U.S. National Security News
Bombing Suspect: Civilian or Enemy Combatant?
Apr 22, 2013
With the Boston bombing suspect now in custody, how do we balance his constitutional protections as a U.S. citizen with the need to get intelligence on other possible threats? Jane Harman debated this question with a panel on Fox News Sunday.
Not Your Average Chechen Jihadis
Apr 22, 2013
Ever since the suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing were identified as ethnic Chechens, the national conversation about the incident seemed to focus on the connection between the violence and Chechnya. In this op-ed from Foreign Affairs, Charles King describes various implications of the brother's Chechen background.
How Geography Explains the United States
Apr 19, 2013
National security in the U.S. has been a topic widely discussed after the explosions in Boston. Aaron David Miller explains how the geography of the U.S. -- with "non-predatory neighbors to its north and south and fish to its east and west" -- has shaped American politics and values throughout its history.
How Serious are North Korea’s Nuclear Threats?
Apr 09, 2013
How much do we really know about North Korea’s nuclear capabilities and ability to attack the U.S. and its allies? To explore these questions and more, we spoke with the Wilson Center’s resident expert on nuclear-powered “outlier states,” Robert Litwak.
Canada Institute Advisory Board Co-Chair Paul Frazer discusses the new American ambassador to Canada, Bruce Heyman
Apr 04, 2013
Bruce Heyman, a longtime Obama fundraiser and Chicago-based partner at the investment firm Goldman Sachs, is to become the next U.S. ambassador to Canada.
The Extrajudicial Use of Drones: The Need for a Post-9/11 Legal Framework
Apr 02, 2013
Jane Harman describes a possible legal framework for the use of drones in the Holt Lecture at the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Latin American Program in the News: México y EU revisarán la Iniciativa Mérida
Apr 01, 2013
Associate Director, Eric L. Olson, weighs in on the U.S.-Mexican revision of the Mérida Initiative.
Latin American Program in the News: President, what did you do in your first 100 days?
Mar 21, 2013
Director Cynthia Arnson comments on the first 100 days of some of the region's presidents, highlighting how they endeavored to differentiate themselves from prior administrations via innovative policies and a change in diplomatic tone (In Spanish).
Remote-Control Warfare Requires Rules
Mar 21, 2013
While the means of combating terrorist threats may have changed, the end for preserving international security remains the same. We need strategies, not just tactics — and a necessary part of that equation is creating a durable legal structure for remote-control warfare that will secure buy-in from a global audience, writes Jane Harman in this op-ed.
U.S. Intelligence: Arab Spring Generated Threats
Mar 15, 2013
The Arab uprisings have “generated a spike in threats to U.S. interests… that will likely endure until political upheaval stabilizes and security forces regain their capabilities,” according to the U.S. intelligence community’s new worldwide threat assessment. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper delivered the report to the Senate on March 12.