War on the Rocks
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Washington is betting on innovation while competitors are betting on compliance. Right now, compliance is winning.
How Washington Is Losing the AI Race No One Is Tracking
Spain — a NATO ally and founding member of the European Union — chose a Chinese company to manage its law enforcement wiretap systems. The €12.3 million
warontherocks.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Washington is betting on innovation while competitors are betting on compliance. Right now, compliance is winning.
America has unmatched alliances. How do they fit into a competitive strategy that actually delivers?
The Case for An Allied Competitive Strategy
The purpose of American foreign policy is to advance and defend the interests of the American people through our engagements with the rest of the world,
warontherocks.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:15 AM
America has unmatched alliances. How do they fit into a competitive strategy that actually delivers?
As Washington warms to Islamabad, an old concern arises. Is supporting Pakistan’s F-16s still worth the risk? (Members Only)
Washington’s Risky Bet on Pakistan and the F-16
In 2022, Sajjan Gohel and Marcus Andreopolous wrote “The F-16 and Nuclear Security: The Fault Lines in the U.S.-Pakistani Relationship,” where they argued
warontherocks.com
December 2, 2025 at 12:30 AM
As Washington warms to Islamabad, an old concern arises. Is supporting Pakistan’s F-16s still worth the risk? (Members Only)
Get exclusive insights from Michael Kofman on The Russia Contingency and Afshon Ostovar on The Iran Reckoning: only for War on the Rocks members. Join today.
Membership - War on the Rocks
War On The Rocks Platinum An All-Access Pass to War on the Rocks What Our Members Are Saying “I’ve been a member since 2016. War on the Rocks is a melting
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Get exclusive insights from Michael Kofman on The Russia Contingency and Afshon Ostovar on The Iran Reckoning: only for War on the Rocks members. Join today.
AI may soon dissolve the boundaries between diplomacy, intelligence, economics, and military power faster than policymakers can redraw them.
Operating AI in the Gray Zone: Drawing Clear Lines Before They Blur
Editor’s Note: This is the third in a series exploring key AI policy choices faced by the Department of Defense & Congress. Please also read the first
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:00 PM
AI may soon dissolve the boundaries between diplomacy, intelligence, economics, and military power faster than policymakers can redraw them.
If you’re working where defense meets innovation, @Cogs0fWar is for you. Follow our dedicated vertical on defense technology and industrial base issues for cutting-edge analysis.
Cogs of War
Our dedicated vertical on defense tech & industry, brought to you by an epic partnership between War on the Rocks & Booz Allen Hamilton. National security is inextricably linked to technological prowess, talent, and industrial capacity. We aim to leverage deep expertise and thought leadership to foster the most substantive, impactful conversation possible.
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:40 PM
If you’re working where defense meets innovation, @Cogs0fWar is for you. Follow our dedicated vertical on defense technology and industrial base issues for cutting-edge analysis.
The right question to be asking is “what does one do if and when the obligation to obey all lawful orders conflicts with the oath to support and defend the Constitution?” argues Carrie Lee.
The Soldier in the Illiberal State is a Professional Dead End
The American political system today is indeed in crisis. Government function is in doubt, the administration has politicized and weaponized a previously
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:15 PM
The right question to be asking is “what does one do if and when the obligation to obey all lawful orders conflicts with the oath to support and defend the Constitution?” argues Carrie Lee.
Want to write for War on the Rocks?
War on the Rocks - Submissions
Want to write for War on the Rocks? Start here.
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Want to write for War on the Rocks?
A multinational force is now authorized for Gaza, but its success depends on countries that may not be ready to take the risk.
A Historic Resolution, an Unworkable Plan: The Uncertain Future of Gaza’s New Mandate
With the authorization of an international administration and stabilization force for Gaza, U.N. Security Council Resolution 2803 marks a historic
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:45 PM
A multinational force is now authorized for Gaza, but its success depends on countries that may not be ready to take the risk.
If you have something to say about defense technology and industry, we want your voice. Contribute to @Cogs0fWar and shape the debate.
How to Contribute to Cogs of War - War on the Rocks
Cogs of War is our dedicated vertical on defense technology and defense industrial base issues produced in partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton. Read on
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:00 PM
If you have something to say about defense technology and industry, we want your voice. Contribute to @Cogs0fWar and shape the debate.
A correction in the AI market could reshape the global power balance in ways few are prepared for.
Thinking the Thinkable on an AI Market Correction
You’re not hallucinating: AI “bubble” discourse is everywhere. Whether you’re looking at Google Trends, reading the paper of record, listening to subject
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:15 PM
A correction in the AI market could reshape the global power balance in ways few are prepared for.
Your insider access to world-class national security content. Premium experience starts with War on the Rocks.
Membership - War on the Rocks
War On The Rocks Platinum An All-Access Pass to War on the Rocks What Our Members Are Saying “I’ve been a member since 2016. War on the Rocks is a melting
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Your insider access to world-class national security content. Premium experience starts with War on the Rocks.
Talks only become possible when Moscow is convinced that delaying or escalating will cost more than engaging.
A 15-Point Plan to Get to a Ukrainian-Russian Settlement
Editor's Note: A Ukrainian language version of this article is available / Будь ласка, зверніть увагу, що українська версія цієї статті доступна. I
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Talks only become possible when Moscow is convinced that delaying or escalating will cost more than engaging.
A curated list of the books our writers, contributing editors, and staff kept coming back to in 2025.
The 2025 War on the Rocks Holiday Reading List
It wouldn’t be the holidays without our annual War on the Rocks book roundup. Check off your gift list or pick a book to enjoy by the fire. Happy reading.
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM
A curated list of the books our writers, contributing editors, and staff kept coming back to in 2025.
From Beirut to Gaza to the West Bank, Israel is still managing several fronts at once. What’s the strategy? (Members Only)
Listen here: warontherocks.com/ep...
Listen here: warontherocks.com/ep...
December 1, 2025 at 4:15 PM
From Beirut to Gaza to the West Bank, Israel is still managing several fronts at once. What’s the strategy? (Members Only)
Listen here: warontherocks.com/ep...
Listen here: warontherocks.com/ep...
Builders, policymakers, investors, and operators: this is your arena. Follow @Cogs0fWar to join the conversation on the future of defense innovation.
Cogs of War
Our dedicated vertical on defense tech & industry, brought to you by an epic partnership between War on the Rocks & Booz Allen Hamilton. National security is inextricably linked to technological prowess, talent, and industrial capacity. We aim to leverage deep expertise and thought leadership to foster the most substantive, impactful conversation possible.
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Builders, policymakers, investors, and operators: this is your arena. Follow @Cogs0fWar to join the conversation on the future of defense innovation.
An AI model that’s ethical on the battlefield may be corrosive across the other instruments of power. What happens to gray-zone competition when those boundaries start to erode?
Operating AI in the Gray Zone: Drawing Clear Lines Before They Blur
Editor’s Note: This is the third in a series exploring key AI policy choices faced by the Department of Defense & Congress. Please also read the first
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:30 PM
An AI model that’s ethical on the battlefield may be corrosive across the other instruments of power. What happens to gray-zone competition when those boundaries start to erode?
The profession of arms derives legitimacy from the system it serves. What happens when that system changes?
The Soldier in the Illiberal State is a Professional Dead End
The American political system today is indeed in crisis. Government function is in doubt, the administration has politicized and weaponized a previously
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:45 PM
The profession of arms derives legitimacy from the system it serves. What happens when that system changes?
Today in War on the Rocks:
The Soldier in the Illiberal State is a Professional Dead End
Operating AI in the Gray Zone: Drawing Clear Lines Before They Blur
The Soldier in the Illiberal State is a Professional Dead End
Operating AI in the Gray Zone: Drawing Clear Lines Before They Blur
War on the Rocks
A platform for analysis, commentary, debate and multimedia content on foreign policy and national security issues through a realist lens.
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Today in War on the Rocks:
The Soldier in the Illiberal State is a Professional Dead End
Operating AI in the Gray Zone: Drawing Clear Lines Before They Blur
The Soldier in the Illiberal State is a Professional Dead End
Operating AI in the Gray Zone: Drawing Clear Lines Before They Blur
Reposted by War on the Rocks
📕 🎄 📘 I am grateful to Walter Landgraf for including #WatchingTheJackals on this year’s @warontherocks.bsky.social Holiday Reading List.
It means a great deal to have the story recognised alongside such an impressive list of titles 👉 shorturl.at/fc6l1
🙏 to the GUP team & editors for their support
It means a great deal to have the story recognised alongside such an impressive list of titles 👉 shorturl.at/fc6l1
🙏 to the GUP team & editors for their support
The 2025 War on the Rocks Holiday Reading List
It wouldn’t be the holidays without our annual War on the Rocks book roundup. Check off your gift list or pick a book to enjoy by the fire. Happy reading.
shorturl.at
November 30, 2025 at 6:43 PM
📕 🎄 📘 I am grateful to Walter Landgraf for including #WatchingTheJackals on this year’s @warontherocks.bsky.social Holiday Reading List.
It means a great deal to have the story recognised alongside such an impressive list of titles 👉 shorturl.at/fc6l1
🙏 to the GUP team & editors for their support
It means a great deal to have the story recognised alongside such an impressive list of titles 👉 shorturl.at/fc6l1
🙏 to the GUP team & editors for their support
War on the Rocks brings together the best minds in strategy and defense. Join us in shaping the conversation.
Events and Sponsorships - War on the Rocks
War on the Rocks is in a category of its own in terms of audience, reach, and convening power. Our audience is composed of policymakers, current and
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 1:15 PM
War on the Rocks brings together the best minds in strategy and defense. Join us in shaping the conversation.
A downturn in the AI sector wouldn’t just hit markets. It could also alter the strategic balance with China and Taiwan.
Thinking the Thinkable on an AI Market Correction
You’re not hallucinating: AI “bubble” discourse is everywhere. Whether you’re looking at Google Trends, reading the paper of record, listening to subject
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:30 PM
A downturn in the AI sector wouldn’t just hit markets. It could also alter the strategic balance with China and Taiwan.
Stay sharp. Stay informed. War on the Rocks delivers the insights serious professionals rely on. Join now.
Membership - War on the Rocks
War On The Rocks Platinum An All-Access Pass to War on the Rocks What Our Members Are Saying “I’ve been a member since 2016. War on the Rocks is a melting
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Stay sharp. Stay informed. War on the Rocks delivers the insights serious professionals rely on. Join now.
How can the United States push for negotiations that work on the battlefield, make sense politically, and still hold up with allies?
A 15-Point Plan to Get to a Ukrainian-Russian Settlement
Editor's Note: A Ukrainian language version of this article is available / Будь ласка, зверніть увагу, що українська версія цієї статті доступна. I
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM
How can the United States push for negotiations that work on the battlefield, make sense politically, and still hold up with allies?
Superior AI tech means nothing if U.S. firms can’t legally compete. Once allies choose a compliant rival, the opportunity can disappear for a decade.
How Washington Is Losing the AI Race No One Is Tracking
Spain — a NATO ally and founding member of the European Union — chose a Chinese company to manage its law enforcement wiretap systems. The €12.3 million
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Superior AI tech means nothing if U.S. firms can’t legally compete. Once allies choose a compliant rival, the opportunity can disappear for a decade.