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cna talks: Nuclear Posture Review

/our-media/podcasts/cna-talks/2018/nuclear-posture-review

CNA analyst Vince Manzo and special guest Elaine Bunn take a deep dive into the Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), released in early February of 2018. They discuss the purpose of the NPR, what makes it unique to previous directives, the strategic challenges that this NPR addresses, the ongoing debate over cost, tradeoffs and strategic value, and more.

Biographies Vincent Manzo   is an expert in nuclear weapons policy. His research portfolio includes deterrence, extended deterrence, escalation management, strategic stability, and arms control. M. Elaine Bunn   served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Missile Defense Policy between 2013 and 2017. She directed the offices of the Under Secretary for Policy that develop and review Departmental and National policies for nuclear and missile defense capabilities. Related Materials 2018 Nuclear Posture Review 2010 Nuclear Posture Review Report

Washington Takes a Stand in the South China Sea

/our-media/indepth/2020/09/washington-takes-a-stand-in-the-south-china-sea

In 2020, a senior U.S. government official used blunt language to publicly accuse Beijing of making unlawful maritime claims, and Washington finally began punishing companies that assist in China’s illegal island building.

finally began punishing companies that assist in China’s illegal island building. On July 13, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a significant strengthening of U.S. policy regarding China's ... Secretary of State David Stilwell accused China of "gangster tactics" in the South China Sea. Why did all of this happen? Seemingly, this new policy approach had been in the works for some time ... to differentiate between the policy of taking no position on “sovereignty claims” versus taking a position on illegal claims to maritime rights. Pompeo’s policy statement is not about who has

Russia and China Respond—or Don’t—to the 12-Day War in Iran

/our-media/indepth/2025/07/russia-and-china-respond-to-the-12-day-war-in-iran

Despite the strategic partnerships both Russia and China have with Iran, they’ve supported Tehran with words since the Israel and US attacks, but little else.

, and expanding—but limited—economic ties between Russia and Iran. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia have both signed strategic partnership agreements with Iran—without a mutual defense ... condemnations but moderated rhetoric and little public, substantive action. The Russian foreign policy commentariat in major domestic newspapers has largely taken the same line, noting some concern but keyed ... of Defense Dong Jun met with his counterparts from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries, including the Russian and Iranian defense ministers, as a part of a regular SCO meeting hosted by China

China’s New Military Leadership

/our-media/indepth/2022/11/chinas-new-miliatry-leadership-possible-strengths-and-weaknesses

By examining the newly selected leaders of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC), their backgrounds and professional competencies, we can better understand how they may influence the trajectory of the PLA’s development over the next five years.

at the CCP National Congress. They serve in three main roles: The chairman of the CMC exercises ultimate decision-making authority on all important defense and military matters. The CMC chairman ... and are typically responsible for leading an important central defense or military organization, such as the CMC Joint Staff Department. The composition of the CMC leadership is not set in stone. It has ... (2019—2022); Commander of Western Theater Command Army (2016-2019) GEN (Rocket Force) Wei Fenghe CMC Member, PRC Minister of National Defense Formerly Commander of the PLA

cna talks: Foreign Policy Advice for the New Administration

/our-media/podcasts/cna-talks/2017/foreign-policy-advice-for-the-new-administration

In light of this month’s presidential transition, six CNA analysts sat down to discuss foreign policy advice for the next administration. From Asia to Europe to the Middle East, the commentators covered some of the key areas of concern for the upcoming year and beyond. Topics included: North Korea’s nuclear capabilities Russia’s relationships with NATO, Syria and Turkey The Iran nuclear deal Chinese national interests The South China Sea Cyber threats Listen in for informed analysis on China, North Korea, Russia and more.

. Foreign Policy Advice for the New Administration Biographies Dr. Dov Zakheim, host of the episode, is a senior fellow at CNA. Previously, he served as Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller ... analyzing Russia’s military and foreign policy and is an expert on security issues in the former Soviet Union. Alexander Alden, a CNA analyst, is an expert in strategic planning, defense policy, deterrence ... Foreign Policy Advice for the New Administration In light of this month’s presidential transition, six CNA analysts sat down to discuss foreign policy advice for the next administration. From Asia

What is a Chinese Communist Party Plenum?

/our-media/indepth/2024/06/what-is-a-chinese-communist-party-plenum

Plenums of the Central Committee help assess future directions for China. The Third Plenum on economic issues is of critical interest for US national security.

that is largely opaque. For national security professionals, these events also tell us what issues China’s leaders have come to agreement on and signal policy guidance that may be forthcoming. The 2024 Third ... appointments Third Economic policy and related reforms Fourth Legal or party issues Fifth Five-year plans Sixth Ideological issues Seventh Preparations for the next ... national security implications. Making sense of PRC policy also means sifting through party jargon that is confusing to outsiders and buried in obtuse CCP language. Decisions made by the Politburo or its

The Blind Swing to Great Power Competition

/our-media/indepth/2020/05/the-blind-swing-to-great-power-competition

The blanket dominance of great power competition as a guiding principle for U.S. foreign policy has emerged with breathtaking speed.

The Blind Swing to Great Power Competition The blanket dominance of great power competition as a guiding principle for U.S. foreign policy has emerged with breathtaking speed. /images ... and development in conflict and post-conflict regions in Africa and the Middle East. The blanket dominance of great power competition as a guiding principle for U.S. foreign policy has emerged with breathtaking speed since the unveiling of the 2018 National Defense Strategy . With the rise of this singular view of U.S. security goals, there has been a marked shift in how the U.S. government prioritizes

The AUKUS Submarine Agreement

/our-media/indepth/2021/09/aukus-submarine-agreement

President Biden announced the creation of a new trilateral defense partnership to develop a nuclear-powered submarine fleet for Australia between the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, called AUKUS.

AUKUS Submarine Agreement President Biden announced the creation of a new trilateral defense partnership to develop a nuclear-powered submarine fleet for Australia between the United States ... administration released its Interim National Security Strategic Guidance . This report marked a dramatic departure from the previous administration’s approach to foreign policy. It emphasized ... administration will have to contend with a diversity of priorities and perspectives and find a balance between them. On September 15, President Biden announced the creation of a new trilateral defense

Samoa Disputed Election Amid Great Power Rivalry

/our-media/indepth/2021/05/samoa-disputed-election-amid-great-power-rivalry

A disputed election has recently plunged Samoa into a state of constitutional crisis. The outcome of this dispute may reshape the small Pacific island country’s relations with China, the United States and U.S. allies in the region.

of Samoa. A confirmed FAST electoral victory is likely to alter Samoa’s policy toward foreign powers, particularly China. China’s presence and influence over Samoa was a major campaign issue during ... released in 2019 by the Department of State and Department of Defense , respectively, articulate the desire to protect the sovereignty of Pacific island nations from coercion and corruption ... . While there are various signs of U.S.-China competition in Samoa and other Pacific island countries, it would be a mistake to characterize Samoa’s foreign policy as a simple balancing act between

To Bootstrap US Maritime Industrial Base, Link Allies and Innovators

/our-media/indepth/2025/05/to-bootstrap-us-maritime-industrial-base-link-allies-and-innovators

US commercial and naval shipbuilding cannot be revived quickly, but here are four ways US strength in innovation can link with US ally strength in shipbuilding.

and Innovators /images/InDepth/2025/05/shipbuilding-welder-metaimage.jpg Joshua Tallis Dr. Joshua Tallis is a prinicpal research scientist in CNA's Strategy and Policy Analysis Program . From 2021 to 2023, he was the field analyst to the Commander of US Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO as part of CNA's Field Program . This commentary originally appeared in Defense News ... innovation economy. The April maritime executive order included a mandated 90-day assessment of how allies and trade policy relate to the issue of domestic shipbuilding. Yet to the extent policymakers