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Cold War security negotiations took place under extraordinary pressure. The United States and the Soviet Union possessed nuclear arsenals capable of causing catastrophic destruction. They supported opposing alliances, competed for influence, and viewed one another with deep suspicion. Despite this hostility, both sides continued to negotiate. Diplomacy did not end the rivalry, but it created […]

Diplomats play an important role in global security. Their work is not limited to official meetings, speeches, and formal visits. In many cases, diplomats help prevent crises, reduce military tension, and create the conditions for arms control agreements. Arms control and crisis prevention depend on more than military strength. They also depend on communication, trust, […]

Security policy rarely fits neatly into one election cycle. Decisions about defense planning, intelligence oversight, alliances, cybersecurity, sanctions, nuclear deterrence, and military readiness often shape a country’s position for years or even decades. Political majorities may change quickly, but security threats usually do not disappear when a new administration or parliament takes office. That is […]

National security strategy cannot be built on political statements alone. It requires a clear understanding of threats, adversaries, allies, technologies, vulnerabilities, and uncertainty. Governments need to know not only what they want to achieve, but what is actually happening around them. This is where intelligence leaders play a central role. They help national security strategy […]

Defense policy and arms control are not shaped only by current officials. Former senators often remain important voices in national security debates long after they leave office. Their influence comes from more than public recognition. It comes from experience with lawmaking, treaty debates, defense budgets, oversight hearings, alliance commitments, and the political realities that determine […]

Public debates about national security often involve politicians, journalists, academics, and policy analysts. Yet retired military leaders occupy a special place in these conversations. Their voices can carry weight because they bring operational experience into debates that are often shaped by slogans, party politics, and short-term reactions. Retired generals, admirals, commanders, and senior officers have […]

National security policy is shaped under pressure. Governments may have to respond to military crises, nuclear risks, cyberattacks, terrorism, regional conflict, intelligence warnings, or threats to critical infrastructure. In these situations, leaders rarely have perfect information, unlimited time, or simple choices. This is why expert consensus matters. It does not replace democratic decision-making, and it […]

The Consensus for American Security brought together a distinguished group of retired military officers, diplomats, national security experts, former government officials, scientists, and public policy leaders. The members listed on the organization’s page represented decades of direct experience in defense, intelligence, arms control, diplomacy, nuclear policy, and international security. Rather than presenting national security as […]

Senator Chuck Hagel built a public career shaped by military service, business leadership, foreign policy experience, and a long commitment to national security. As the former senior United States Senator from Nebraska, Hagel became known as a serious voice on defense, diplomacy, intelligence, veterans’ affairs, and America’s role in the world. His career did not […]