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Space in the National Interest: Security in a Global Domain

April 15, 2014 Richard M. Harrison

Space as a domain and the systems that use it are integrated with American power, whether the soft power of culture, reputation, diplomacy and economics or the hard power of armed force. For that reason, it is no longer possible to stovepipe strategic thinking about space and national security. Developments in one area directly affect others. From civil space programs that help shape foreign spending on space and trade arrangements that impact access to space and have diplomatic consequence to military systems that civilian users have come to rely upon, policymakers must approach developments in space as an integrated whole, a single phenomenon that requires expertise across the range of space activities.

Missile Defense Briefing Report: No. 323

March 13, 2014 Richard M. Harrison

India taps Israel for missile shield partnership;

Missile defense agency hopes for a raise;

Iran, U.S. beg to differ on missiles;

Tehran eyes S-300 alternative;

Israel eyes airliner defense...;

...as Obama budget takes bite out of its BMD program

Reckless Snowden No TV Star

March 10, 2014 Richard M. Harrison USA Today

Since its start in 1987, the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin has become famous for its cutting-edge music and film performances, in addition to a focus on technology. But this year's festivities featured a little something extra: a virtual appearance by controversial National Security Agency whistle-blower Edward Snowden.

Missile Defense Briefing Report: No. 322

February 19, 2014 Richard M. Harrison

North Korean missile threat prompts long-term Guam defense;

Amid diplomacy, growing concern over Iranian capabilities;

China strengthens space weapons with an eye toward the U.S...;

...While sending message with nuclear missile drill;

American assistance for Poland's defense;

Back to the drawing board for U.S. interceptors?

Fatal Inaction

January 27, 2014 Richard M. Harrison U.S. News & World Report

If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you jump too? The answer clearly depends on how high the bridge is, but what the question really asks is if carelessly following others is in fact sensible.

The question comes to mind when debating whether to protect critical national infrastructure against large scale electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, events. Although EMP is a well-documented security issue, and one of the very few things that experts believe can dramatically alter our modern way of life, the U.S. government has sadly followed the lead of too many others and done little. This inaction could well prove fatal.