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1. Fentanyl as a Chemical Weapon

Author:
John P. Caves, Jr.
Publication Date:
01-2019
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Marine Corps University Press, National Defense University
Abstract:
Fentanyl is a major topic in the news these days because of its significant contribution to the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States. It clearly is a major counternarcotic challenge. But there also has been some reporting, including about congressional interest, as to whether fentanyl additionally should be considered a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) and whether U.S. Government chemical defense efforts should place greater emphasis on it. This paper provides some perspective on fentanyl as a chemical weapon.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

2. Baltics Left of Bang: The Role of NATO with Partners in Denial-Based Deterrence

Author:
Robert Klein
Publication Date:
01-2019
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Marine Corps University Press, National Defense University
Abstract:
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s military contribution to deter Russian aggression in the Baltic region should begin with an overall strategic concept that seamlessly transitions from deterrence through countering Russia’s gray zone activities and onto conventional war, only if necessary. NATO should augment its ongoing program to enhance the denial-based deterrence for the region with threats of punishment that demonstrate to Russian leaders they cannot achieve their aims at acceptable costs. Rather than forward-position military forces in the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), NATO should consider keeping forces further back to take advantage of strategic depth to limit vulnerability to Russian attack and increase operational flexibility. To support the overall denial-based deterrence concept, the Baltics must commit wholeheartedly to the concept of total defense including significant increases to their active and reserves forces
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

3. The Enduring Relevance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance

Author:
James J Przystup
Publication Date:
01-2019
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Marine Corps University Press, National Defense University
Abstract:
The U.S.-Japan relationship is multifaceted in nature, with rich cultural and educational exchanges, marketbased economies, and shared political values. At its core, however, the relationship is strategic, anchored in the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between the United States and Japan, a key pillar of the post–World War II international order. The significant bilateral trade frictions of 2017–2018 have not adversely affected the alliance to date. Faced with an ongoing period of global instability and uncertainty, the alliance has continued to evolve to meet the challenges of the 21st century in the Indo-Pacific region. Today, the alliance enjoys broad popular support in both countries, and both governments have been updating and upgrading key elements of this partnership. President Donald Trump's December 2017 National Security Strategy reaffirmed U.S. commitment to the alliance. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has taken steps to enhance Japan’s defense capabilities to allow the country to deal more effectively with the serious security challenges posed by North Korea and China, as well as to allow Japan to address the broadening challenges to the existing rules-based international economic and security order.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

4. Technology and National Security: The United States at a Critical Crossroads

Author:
James Kadtke
Publication Date:
01-2018
Content Type:
Commentary and Analysis
Institution:
Marine Corps University Press, National Defense University
Abstract:
Rapid globalization of science and technology (S&T) capacity presents a serious and long-term risk to the military and economic security of the United States. To maintain U.S. preeminence, our domestic science and technology enterprise requires a new paradigm to make it more agile, synchronized, and globally engaged. U.S. technological competitiveness depends not only on research but also on legal, economic, regulatory, ethical, moral, and social frameworks, and therefore requires the vision and cooperation of our political, corporate, and civil society leadership. Re-organizing our domestic S&T enterprise will be a complex task, but recommendations presented in this paper could be first steps on the path to maintaining our future technological security.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus