues; and oversee the tax code and IRS.

Responding to Turkey’s Purchase of Russia’s S-400 Missile System

If Ankara moves forward with the purchase of Russia’s air defense system, the United States should begin downgrading security ties with Turkey.

Understanding and Combating Russian and Chinese Influence Operations

Examining similarities and differences between Russian and Chinese malign foreign influence operations is key to developing shared strategies for combating them.

U.S. Trade Policy in North America, China, and Beyond

As the Trump administration begins to answer for its erratic trade policy agenda, Congress must assert its oversight and hold the administration accountable to the economic priorities of working families.

Military Service Members and U.S. National Security Will Pay the Price for Trump’s Manufactured Emergency

In an unconstitutional exercise of emergency authority, President Trump has threatened to divert billions of dollars away from military projects to fund an unnecessary border wall that serves few interests but his own political agenda.

6 Things to Know Before the Second Trump-Kim Summit

As the world prepares for a second summit between U.S. President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the stakes could not be higher.

The Conflicting States of Our Union

This week, Daniella and Ed spoke with American Progress' Kelly Magsamen and Juanita Tolliver about President Trump's State of the Union address.

Kurdistan’s New Moment

The United States can play a role in helping Iraqi Kurds transition from crisis to progress.

The Rise of Far-Right Populism Threatens Global Democracy and Security

The stunning gains by openly illiberal candidates and parties and the decline in support for democracy should be a huge wake up call for liberal democratic leaders.

The Illiberal International: Michael McFaul on Khashoggi, Saudi Arabia, and Vladimir Putin

Daniella and Ed sit down with Michael McFaul, the former U.S. ambassador to Russia, and discuss the state of diplomacy under President Trump in light of the alleged murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The Origins of Russia’s Broad Political Assault on the United States

The Russian attack on U.S. democracy began in 2014 and is more wide-ranging and coordinated than previously understood. How the United States responds requires a strategy that both applies pressure on Russia via additional sanctions and improves the United States’ defensive capabilities against further Russian interference.

Tired Narratives, Weary Publics

The United States must strengthen its public diplomacy strategy to better compete with Iran in the struggle for power and influence in the Middle East.

A Snapshot of Turkish Public Opinion Toward the European Union

Turkish public opinion is hostile toward the European Union and may limit the potential of Ankara’s recent attempts to reset relations with the Euro bloc.

BONUS EPISODE: Ambassador Wendy Sherman and the Decline of American Moral Authority

This week, Daniella and Ed speak with Ambassador Wendy Sherman about recent diplomatic developments in North Korea and Iran as well as her new book, Not For The Faint of Heart: Lessons in Courage, Power, and Persistence.

By Undermining the ICC, Bolton Is Compromising America’s Values

National Security Adviser John Bolton has again taken unnecessary aim at the International Criminal Court—an institution that is critical to securing justice for victims and establishing accountability for perpetrators of the world’s most heinous crimes.

Are There Any Adults in the Room?

This week, Daniella and Ed sit down with Nayyera Haq, former White House and State Department official in the Obama administration, to discuss her career, the Trump administration's foreign policy ethos, and more.

Interactive: North Korea Diplomacy Scorecard

The United States and South Korea are engaged in diplomatic negotiations with North Korea, and this scorecard highlights the state of play for the different issues on the table.

Securing a Democratic World

The Case for a Democratic Values-Driven U.S. Foreign Policy

The Biggest Enemy on Social Media Is the User

Daniella and Ed sit down with counterterrorism expert Clint Watts to discuss Russian election interference and social media usage.

Securing a Democratic World

The future of U.S. national security and a liberal democratic world depends on America embracing democratic values, locking arms with its democratic allies to stem the rise of authoritarianism, and growing the community of democratic nations.

Abuse of Power: Debunking the Trump Administration’s National Security Argument for Coal

The Trump administration seeks to reward political favorites at coal companies by falsely claiming a national security threat to the electric grid, opening the door to more egregious abuses of power.

What Turkey’s Political Changes Mean for U.S.-Turkish Relations

The United States should take a harder line with Turkey and begin to prepare for the potential implications of Erdoğan’s aggressive nationalism.

Partnership in Peril

Defending the European Union, NATO, and other institutions will require robust, forward-looking reform.

Seizing the Diplomatic Initiative in Syria

To best advance U.S. interests and values, the United States should launch a renewed diplomatic effort to de-escalate Syria’s civil war.

How Turkey Can Ensure a Successful Energy Transition

Turkey should build upon recent progress investing in renewable energy to transition its energy system and reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels.

The Next Phase in Iraq’s Transition

Recent discussions conducted by CAP in Baghdad and Najaf yielded key findings on Iraq’s political, security, and economic situation, and the next steps in U.S. policy toward Iraq.

The United States Sticks Its Head in the Sand on Torture in Yemen

Congress must require the U.S. Defense Department to investigate and report on allegations that the United Arab Emirates is torturing Yemeni detainees.

From Threat to Opportunity

At a time of exponential growth across Africa, the United States stands to significantly benefit from growing trade and lasting alliances on the continent if it positions itself strategically today.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal’s Take on Corruption

Sen. Richard Blumenthal joins Michele and Igor to discuss his pending lawsuit against President Donald Trump; his concerns over the AT&T-Time Warner merger and Trump's judicial nominees; and why he thinks America and its allies aren't any safer after the North Korea summit.

Erdoğan Not Assured of First-Round Victory

A major new poll ahead of Turkish elections shows sharp divisions among Turks about the president’s tenure and the vulnerability of Erdoğan and the government on the economy.

Event Canceled: In the Wake of the Will-They-Won’t-They Summit

Where Do We Go from Here?

Dumping on Democracies, Praising Dictators

Igor speaks with CAP national security experts Kelly Magsamen and Mike Fuchs about the North Korea summit and how to work toward denuclearization.

Confronting the Cost of Trump’s Corruption to American Families

President Trump is helping himself and his politically connected friends at the expense of everyone else.

Making Sense of the Trump-Kim Summit

Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un are gearing up to meet for the first time next month—here’s what to expect.

Bipartisan Advances in International Development Defy Conventional Wisdom

A flurry of positive, bipartisan steps on international development marks one of the great unexpected political victories of recent years.

Economic Integration and Political Reconciliation in Iraq

Restoring Christian religious communities and other minorities in Iraq will foster stability and enhance development.

Trump, Pompeo, and Bolton: The Path to War

President Trump’s new war Cabinet picks risk pushing the United States toward devastating wars.

International Justice on Trial?

International justice is at a critical crossroads, offering a perfect moment to examine its key accomplishments, shortcomings, and challenges moving forward.

The Way Forward on North Korea: Explained

It is often difficult to figure out what to make of recent developments on North Korea and what the United States should do next; these one-pagers help you to understand the policy debate and where the United States should go from here.