War on the Rocks

Missed Signals and Middle East Shockwaves Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members.

In Ukraine, the war is fought on more than one front. This week’s arguments show how much is at stake beyond the battlefield.

Foundry, Fleet, and Fight: Hedging the U.S. Navy The U.S. Navy got some serious nautical miles under its belt during the first year of this administration, with combat operations from the Caribbean to

From maintenance backlogs to drone swarms, the Navy’s latest strategy confronts hard truths about readiness and risk. Writing the plan was the easy part.

The Supreme Court just struck down a major pillar of recent U.S. tariff policy. What does that ruling change and how could the White House respond? (Members Only)

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The Deluge, the Paper Cup, and Washington’s Lack of Urgency on Guam As I conclude nearly four decades of military and public service, including as lieutenant governor of Guam, a line from the 1986 Crowded House song “Don’t

Guam sits at the center of America’s Indo-Pacific posture, yet its role is often overlooked at home. That gap carries strategic consequences.

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The key question now is whether the Iranian regime can survive. If U.S. or Israeli forces sustain an aerial presence to target repressive forces, it could shape what follows. (Members Only)

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The Deluge, the Paper Cup, and Washington’s Lack of Urgency on Guam As I conclude nearly four decades of military and public service, including as lieutenant governor of Guam, a line from the 1986 Crowded House song “Don’t

Homeland defense looks different from 6,000 miles away. On Guam, it is immediate.

Becoming a Navy linguist starts in the classroom but does not end there. The path stretches from immersion training to operational life. (Members Only)

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Twice Bombed, Still Nuclear: The Limits of Force Against Iran’s Atomic Program On Feb. 28, the United States and Israel launched coordinated but separately named military campaigns against Iran — the United States under Operation

The United States and Israel have struck Iran’s nuclear infrastructure twice in under a year. What those strikes failed to resolve may prove even more consequential.

In practice, "what use to Iran is Hizballah in the event of all-out war against the regime?" ask Faysal Itani and Dania F. Arayssi.

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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.

Missed Signals and Middle East Shockwaves Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members.

Four years after the invasion, consensus is hard to find. Ukrainian voices are openly challenging the path forward. (Members Only)

Israel is fighting on multiple fronts as strikes with Iran intensify and Hezbollah reenters the fray. What comes next could reshape the region. (Members Only)

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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.

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.

Foundry, Fleet, and Fight: Hedging the U.S. Navy The U.S. Navy got some serious nautical miles under its belt during the first year of this administration, with combat operations from the Caribbean to

Adm. Daryl Caudle has laid out a hedge strategy built on foundry, fleet, and fight. Whether it reshapes the Navy or joins a shelf of unrealized reforms depends on follow-through.

Submissions Want to write for War on the Rocks? Start here.

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Transition is rarely a single moment. It is a slow reckoning with identity, ambition, and expectation.


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How to Contribute to Cogs of War Cogs of War is our dedicated vertical on defense technology and defense industrial base issues produced in partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton. Read on

If you have something to say about defense technology and industry, we want your voice. Contribute to @Cogs0fWar and shape the debate.

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Did you know we've put out three episodes of the "Iran Reckoning" with @osto.bsky.social in three days? With more coming? If you're not a @warontherocks.bsky.social member you are missing out on the most cutting edge, expert informed conversation about the war with Iran
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Why Satellites Fail — and How to Protect Them This exclusive Cogs of War interview is with Jean-François Morizur, the CEO and founder of Cailabs, a French company focused on ground-to-satellite laser

Commercial satellites are indispensable. Knowing why they fail and how to protect them has become increasingly difficult.

Innovation, irreverence, and responsibility all start with one thing: taking care of airmen so they can take care of the mission. (Members Only)

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As the war widens, Hizballah has stepped in alongside Tehran. The risks are multiplying across the region. (Members Only)


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New today for War on the Rocks members:


Day Three in Iran: Who’s Calling the Shots?


The Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs


Missed Signals and Middle East Shockwaves warontherocks.com/ca...

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.

Builders, policymakers, investors, and operators: this is your arena. Follow @Cogs0fWar to join the conversation on the future of defense innovation.

In Ukraine, the war is fought on more than one front. This week’s arguments show how much is at stake beyond the battlefield.

From maintenance backlogs to drone swarms, the Navy’s latest strategy confronts hard truths about readiness and risk. Writing the plan was the easy part.

Home A platform for analysis, commentary, debate and multimedia content on foreign policy and national security issues through a realist lens.

Today in War on the Rocks:


Foundry, Fleet, and Fight: Hedging the U.S. Navy


Why Satellites Fail — and How to Protect Them

Events and Sponsorships 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

War on the Rocks brings together the best minds in strategy and defense. Join us in shaping the conversation.

A Proxy Without a Purpose: Hizballah and the Iran Crisis What use to Iran is Hizballah in the event of all-out war against the regime? In principle, a great deal. In practice, not so much. The ongoing U.S. and

Iran’s primary proxy in Lebanon has long been seen as a strategic asset. Its real value may look very different under strain.