The United States’ ferocious use of force against Iran has failed to secure American objectives because of a profound disconnect between our political and military leadership. As the conflict drags on, it’s becoming clearer than ever that America’s problem does not lie in its military power or operational skill, but in a military […]
The President’s Military Options Are Dangerously Limited Continue Reading >>
As the world is re-learning, national security and economics are as inextricable as a mortise and tenon in a working wooden joint. Rising fuel prices have cost the U.S. defense department over one billion dollars in the past six months. Part of the added cost is in global shipping prices.
Open Warfare: Hidden Costs Continue Reading >>
The United States is engaging in a dangerous exercise in bean-counting. The media hullabaloo over missile magazines and lengthy ship deployments is in fact a distraction from the real issue. American options to fight China, the premier power it faces, have narrowed so thoroughly as to make discussions of stockpiles
Strategy Trumps Industry Continue Reading >>
This week, Yorktown Institute President Seth Cropsey joined Café Berlin to discuss maritime power, strategic education, America’s alliances, and the role universities must play in preparing the next generation of national security leaders. America possesses formidable military, technological, and economic power. But power alone does not amount to strategy.
America Has Power, but Does It Have a Strategy? Continue Reading >>
Contrary to what many seem to think, the MOU between the United States and Iran is not a final status agreement that will permanently end hostilities and reshape the Middle East. It is, rather, an extension of the April cease-fire, and includes no changes to the underlying realities that catalyzed the
A Road Map to the Next Middle East War Continue Reading >>
By Seth Cropsey and Dr. Avi Davidi US-Iran MOU and the Strait of Hormuz On June 17, 2026, the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a framework for ending hostilities, restoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and launching
Another major conflict beyond the Iran war directly implicates American interests. A patient, quiet, committed effort has stopped the Russian war effort cold. President Trump’s Pentagon wants to pare American commitments in Europe. But the only way to do so is by putting American weight on the scales and generating a
In Europe, Trump Can Embrace the Opportunity Russian Weakness Presents Continue Reading >>
President Trump faced a choice between two options last month—escalation or capitulation. He chose neither. Instead, he sought a middle road by blockading Iran’s oil capacity. He faces the same choice a month later, only now with less-favorable macroeconomics. Mr. Trump may be able to compel Iran to seek peace.
How to Finish the Job in Iran Continue Reading >>
The conflict in Iran should be a reminder of, not a cause to divert attention from, U.S. interests in the West Pacific. America’s war in the Middle East demonstrates the necessity of allies to American strategy. This is equally critical in military, economic, and technological contexts. Washington must recognize the
Iran is Important, but Trump Must Not Take His Eye Off the Ball in Taiwan Continue Reading >>
Navy Secretary John Phelan was unceremoniously sacked on April 22. The Navy secretary is responsible for training, supplying, and organizing the service as well as a host of other administrative tasks that are essential, including building more ships more quickly. However, the days when Lincoln’s navy secretary, Gideon Welles, exercised direct control
