Global News of Interest
A collection of weekly must-read external news, reports and insights
The Mosaic Approach: a Multidimensional Strategy for Strengthening America’s Critical Minerals Supply Chain
The United States faces a troubling scenario when it comes to the supply chain for critical minerals. Rapidly increasing demand, under-developed national resources, intense international competition, and years of neglect…
BENS Chairman Joins Panel Discussion on “Great Power Competition”
BENS Chairman Mark Gerencser appeared on the panel discussion “Great Power Competition” at the World Affairs Council of Connecticut’s 2021 Global Security Forum: Competing for the Future. Gerencser was joined by co-panelist…
BENS Overview of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law on November 15th, funds projects and grants to build more resilient, modern, and secure infrastructure across the United States. This overview…
BENS Competitiveness Council Event with Leaders from the Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property
Leaders from the Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property recently joined BENS for an important conversation on the threat of corporate espionage and its role in Great Power…
Modernizing the Nuclear Triad: Decline or Renewal?
The United States is planning to modernize its strategic nuclear deterrent for the first time since the Cold War ended over thirty years ago. The deterrent comprises three main components,…
Senate Dems Break Biden Nominee Deadlock
Former Obama administration Air Force Secretary Deborah James has been named chairperson of the Defense Business Board, one of the top outside advisory boards to the Pentagon. Other high-profile appointees…
Deborah Lee James Takes Oath as Defense Business Board Chair
Deborah Lee James, former secretary of the U.S. Air Force and a previous Wash100 Award winner, took her oath of office as the new chair of the Defense Business Board…
Amanpour and Company: Gen. Joseph Votel (Ret.) on Afghanistan Withdrawal
To understand how the U.S. withdrawal could have been handled differently, and what needs to happen most urgently to improve the situation on the ground, Bianna speaks with retired General…
From 300,000 to a Few Hundred: What Happened to Afghanistan’s Army
President Joe Biden told the American people on July 8 that the U.S. and its partners in Afghanistan had “trained and equipped nearly 300,000 current serving members of the military”…
Many Facets Contributed to the Taliban’s Takeover of Afghanistan
NPR’s A Martínez talks with former U.S. CENTCOM Commander Gen. Joseph Votel about the military failures that led to the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. The Taliban’s blitz offensive…