China to develop the largest gold and copper mining operation in Ecuador. American officials have expressed concerns after Ecuador signed an agreement with CMOC, a Chinese mining group.…
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The Cost of War: Who Pays and Who Decides?
The total cost of war extends well beyond immediate operations. Long-term obligations frequently include veterans’ health care, disability compensation, education benefits, and ongoing military readiness adjustments. How do we balance readiness with accountability?
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The Expanding Purpose of National Defense
The Constitution assigns the federal government responsibility for providing national defense. Once focused primarily on territorial protection and conventional warfare, today national defense includes deterring conflict, protecting infrastructure, supporting allies, and responding to emerging risks that extend beyond traditional battlefields. How is the national defense adapting to a changing world?
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DOJ Charges Individuals in Marriage Fraud Conspiracy
The department disclosed various plots committed by Chinese nationals and U.S. citizens. The Department of Justice (DOJ) formally charged six citizens of the People’s Republic of China (PRC)…
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NOAA Streamlines Permitting Process for Deep-Sea Mining Applications
The rule change intends to accelerate access to critical minerals while drawing scrutiny. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently finalized a rule allowing companies to apply…
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Pentagon Releases Updated National Defense Strategy
The Defense Department is placing greater emphasis on homeland defense. The Pentagon has released its unclassified version of the National Defense Strategy (NDS), which places homeland defense as…
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President Trump Extends National Energy Emergency Declaration
He stated, “The circumstances related to this emergency continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.”…
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President Designates Christmas Eve and December 26th as Federal Holidays
All federal employees are “excused from duty” unless they are needed for national security or defense. President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order last week declaring December 24th…
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Exercising Emergency Powers Responsibly – Part 2
Crises test more than an administration’s technical readiness; they test the nation’s character and its commitment to governing with integrity. When emergencies strike, what choices can leaders make to foster cooperation and maintain a government of the people?
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Emergency Powers and Guarding Liberty – Part 1
How are emergency powers are defined, constrained, and used in limited scope? How can the nation maintain the balance of urgent response to crises while protecting liberty and accountability?
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