Texas National Security Review
@tnsr.org
A rigorous, policy-relevant journal on national & international security, brought to you by The University of Texas System | tnsr.org
How can the US avoid being coerced by a nuclear adversary?
Tyler Bowen joins us to discuss the complexity of creating operational plans that achieve military success without triggering nuclear escalation.
#DefenseStrategy #GlobalSecurity #Deterrence
Tyler Bowen joins us to discuss the complexity of creating operational plans that achieve military success without triggering nuclear escalation.
#DefenseStrategy #GlobalSecurity #Deterrence
January 9, 2026 at 6:02 PM
How can the US avoid being coerced by a nuclear adversary?
Tyler Bowen joins us to discuss the complexity of creating operational plans that achieve military success without triggering nuclear escalation.
#DefenseStrategy #GlobalSecurity #Deterrence
Tyler Bowen joins us to discuss the complexity of creating operational plans that achieve military success without triggering nuclear escalation.
#DefenseStrategy #GlobalSecurity #Deterrence
Are we stuck in a cycle of "planning for failure"?
In Mathew Burrows’ review of Elizabeth Saunders' (@profsaunders.bsky.social) "The Insiders’ Game," he draws a sharp parallel between the "insider" dynamics of today and the decision-making failures of the Vietnam era.
In Mathew Burrows’ review of Elizabeth Saunders' (@profsaunders.bsky.social) "The Insiders’ Game," he draws a sharp parallel between the "insider" dynamics of today and the decision-making failures of the Vietnam era.
January 8, 2026 at 5:35 PM
Are we stuck in a cycle of "planning for failure"?
In Mathew Burrows’ review of Elizabeth Saunders' (@profsaunders.bsky.social) "The Insiders’ Game," he draws a sharp parallel between the "insider" dynamics of today and the decision-making failures of the Vietnam era.
In Mathew Burrows’ review of Elizabeth Saunders' (@profsaunders.bsky.social) "The Insiders’ Game," he draws a sharp parallel between the "insider" dynamics of today and the decision-making failures of the Vietnam era.
How can states use conventional military force effectively against a nuclear-armed adversary? By striking a balance between operational success and escalatory restraint. Tyler Bowen joins our podcast to discuss his recent TNSR article.
tnsr.org/2025/01/conv...
#NuclearDeterrence #NatSec
tnsr.org/2025/01/conv...
#NuclearDeterrence #NatSec
January 7, 2026 at 10:38 PM
How can states use conventional military force effectively against a nuclear-armed adversary? By striking a balance between operational success and escalatory restraint. Tyler Bowen joins our podcast to discuss his recent TNSR article.
tnsr.org/2025/01/conv...
#NuclearDeterrence #NatSec
tnsr.org/2025/01/conv...
#NuclearDeterrence #NatSec
The recent operation in Venezuela highlights a critical shift in national security decision-making, and as Mara Karlin notes in her review of "The Insiders' Game," the decision-making table is more crowded than we think.
January 6, 2026 at 10:43 PM
The recent operation in Venezuela highlights a critical shift in national security decision-making, and as Mara Karlin notes in her review of "The Insiders' Game," the decision-making table is more crowded than we think.
How do elites constrain presidential decision-making? Could a conflict with China break the "insider" hold on foreign policy? Mara Karlin and Mathew Burrows answer these questions in their reviews of Elizabeth Saunders’ (@profsaunders.bsky.social) "The Insiders’ Game."
tnsr.org/roundtable/t...
tnsr.org/roundtable/t...
January 5, 2026 at 5:12 PM
How do elites constrain presidential decision-making? Could a conflict with China break the "insider" hold on foreign policy? Mara Karlin and Mathew Burrows answer these questions in their reviews of Elizabeth Saunders’ (@profsaunders.bsky.social) "The Insiders’ Game."
tnsr.org/roundtable/t...
tnsr.org/roundtable/t...
Are those holiday gift cards already burning a hole in your pocket? Invest in something that lasts longer than the season.
The TNSR winter issue, featuring our newly redesigned logo, is now available in print. Order your copy now from @utexaspress.bsky.social!
utpress.utexas.edu/journals/tex...
The TNSR winter issue, featuring our newly redesigned logo, is now available in print. Order your copy now from @utexaspress.bsky.social!
utpress.utexas.edu/journals/tex...
December 30, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Are those holiday gift cards already burning a hole in your pocket? Invest in something that lasts longer than the season.
The TNSR winter issue, featuring our newly redesigned logo, is now available in print. Order your copy now from @utexaspress.bsky.social!
utpress.utexas.edu/journals/tex...
The TNSR winter issue, featuring our newly redesigned logo, is now available in print. Order your copy now from @utexaspress.bsky.social!
utpress.utexas.edu/journals/tex...
According to Eyck Freymann and Harry Halem, the US doesn't need a "politically impossible" doubling of the defense budget to deter China. It needs to make hard choices.
They argue that budgets must rigorously align with the reality of an air-naval conflict in the Pacific.
tnsr.org/2025/12/the-...
They argue that budgets must rigorously align with the reality of an air-naval conflict in the Pacific.
tnsr.org/2025/12/the-...
December 29, 2025 at 6:02 PM
According to Eyck Freymann and Harry Halem, the US doesn't need a "politically impossible" doubling of the defense budget to deter China. It needs to make hard choices.
They argue that budgets must rigorously align with the reality of an air-naval conflict in the Pacific.
tnsr.org/2025/12/the-...
They argue that budgets must rigorously align with the reality of an air-naval conflict in the Pacific.
tnsr.org/2025/12/the-...
According to Freymann and Halem, the margin of deterrence is shrinking, and to prevent conflict, we must address the crisis in capacity.
Together, they argue that the US must urgently expand its industrial base to counter rapid conventional and nuclear buildups. The time for hard choices is now.
Together, they argue that the US must urgently expand its industrial base to counter rapid conventional and nuclear buildups. The time for hard choices is now.
December 24, 2025 at 6:01 PM
According to Freymann and Halem, the margin of deterrence is shrinking, and to prevent conflict, we must address the crisis in capacity.
Together, they argue that the US must urgently expand its industrial base to counter rapid conventional and nuclear buildups. The time for hard choices is now.
Together, they argue that the US must urgently expand its industrial base to counter rapid conventional and nuclear buildups. The time for hard choices is now.
Looking back at the past year, we're grateful for the continued support of our audience. This includes our podcast listeners!
Thank you for keeping "Horns of a Dilemma" at the top of the national security podcast charts! Subscribe or listen anytime at tnsr.org/horns-of-a-d...
Thank you for keeping "Horns of a Dilemma" at the top of the national security podcast charts! Subscribe or listen anytime at tnsr.org/horns-of-a-d...
December 23, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Looking back at the past year, we're grateful for the continued support of our audience. This includes our podcast listeners!
Thank you for keeping "Horns of a Dilemma" at the top of the national security podcast charts! Subscribe or listen anytime at tnsr.org/horns-of-a-d...
Thank you for keeping "Horns of a Dilemma" at the top of the national security podcast charts! Subscribe or listen anytime at tnsr.org/horns-of-a-d...
In our new article by Eyck Freymann and Harry Halem, they argue that to keep China deterred, the US must look beyond "killer apps" and focus on the engine of military power: the industrial base.
December 22, 2025 at 5:40 PM
In our new article by Eyck Freymann and Harry Halem, they argue that to keep China deterred, the US must look beyond "killer apps" and focus on the engine of military power: the industrial base.
When structures crumble, ideas fill the void.
Our latest article by Shivshankar Menon suggests we are in a moment where scholars and thinkers can genuinely influence political definitions of interest. Chaos is an opportunity for creativity.
Our latest article by Shivshankar Menon suggests we are in a moment where scholars and thinkers can genuinely influence political definitions of interest. Chaos is an opportunity for creativity.
December 19, 2025 at 3:32 PM
When structures crumble, ideas fill the void.
Our latest article by Shivshankar Menon suggests we are in a moment where scholars and thinkers can genuinely influence political definitions of interest. Chaos is an opportunity for creativity.
Our latest article by Shivshankar Menon suggests we are in a moment where scholars and thinkers can genuinely influence political definitions of interest. Chaos is an opportunity for creativity.
"If we use military force without strategy, then it's just violence."
In our latest podcast episode, Dr. Marina Henke (@mephenke.bsky.social) argues that strategy is not just about efficiency—it is a moral requirement for legitimizing state action.
In our latest podcast episode, Dr. Marina Henke (@mephenke.bsky.social) argues that strategy is not just about efficiency—it is a moral requirement for legitimizing state action.
December 18, 2025 at 5:48 PM
"If we use military force without strategy, then it's just violence."
In our latest podcast episode, Dr. Marina Henke (@mephenke.bsky.social) argues that strategy is not just about efficiency—it is a moral requirement for legitimizing state action.
In our latest podcast episode, Dr. Marina Henke (@mephenke.bsky.social) argues that strategy is not just about efficiency—it is a moral requirement for legitimizing state action.
We often mistake the relative stability of the last 75 years for permanent reality.
To understand the present, Shivshankar Menon argues we must shed post-WWII predispositions and accept "disorder" as the historical norm.
Read more: tnsr.org/2025/12/a-ne...
#WorldOrder #ForeignPolicy #Strategy
To understand the present, Shivshankar Menon argues we must shed post-WWII predispositions and accept "disorder" as the historical norm.
Read more: tnsr.org/2025/12/a-ne...
#WorldOrder #ForeignPolicy #Strategy
December 17, 2025 at 8:51 PM
We often mistake the relative stability of the last 75 years for permanent reality.
To understand the present, Shivshankar Menon argues we must shed post-WWII predispositions and accept "disorder" as the historical norm.
Read more: tnsr.org/2025/12/a-ne...
#WorldOrder #ForeignPolicy #Strategy
To understand the present, Shivshankar Menon argues we must shed post-WWII predispositions and accept "disorder" as the historical norm.
Read more: tnsr.org/2025/12/a-ne...
#WorldOrder #ForeignPolicy #Strategy
Every state has a grand strategy, whether they know it or not. The real challenge is designing one that works.
In our latest podcast episode, Dr. Marina Henke (@mephenke.bsky.social) from @hertiesecurity.bsky.social discusses the critical link between strategic design and democratic accountability.
In our latest podcast episode, Dr. Marina Henke (@mephenke.bsky.social) from @hertiesecurity.bsky.social discusses the critical link between strategic design and democratic accountability.
December 16, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Every state has a grand strategy, whether they know it or not. The real challenge is designing one that works.
In our latest podcast episode, Dr. Marina Henke (@mephenke.bsky.social) from @hertiesecurity.bsky.social discusses the critical link between strategic design and democratic accountability.
In our latest podcast episode, Dr. Marina Henke (@mephenke.bsky.social) from @hertiesecurity.bsky.social discusses the critical link between strategic design and democratic accountability.
We often mistake the last 70 years for the standard of history.
Shivshankar Menon, a former national security advisor to the Indian prime minister, claims that they were the exception in our latest Strategist article.
Shivshankar Menon, a former national security advisor to the Indian prime minister, claims that they were the exception in our latest Strategist article.
December 15, 2025 at 5:04 PM
We often mistake the last 70 years for the standard of history.
Shivshankar Menon, a former national security advisor to the Indian prime minister, claims that they were the exception in our latest Strategist article.
Shivshankar Menon, a former national security advisor to the Indian prime minister, claims that they were the exception in our latest Strategist article.
"I don't think it actually says what the United States really wants."
Marina Henke (@mephenke.bsky.social) joins us to critique the new National Security Strategy. She pairs this analysis with her recent TNSR article on the vital, practical steps for designing strategy that actually works.
Marina Henke (@mephenke.bsky.social) joins us to critique the new National Security Strategy. She pairs this analysis with her recent TNSR article on the vital, practical steps for designing strategy that actually works.
December 12, 2025 at 6:03 PM
"I don't think it actually says what the United States really wants."
Marina Henke (@mephenke.bsky.social) joins us to critique the new National Security Strategy. She pairs this analysis with her recent TNSR article on the vital, practical steps for designing strategy that actually works.
Marina Henke (@mephenke.bsky.social) joins us to critique the new National Security Strategy. She pairs this analysis with her recent TNSR article on the vital, practical steps for designing strategy that actually works.
We sat down with Ambassador Kang to discuss the future of the US–Korea alliance. She contextualizes President Lee’s proposal to President Trump: a partnership where the US acts as "peacemaker" and South Korea as "pacemaker."
#USKoreaAlliance #ForeignPolicy #NationalSecurity
#USKoreaAlliance #ForeignPolicy #NationalSecurity
December 11, 2025 at 4:06 PM
We sat down with Ambassador Kang to discuss the future of the US–Korea alliance. She contextualizes President Lee’s proposal to President Trump: a partnership where the US acts as "peacemaker" and South Korea as "pacemaker."
#USKoreaAlliance #ForeignPolicy #NationalSecurity
#USKoreaAlliance #ForeignPolicy #NationalSecurity
It doesn't take a massive war to break an alliance system—just a crisis to shatter the illusion of power.
@bencenemeth.bsky.social's article uses the 1956 Suez analogue to examine how a setback in the Indo-Pacific could force a brutal recalibration in allied capitals. #GrandStrategy #NatSec
@bencenemeth.bsky.social's article uses the 1956 Suez analogue to examine how a setback in the Indo-Pacific could force a brutal recalibration in allied capitals. #GrandStrategy #NatSec
December 10, 2025 at 6:34 PM
It doesn't take a massive war to break an alliance system—just a crisis to shatter the illusion of power.
@bencenemeth.bsky.social's article uses the 1956 Suez analogue to examine how a setback in the Indo-Pacific could force a brutal recalibration in allied capitals. #GrandStrategy #NatSec
@bencenemeth.bsky.social's article uses the 1956 Suez analogue to examine how a setback in the Indo-Pacific could force a brutal recalibration in allied capitals. #GrandStrategy #NatSec
In our latest podcast episode, Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha joins Sheena Chestnut Greitens (@sheenagreitens.bsky.social) to discuss the US–Korea alliance. They examine the $350 billion investment in US manufacturing and the strategic challenges posed by North Korea’s alignment with Russia.
December 9, 2025 at 7:14 PM
In our latest podcast episode, Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha joins Sheena Chestnut Greitens (@sheenagreitens.bsky.social) to discuss the US–Korea alliance. They examine the $350 billion investment in US manufacturing and the strategic challenges posed by North Korea’s alignment with Russia.
Is the US approaching a “Suez moment” in the Indo-Pacific? The military balance with China is narrowing, and a public exposure of capability shortfalls could shatter alliance confidence.
December 8, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Is the US approaching a “Suez moment” in the Indo-Pacific? The military balance with China is narrowing, and a public exposure of capability shortfalls could shatter alliance confidence.
Can autonomous weapons make war less brutal?
Instead of viewing autonomy solely as a risk, Nathan Wood (@woodnathang.bsky.social) posits that these systems—when used within the correct parameters—offer a pathway to more discriminate and legally compliant warfare. tnsr.org/2025/12/bomb...
Instead of viewing autonomy solely as a risk, Nathan Wood (@woodnathang.bsky.social) posits that these systems—when used within the correct parameters—offer a pathway to more discriminate and legally compliant warfare. tnsr.org/2025/12/bomb...
December 5, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Can autonomous weapons make war less brutal?
Instead of viewing autonomy solely as a risk, Nathan Wood (@woodnathang.bsky.social) posits that these systems—when used within the correct parameters—offer a pathway to more discriminate and legally compliant warfare. tnsr.org/2025/12/bomb...
Instead of viewing autonomy solely as a risk, Nathan Wood (@woodnathang.bsky.social) posits that these systems—when used within the correct parameters—offer a pathway to more discriminate and legally compliant warfare. tnsr.org/2025/12/bomb...
The post-1945 era didn’t just change state warfare; it democratized violence. Carter Malkasian argues that innovations in weapons technology, like the assault rifle and RPG, shifted the balance of power to the individual in the Greater Middle East. Listen now: tnsr.org/2025/12/the-...
December 4, 2025 at 6:22 PM
The post-1945 era didn’t just change state warfare; it democratized violence. Carter Malkasian argues that innovations in weapons technology, like the assault rifle and RPG, shifted the balance of power to the individual in the Greater Middle East. Listen now: tnsr.org/2025/12/the-...
Critics argue that autonomous weapon systems violate the principle of distinction. In our latest article, Nathan G. Wood (@woodnathang.bsky.social) argues modern AWS may actually help make warfare less brutal. Read the full analysis. tnsr.org/2025/12/bomb...
December 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Critics argue that autonomous weapon systems violate the principle of distinction. In our latest article, Nathan G. Wood (@woodnathang.bsky.social) argues modern AWS may actually help make warfare less brutal. Read the full analysis. tnsr.org/2025/12/bomb...
Dr. Carter Malkasian joins Sheena Chestnut Greitens (@sheenagreitens.bsky.social) and Ryan Vest (@rgvest.bsky.social) to discuss war and state-building in the Middle East and South Asia.
December 2, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Dr. Carter Malkasian joins Sheena Chestnut Greitens (@sheenagreitens.bsky.social) and Ryan Vest (@rgvest.bsky.social) to discuss war and state-building in the Middle East and South Asia.
Do autonomous weapon systems violate the laws of armed conflict? Our latest by Nathan G. Wood (@woodnathang.bsky.social) examines the legal realities of "bombs versus bots." Properly deployed, these systems may reduce civilian harm compared to traditional munitions.
tnsr.org/2025/12/bomb...
tnsr.org/2025/12/bomb...
December 1, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Do autonomous weapon systems violate the laws of armed conflict? Our latest by Nathan G. Wood (@woodnathang.bsky.social) examines the legal realities of "bombs versus bots." Properly deployed, these systems may reduce civilian harm compared to traditional munitions.
tnsr.org/2025/12/bomb...
tnsr.org/2025/12/bomb...