‘We May Sleepwalk Our Way Back to War’
The U.S.-Iran skirmishes reflect the profound mistrust on both sides.
National Security
The Atlantic’s coverage of national security, military intelligence, global conflict, and more
Newsletter
National Security
Our writers make sense of America’s place in the world, reporting on rising authoritarianism, military technology, and geopolitical conflicts.
Subject to The Atlantic's Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
What Is the Point of Patriot Front?
The masked men who were in Washington on July 4 are both unserious and threatening.
The Results Are In on Trump’s Boat-Strike Campaign
They haven’t stopped the drugs, but that may not be the point.
Washington Is Turning Into a Fortress for the Fourth
Trump’s Independence Day blowout will bring a security blitz.
Putin Is Slipping Into Delusion
The Russian dictator remains obsessed with his war in Ukraine but doesn’t seem to comprehend how badly it’s going.
Hegseth, Rubio, and Caine Had an Auto-Deleting Signal Chat
New records reveal that officials kept using the app, even after the president suggested they stop.
Vance vs. Rubio: Iran Edition
The two are pursuing different approaches to one of the world’s most intractable diplomatic issues.
Americans Deserve Answers From Hegseth
The president and the secretary of defense have a right to remove officers, but also an obligation to explain their actions.
Trump Has a Bill Pulte Problem
The acting director of national intelligence appears to be legally ineligible for the job.
Would Claude Refuse an Illegal Military Order?
The AI chatbot told me that it has misgivings about its role in modern warfare.