Dec 19, 2017

By Dr. Steven Metz

Dr. Steven MetzClausewitz famously observed that war has an enduring nature and a changing character that evolves over time as technology, society, economics, and politics shift. This observation also applies to strategic leadership: it too has an enduring nature and a changing character.The enduring nature manifests itself as characteristics that

Dec 14, 2015

By Dr. Steven Metz

Dr. Steven MetzNothing is more important to American security than nuclear weapons.  Despite all the fretting over terrorism, hybrid threats, and conventional aggression, only nuclear weapons can threaten the existence of the United States and destroy the global economy. This is certainly not news to American policymakers and military strategists:

Dec 10, 2014

By Dr. Steven Metz

Dr. Steven Metz **Click here for a PDF version of the article** Military technical revolutions have a distinct pattern. When new technology becomes available, it initially is used to augment existing operational methods and tactics. In Europe, for instance, the first firearms were used to give formations of pikemen more punch. On the battlefields

Sep 25, 2014

By Dr. Steven Metz

Dr. Steven MetzSince becoming a global superpower, the United States often adjusted its national strategy. Over time, the effectiveness of any given strategy erodes. This sparks debate about America’s appropriate role in the world, and about where, when, and why national power should be used. From the debate, a revised approach takes shape and

Oct 3, 2013

By Dr. Steven Metz

Dr. Steven MetzAcknowledgement.       The author would like to thank Frank Hoffman of the National Defense University for major contributions to this report. Introduction.       The 21st-century security environment compels the United States to develop more effective and efficient ways to promote its national interests. This includes refining

Oct 14, 2010

By Dr. Steven Metz

Dr. Steven Metz MAJ Dvorscak's thoughtful letter makes a number of important and powerful points. In some cases, I suspect that I simply expressed my idea poorly or was limited by time constraints in the extent to which I could explain them. On others, though, we'll agree to disagree.MAJ Dvorscak is exactly right that al Qaeda and the Taliban have