The Nuclear Club Might Soon Double
As American power recedes, South Korea, Japan, and a host of other countries may pursue the bomb.
National Security
The Atlantic’s coverage of national security, military intelligence, global conflict, and more
What Trump Doesn’t Understand About Nuclear War
The contours of World War III are visible in numerous conflicts. The president of the United States is not ready.
Newsletter
National Security
Our writers make sense of America’s place in the world, reporting on rising authoritarianism, military technology, and geopolitical conflicts.
Subject to The Atlantic's Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
The U.S. Is Preparing for War in Venezuela
More U.S.-military firepower is headed to the Caribbean as Trump escalates his anti-Maduro rhetoric.
Holy Warrior
Pete Hegseth is bringing his fundamentalist interpretation of Christianity into the Pentagon.
‘Let Them Both Claim Victory’
Donald Trump has boasted that the Ukraine war would be easy to solve. It didn’t look that way today.
The Bolton Case Is Not Like the Others
Trump wanted these charges, but that doesn’t make them baseless.
Europe Is Answering Putin’s Challenge
Members of the NATO alliance are showing real grit—and, for now, the U.S. is with them.
The Last Days of the Pentagon Press Corps
I’ve been evicted from a building I’ve covered for 18 years. I’ll keep doing my job anyway.
How Trump Pushed Israel and Hamas to Yes
The president’s unconventional efforts have paid off in the Middle East, at least for now.
The Boat Strikes Are Just the Beginning
What the Trump administration is portraying as a drug mission may be about a lot more.
Portland’s ‘War Zone’ Is Like Burning Man for the Terminally Online
There’s more absurdity than menace on the city’s streets—at least for now.
Hundreds of Generals Try to Keep a Straight Face
Pete Hegseth gathered commanders from around the globe to unveil new physical-fitness standards.