Roger I. Zakheim

Opinion December 18

The America first National Security Strategy — through the eyes of 'We the People'

Trump's America First strategy matches public demand for stronger military against China, yet Americans favor more NATO support than suggested.

Opinion November 5

How Trump projected US power across Indo-Pacific before Xi meeting

Trump's pre-summit moves with Taiwan statement, South Korea shipbuilding deal and carrier diplomacy sent clear deterrence signals to Xi before their meeting.

Opinion May 28

US military vulnerabilities threaten Trump's 'peace-through-strength' strategy

President Trump advances his 'peace-through-strength' strategy, addressing military vulnerabilities and budget challenges in the Middle East and Asia.

Opinion March 14

DOGE joins budget battle on side of Defense Department

Defense Secretary Hegseth is putting the military budget right in his sights. He has reallocated some spending and allied with DOGE. He is preparing the US for warfighting.

Opinion December 18, 2024

Can Trump force Hamas to free the hostages they're holding?

The Iranian hostage crisis and President Ronald Reagan's election in 1980 could provide a preview for what could happen with the hostages being held by Hamas.

OPINION October 13, 2024

When Biden-Harris abandoned American hostages, they desecrated the power of the blue passport

Americans travelers carry a passport that used to be the gold standard around the world. But the Biden-Harris administration has undermined that and failed to rescue US hostages.

OPINION February 19, 2024

Biden needs to learn from Carter about standing up to our adversaries

It's hard not to see parallels between Presidents Joe Biden and Jimmy Carter. Both had a similar attitude to national defense and faced many similar adversaries. But Carter learned.

OPINION October 20, 2023

2 Hamas hostages released isn't enough! We need to bring them all back

2 Hamas hostages released isn't enough! We need to bring them all back. With Israel distracted and diplomacy unlikely to work. US needs a military option to rescue hostages.

OPINION October 12, 2023

How America helps Israel win

We know how to help Israel win, but the war will likely take months and many will denounce Israel. Will President Biden and Congress demonstrate the necessary resolve? 

OPINION April 3, 2023

Speaker McCarthy, Taiwan can counter China if they learn from Ronald Reagan

Speaker McCarthy, Taiwan can counter China if they learn from Reagan’s ‘six assurances.’ Those commitments serve as foundation of how to protect our ally.

OPINION October 10, 2022

Ukraine war shows us that old nuclear strategies won't keep us safe and Biden must wake up

Ukraine war shows us that old nuclear strategies won't keep Americans safe as rocket artillery, drones and savvy change battlefields. Biden must wake up.

OPINION December 1, 2021

Our country is skeptical about whether 'America is back,' more uncertain about US global leadership

The American people clearly recognize the threats our country faces but they are increasingly unsure and equivocal about whether or how the United States should lead in the world.