Becca Wasser
@beccawasser.bsky.social
Defense Lead, Bloomberg Economics. Views are my own.
Reposted by Becca Wasser
On today’s Big Take podcast: Bloomberg’s Nick Wadhams and Becca Wasser join David Gura to break down President Trump’s ultimate objective in Venezuela — and what the growing US military presence in the Caribbean reveals about what could come next.
What Trump Really Wants With Venezuela
On today’s Big Take podcast: What the growing US military presence in the Caribbean reveals about what President Trump plans for Venezuela.
bloom.bg
November 7, 2025 at 11:00 PM
On today’s Big Take podcast: Bloomberg’s Nick Wadhams and Becca Wasser join David Gura to break down President Trump’s ultimate objective in Venezuela — and what the growing US military presence in the Caribbean reveals about what could come next.
Ukraine’s drones are hitting Russia where it hurts: oil refineries that fuel and fund its war. Each strike cuts output and chips away at Moscow’s war chest. Kyiv’s bet: economic attrition where battlefield gains have stalled. More on Bloomberg Terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
November 7, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Ukraine’s drones are hitting Russia where it hurts: oil refineries that fuel and fund its war. Each strike cuts output and chips away at Moscow’s war chest. Kyiv’s bet: economic attrition where battlefield gains have stalled. More on Bloomberg Terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
The US isn't at war in Latin America, but the military build up hints it may be readying for strikes on Venezuela -- even if Trump says otherwise. I analyzed the options for a possible military campaign and the low odds of success.
Read on Bloomberg terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
Read on Bloomberg terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
November 5, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The US isn't at war in Latin America, but the military build up hints it may be readying for strikes on Venezuela -- even if Trump says otherwise. I analyzed the options for a possible military campaign and the low odds of success.
Read on Bloomberg terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
Read on Bloomberg terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
Zelensky wants Tomahawk missiles and Trump may finally agree this week. But limited stockpiles after overuse in the Middle East and poor procurement decisions means Ukraine may get too few to credibly impact the outcome of the war.
Read on Bloomberg terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
Read on Bloomberg terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
October 16, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Zelensky wants Tomahawk missiles and Trump may finally agree this week. But limited stockpiles after overuse in the Middle East and poor procurement decisions means Ukraine may get too few to credibly impact the outcome of the war.
Read on Bloomberg terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
Read on Bloomberg terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
Great to chat with Bloomberg Radio about NATO's response to Russia's airspace violations and Trump's about-face on Ukraine. My take: NATO's messages are a deterrent warning and Trump's pivot won't change facts on the ground without more US military aid to Kyiv.
www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/...
www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/...
Europeans Privately Tell Russia They’re Ready to Shoot Down Jets, Hegseth Summons Top Military Brass
European diplomats warned the Kremlin this week that NATO is ready to respond to further violations of its airspace with full force, including by shooting down Russian planes, according to officials f...
www.bloomberg.com
September 26, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Great to chat with Bloomberg Radio about NATO's response to Russia's airspace violations and Trump's about-face on Ukraine. My take: NATO's messages are a deterrent warning and Trump's pivot won't change facts on the ground without more US military aid to Kyiv.
www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/...
www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/...
Our take: "With current support, Ukraine is unlikely to regain lost territory. Ukraine would need a significant surge in Western military assistance, including ERAM and longer-range missiles, to halt Russian advances and enable counteroffensives."
www.bloomberg.com/news/live-bl...
www.bloomberg.com/news/live-bl...
Trump Hedges on US Support for NATO Hitting Russia Jets
UN General Assembly Live: News From Trump, Leader Speeches in New York
www.bloomberg.com
September 23, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Our take: "With current support, Ukraine is unlikely to regain lost territory. Ukraine would need a significant surge in Western military assistance, including ERAM and longer-range missiles, to halt Russian advances and enable counteroffensives."
www.bloomberg.com/news/live-bl...
www.bloomberg.com/news/live-bl...
Russian drones & jets keep testing NATO airspace. Operation Eastern Sentry aims to plug holes in Europe's defenses, but it reveals gaps in capability Russia can exploit -- especially if US reinforcements are not forthcoming.
Full analysis on the Terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
Full analysis on the Terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
September 23, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Russian drones & jets keep testing NATO airspace. Operation Eastern Sentry aims to plug holes in Europe's defenses, but it reveals gaps in capability Russia can exploit -- especially if US reinforcements are not forthcoming.
Full analysis on the Terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
Full analysis on the Terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
Taiwan's drone and software buying blitz isn't just about shiny defense tech -- it's about having the capabilities needed to mount a credible defense. If the aim is to turn the Taiwan Strait into a "hellscape," this is how: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Taiwan Spotlights Anduril Drones, Software in New Arms Deals
Taiwan will develop or buy weapons from six US and Canadian companies that deepen its investment in autonomous systems, including Anduril Industries Inc.’s DIVE-LD underwater drone.
www.bloomberg.com
September 18, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Taiwan's drone and software buying blitz isn't just about shiny defense tech -- it's about having the capabilities needed to mount a credible defense. If the aim is to turn the Taiwan Strait into a "hellscape," this is how: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
In recent conflicts, drones have rewritten the economics of war: low-cost, high-volume threats vs. expensive, limited defenses. Changing the cost-per-kill is an imperative, but equally expensive. My thoughts on this challenge featured in this smart piece:
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
As Drones Swarm Battlefields, Militaries Seek Cheaper Defenses
The proliferation of uncrewed systems in the Ukraine-Russia war has highlighted the importance of drone defense capabilities. But the dilemma militaries around the world face is that the attack weapon...
www.bloomberg.com
September 16, 2025 at 1:17 PM
In recent conflicts, drones have rewritten the economics of war: low-cost, high-volume threats vs. expensive, limited defenses. Changing the cost-per-kill is an imperative, but equally expensive. My thoughts on this challenge featured in this smart piece:
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Becca Wasser
missiles, Missiles, MISSILES www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
China Shows Off Nuclear Ambitions With Expanding Missile Arsenal
China revealed the scope of its nuclear weapon ambitions to the world this week when it rolled two new gigantic intercontinental ballistic missile designs through the streets of Beijing during the Wor...
www.bloomberg.com
September 4, 2025 at 7:24 AM
missiles, Missiles, MISSILES www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
China's parade shows its military is advancing fast -- but can it take Taiwan and defeat the US by 2027?
A look at how the two militaries stack up in key missions says no, but the balance of power is rapidly shifting.
Full analysis available on the Terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
A look at how the two militaries stack up in key missions says no, but the balance of power is rapidly shifting.
Full analysis available on the Terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
September 3, 2025 at 8:18 PM
China's parade shows its military is advancing fast -- but can it take Taiwan and defeat the US by 2027?
A look at how the two militaries stack up in key missions says no, but the balance of power is rapidly shifting.
Full analysis available on the Terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
A look at how the two militaries stack up in key missions says no, but the balance of power is rapidly shifting.
Full analysis available on the Terminal: blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories...
Reposted by Becca Wasser
China's once-a-decade military parade showed off a slew of missiles, a directed-energy weapon for taking out drones and — for good measure — robot dogs. See what stood out: bloom.bg/41wT1o2
📷: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg
📷: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg
September 3, 2025 at 9:46 AM
China's once-a-decade military parade showed off a slew of missiles, a directed-energy weapon for taking out drones and — for good measure — robot dogs. See what stood out: bloom.bg/41wT1o2
📷: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg
📷: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg
If you’re up to catch China’s military parade, join me and my colleagues as we break down what the new drones, missiles, and shiny new hardware might mean.
www.bloomberg.com/news/live-bl...
www.bloomberg.com/news/live-bl...
Xi Welcomes Foreign Leaders Ahead of Military Parade
China Military Parade Live News: Xi Set to Host Putin, Kim at Victory Day Event
www.bloomberg.com
September 3, 2025 at 12:59 AM
If you’re up to catch China’s military parade, join me and my colleagues as we break down what the new drones, missiles, and shiny new hardware might mean.
www.bloomberg.com/news/live-bl...
www.bloomberg.com/news/live-bl...
I told @economist.com: Taiwan has a tricky balance: keep enough of TSMC's operations at home to retain its silicon shield while offshoring to accommodate nations eager to gain an advantage in advanced semiconductors -- including the US, which Taipei hopes would come to their defense if China invades
For most of its history, TSMC made all of its cutting-edge chips in Taiwan. Replicating that precision on American soil will be difficult.
Shielding the firm from geopolitical risk may prove harder still
Shielding the firm from geopolitical risk may prove harder still
The world’s biggest chipmaker needs to move beyond Taiwan
Easier said than done
econ.st
August 27, 2025 at 12:33 PM
I told @economist.com: Taiwan has a tricky balance: keep enough of TSMC's operations at home to retain its silicon shield while offshoring to accommodate nations eager to gain an advantage in advanced semiconductors -- including the US, which Taipei hopes would come to their defense if China invades
Some professional news (as they say): I recently joined Bloomberg Economics to lead their defense analysis. I'm excited to work at the intersection of defense, geopolitics, and economics. Stay tuned for more from me!
August 19, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Some professional news (as they say): I recently joined Bloomberg Economics to lead their defense analysis. I'm excited to work at the intersection of defense, geopolitics, and economics. Stay tuned for more from me!
"It's going to very difficult not only for the US to be able to get the critical equipment it might need into the Pacific, but it also might struggle to get some of the critical components that the defense industrial base needs out of the Indo-Pacific."
mwi.westpoint.edu/mwi-podcast-...
mwi.westpoint.edu/mwi-podcast-...
MWI Podcast: The US Defense Industrial Base, from Steel to Software - Modern War Institute
US military readiness rests on an array of critical components. Recruitment and retention of talent, a properly aligned force structure, cutting-edge training opportunities, a global network of allies...
mwi.westpoint.edu
June 20, 2025 at 9:09 AM
"It's going to very difficult not only for the US to be able to get the critical equipment it might need into the Pacific, but it also might struggle to get some of the critical components that the defense industrial base needs out of the Indo-Pacific."
mwi.westpoint.edu/mwi-podcast-...
mwi.westpoint.edu/mwi-podcast-...
Reposted by Becca Wasser
❗New Strategy Speaks❗
Becca Wasser from CNAS joins Daniel Fiott to discuss the revitalisation of the US defence industrial base and its consequences for Europe. A must-listen as we head towards the Hague Summit!
Apple🔸 podcasts.apple.com/be/podcast/s...
Spotify🔸 open.spotify.com/episode/5eMO...
Becca Wasser from CNAS joins Daniel Fiott to discuss the revitalisation of the US defence industrial base and its consequences for Europe. A must-listen as we head towards the Hague Summit!
Apple🔸 podcasts.apple.com/be/podcast/s...
Spotify🔸 open.spotify.com/episode/5eMO...
June 12, 2025 at 5:41 AM
❗New Strategy Speaks❗
Becca Wasser from CNAS joins Daniel Fiott to discuss the revitalisation of the US defence industrial base and its consequences for Europe. A must-listen as we head towards the Hague Summit!
Apple🔸 podcasts.apple.com/be/podcast/s...
Spotify🔸 open.spotify.com/episode/5eMO...
Becca Wasser from CNAS joins Daniel Fiott to discuss the revitalisation of the US defence industrial base and its consequences for Europe. A must-listen as we head towards the Hague Summit!
Apple🔸 podcasts.apple.com/be/podcast/s...
Spotify🔸 open.spotify.com/episode/5eMO...
President Trump heads to Saudi Arabia in a bid to incentivize investments in U.S. defense industry. If the 2017 arms deal is any indication, then we shouldn't hold our breath.
I talked to @npr.org about whether past is prologue and why arms sales are hard to track: www.npr.org/2025/05/09/n...
I talked to @npr.org about whether past is prologue and why arms sales are hard to track: www.npr.org/2025/05/09/n...
Trump heads to Saudi Arabia soon, looking for a repeat of his trip in 2017
President Trump says his first trip to Saudi Arabia in 2017 yielded big business deals. We look back to see how things worked out.
www.npr.org
May 12, 2025 at 4:01 PM
President Trump heads to Saudi Arabia in a bid to incentivize investments in U.S. defense industry. If the 2017 arms deal is any indication, then we shouldn't hold our breath.
I talked to @npr.org about whether past is prologue and why arms sales are hard to track: www.npr.org/2025/05/09/n...
I talked to @npr.org about whether past is prologue and why arms sales are hard to track: www.npr.org/2025/05/09/n...
Reposted by Becca Wasser
The US defense industrial base cannot keep pace with defense modernization efforts while also filling the massive demand for defense items in Ukraine, the Middle East, & the Indo-Pacific. Good new report by @cnas.bsky.social's @beccawasser.bsky.social & P. Sheers. 👇
www.cnas.org/publications...
www.cnas.org/publications...
From Production Lines to Front Lines
The United States needs a different DIB than it has today if it wants to deter and prevail in future great power conflict.
www.cnas.org
April 11, 2025 at 10:23 AM
The US defense industrial base cannot keep pace with defense modernization efforts while also filling the massive demand for defense items in Ukraine, the Middle East, & the Indo-Pacific. Good new report by @cnas.bsky.social's @beccawasser.bsky.social & P. Sheers. 👇
www.cnas.org/publications...
www.cnas.org/publications...
Reposted by Becca Wasser
A new CNAS report on the US defence industrial base. Simple conclusion: "The U.S. DIB is projected to be unable to meet the expected demands of future great power conflict...The DIB lacks the surge capacity to rapidly replenish weapons needed"
s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/files.cnas.o...
s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/files.cnas.o...
April 4, 2025 at 10:37 AM
A new CNAS report on the US defence industrial base. Simple conclusion: "The U.S. DIB is projected to be unable to meet the expected demands of future great power conflict...The DIB lacks the surge capacity to rapidly replenish weapons needed"
s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/files.cnas.o...
s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/files.cnas.o...
Pleased to release my latest @cnas.bsky.social report on how to revitalize the U.S. defense industrial base so that it can keep pace with modern conflict, deter a future China challenge, and secure U.S. and global interests.
Read more here: www.cnas.org/publications...
Read more here: www.cnas.org/publications...
From Production Lines to Front Lines
The United States needs a different DIB than it has today if it wants to deter and prevail in future great power conflict.
www.cnas.org
April 3, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Pleased to release my latest @cnas.bsky.social report on how to revitalize the U.S. defense industrial base so that it can keep pace with modern conflict, deter a future China challenge, and secure U.S. and global interests.
Read more here: www.cnas.org/publications...
Read more here: www.cnas.org/publications...
Reposted by Becca Wasser
Second, @beccawasser.bsky.social & I were both interviewed as a part of the @hooverinstitution.bsky.social wargaming oral history project.
wargaming.hoover.org/browse/colle...
wargaming.hoover.org/browse/colle...
Oral Histories
This Oral History Series has been conducted by the Hoover Institution\'s Wargaming and Crisis Simulation Initiative and features in-depth conversations with leaders, experts, and innovators in wargaming. Through these interviews, the series explores some of the most influential wargames that have shaped U.S. foreign policy and strategic decision-making.
wargaming.hoover.org
March 21, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Second, @beccawasser.bsky.social & I were both interviewed as a part of the @hooverinstitution.bsky.social wargaming oral history project.
wargaming.hoover.org/browse/colle...
wargaming.hoover.org/browse/colle...
Future warfare predicated on AI raises new interoperability issues. Technical and policy misalignment on military AI risks countries being unable to fight together in the future, meaning more must be done now to create military AI interoperability. foreignpolicy.com/2025/02/24/m...
Build Allied AI or Risk Fighting Alone
Cutting edge systems need to be developed in tandem.
foreignpolicy.com
February 25, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Future warfare predicated on AI raises new interoperability issues. Technical and policy misalignment on military AI risks countries being unable to fight together in the future, meaning more must be done now to create military AI interoperability. foreignpolicy.com/2025/02/24/m...
If there is an uptick in defense budgets, can European defense industry rapidly build more weapons? I talked with @evanhd.bsky.social at BBC Radio 4 about why the answer is both yes and no -- and why drone production differs from manufacturing big exquisite platforms.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
February 21, 2025 at 3:32 PM
If there is an uptick in defense budgets, can European defense industry rapidly build more weapons? I talked with @evanhd.bsky.social at BBC Radio 4 about why the answer is both yes and no -- and why drone production differs from manufacturing big exquisite platforms.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Reposted by Becca Wasser
“Replicator initiative has attempted to create a process to rapidly procure attritable drones, but it is not clear if it has produced capabilities relevant to the Indo-Pacific. The Trump team has the opportunity to correct this & tangibly increase American combat power” www.cnas.org/publications...
January 21, 2025 at 1:09 PM
“Replicator initiative has attempted to create a process to rapidly procure attritable drones, but it is not clear if it has produced capabilities relevant to the Indo-Pacific. The Trump team has the opportunity to correct this & tangibly increase American combat power” www.cnas.org/publications...