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12th Annual Future Security Forum to Reflect on U.S. Post-9/11 Counterterrorism Efforts

12th Annual Future Security Forum to Reflect on U.S. Post-9/11 Counterterrorism Efforts

On September 15, 2026, Arizona State University and New America will co-host the 12th Annual Future Security Forum in Washington D.C. This year's forum, titled "25 Years After September 11, Lessons From America’s Post-9/11 Wars," is organized in collaboration with the Global SOF Foundation, Security & Defence PLuS, the McCain Institute, and Small Wars Journal. The event will serve as a platform to reflect on the U.S. and its allies' counterterrorism efforts over the past two and a half decades. Key topics for discussion include insights derived from extensive war reporting, how America's allies perceive the country today, and the ways in which the Iran War has built upon prior policies. The forum aims to provide a comprehensive retrospective on the strategies, successes, and challenges encountered since the September 11 attacks, offering a critical examination of the long-term impacts of these conflicts and policies.
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Governor Mills Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Maine-Montenegro National Guard Partnership

Governor Mills Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Maine-Montenegro National Guard Partnership

Governor Janet Mills of Maine has arrived in Podgorica, Montenegro, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the National Guard State Partnership between Maine and Montenegro. She is accompanied by Maine Major General Diane Dunn. This partnership, established in 2006 through a bilateral affairs agreement involving the U.S. Department of Defense, the State of Maine, and the Government of Montenegro, links U.S. states and territories with other nations to foster collaboration in military, security, and disaster response capabilities. During her visit, Governor Mills and Major General Dunn are scheduled to meet with 30 Maine National Guardsmen participating in Common Challenge 2026, a multinational mountain training exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability, readiness, and cooperation among partner nations. They will also engage in bilateral discussions with Montenegrin government and defense leaders. The Governor's Office plans to release updates and photos from the visit, with Governor Mills expected to re...
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Representative Harriet Hageman Calls for Halting U.S. Funding to UN Agencies Led by CCP-Linked Officials

Representative Harriet Hageman Calls for Halting U.S. Funding to UN Agencies Led by CCP-Linked Officials

U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman has advocated for the U.S. government to cease funding United Nations agencies that are led by officials with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In a recent interview with NTD, Representative Hageman asserted that the CCP has strategically placed its members in leadership positions within various UN organizations over several years. She contends that these individuals operate these agencies not for the benefit or objectives of the UN, but rather to serve the interests of the CCP. Representative Hageman is actively promoting legislative measures in the U.S. Congress to adjust funding mechanisms for UN agencies, specifically targeting those influenced by the CCP. She emphasized that no U.S. funds should be provided to UN agencies where officials with close ties to the CCP are in charge. Furthermore, she stated that leadership roles within UN agencies should be filled by individuals who align with U.S. values, such as freedom, human rights, and individual autonomy, ...
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U.S. Lawmakers Call for Investigation into California's Climate Cooperation with China

U.S. Lawmakers Call for Investigation into California's Climate Cooperation with China

U.S. Representative Young Kim, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, along with Senators Rick Scott, Mike Lee, and Marsha Blackburn, have sent a joint letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The letter calls for an investigation into California's climate cooperation with China. Representative Kim stated that California's agreements with China "may violate the Constitution and undermine U.S. national security." California has been actively promoting climate cooperation with China, including signing memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Chinese ministries and provincial governments, establishing the California-China Climate Institute, and working with Shanghai to create a green shipping corridor. The lawmakers argue that these agreements might violate Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits states from entering into agreements with foreign powers without congressional consent. However, the Congressional Resea...
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Senator Jim Risch to Chair Nominations Hearing on AI Diplomacy Plans

Senator Jim Risch to Chair Nominations Hearing on AI Diplomacy Plans

Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Ranking Member Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), will oversee a nominations hearing on September 16. The hearing is scheduled to examine prospective foreign policy officials and their plans for incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into U.S. diplomacy and international strategy. This session comes as AI is increasingly intertwined with global economic and national security competition. The committee's public calendar lists the proceeding as a nominations hearing, providing an opportunity for senators to scrutinize how nominees would address AI-related foreign policy issues within their future roles. This initiative underscores the growing recognition within the U.S. government of AI's critical role in international relations and the need for a coherent diplomatic approach.
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President Trump's Approach to Xi Jinping Undermines U.S. Taiwan Policy

President Trump's Approach to Xi Jinping Undermines U.S. Taiwan Policy

President Trump's upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 24 at the White House is generating concerns among U.S. foreign policy experts regarding its potential impact on Taiwan's security. Critics suggest that President Trump's 'deal-making instincts' and perceived disinterest in strategic nuances could lead to concessions on Taiwan. This follows a pattern observed in his second term, where his rhetoric and actions have been interpreted as a shift away from the long-standing U.S. policy of 'strategic ambiguity' towards Taiwan. During a previous meeting in May, President Trump reportedly criticized Taiwan's leadership as 'dangerous separatists' and has viewed arms sales to Taiwan as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Beijing. This approach contrasts with past administrations that deliberately siloed Taiwan's defense from broader China policy, raising fears that the U.S. commitment to Taiwan's defense is weakening.
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New York-Centric Appointments in Trump Administration Highlight Shift in Influence for Foreign Governments

New York-Centric Appointments in Trump Administration Highlight Shift in Influence for Foreign Governments

Following President Trump's return to the White House, many key positions in his administration have been filled by individuals with deep ties to New York City, primarily from the worlds of Wall Street, real estate, and law. This includes U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Attorney General Todd Blanche, and White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, all of whom built their careers in New York. This concentration of New York-based appointees has led foreign governments, such as South Korea, to recognize the increasing importance of cultivating relationships beyond traditional Washington D.C. diplomatic channels. South Korean officials, when seeking information about key Trump administration figures, have found themselves turning to New York's business and financial networks, which operate differently from Washington's established diplomatic circles. This shift emphasizes that business and financial connections in New York are becoming crucial for gaining access and i...
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President Trump Dismisses Chinese Spying Concerns, Citing Reciprocal Intelligence Activities

President Trump Dismisses Chinese Spying Concerns, Citing Reciprocal Intelligence Activities

President Trump on Sunday dismissed concerns regarding a report that Chinese entities provided satellite imagery to Iran before a missile attack that killed three U.S. troops. Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Trump stated that China "spies on us" just as "we spy on them." The Wall Street Journal report, which Reuters could not immediately verify, alleged that Chinese entities supplied high-resolution satellite imagery of Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan to Iran prior to the July 17 missile attack. When asked if he would raise the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping during an upcoming meeting, President Trump did not directly answer, instead equating the surveillance activities of both nations. He reiterated his belief that President Xi has "behaved reasonably well" and that the U.S. also behaves "reasonably well."
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President Trump's Diplomatic Style with Xi Jinping Questioned Ahead of White House Summit

President Trump's Diplomatic Style with Xi Jinping Questioned Ahead of White House Summit

President Trump is set to host Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit at the White House on September 24, marking their second summit this year. The meeting comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of President Trump's diplomatic approach, particularly his emphasis on personal rapport with foreign leaders. Experts suggest that President Trump's belief in his unique ability to forge personal connections with leaders like Xi Jinping may be a miscalculation, as Xi is characterized as a leader who prioritizes long-term strategic goals over personal relationships. This perspective is informed by Xi's history of patiently executing his agenda and his unsentimental approach to even close associates. The upcoming summit follows previous encounters where President Trump's attempts to leverage personal charisma did not yield significant strategic concessions from China, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of his diplomatic strategy.
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Post-9/11 Era's Impact on American Warfare and U.S. National Security to be Discussed

Post-9/11 Era's Impact on American Warfare and U.S. National Security to be Discussed

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is hosting an event to reflect on how the post-9/11 era has transformed American warfare and shaped U.S. national security over the past 25 years. The discussion will feature Lt. General Frank Kearney (Ret.), former Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense Kelly Magsamen, and the Council's Ariane M. Tabatabai, Ph.D. These experts will delve into the lessons learned from the September 11 attacks and consider how those insights should inform future challenges in national security. The program is presented in partnership with the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, indicating a comprehensive review of military and strategic implications. The event aims to provide a platform for understanding the long-term consequences of 9/11 on U.S. defense strategies and foreign policy.
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Rep. Pat Fallon Discusses Houthi Activities, U.S. AI Race, and FISA Renewal on Fox News

Rep. Pat Fallon Discusses Houthi Activities, U.S. AI Race, and FISA Renewal on Fox News

Rep. Pat Fallon, a Republican from Texas, recently appeared on Fox News's 'The Big Weekend Show' to address several pressing national and international issues. During his appearance, Fallon discussed the Iran-backed Houthis' seizure of ground in Yemen, highlighting the ongoing conflict and its implications. He also touched upon the United States' competition with China in the field of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a lead in technological advancements. A significant point of discussion was Congress's failure to renew the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a critical piece of legislation concerning national security. Fallon's comments underscore the multifaceted challenges currently facing U.S. foreign policy and domestic security frameworks. His remarks provide insight into the Republican perspective on these complex issues, particularly concerning the balance between national security and civil liberties in the context of surveillance laws.
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Calls for Law and Order in Syria Following Assad Government's Fall

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Calls for Law and Order in Syria Following Assad Government's Fall

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has issued a statement regarding the fall of the Assad government in Syria, emphasizing the immediate need for law and order to be restored in the country. Speaking on Sunday, Scholz highlighted the immense suffering endured by the Syrian people and welcomed the end of Assad's rule as a positive development. He stressed the importance of protecting all religious communities and minorities, both now and in the future. The Chancellor indicated that future rulers in Syria would be judged on their ability to ensure that all Syrians can live in dignity and self-determination, defend the nation's sovereignty against external interference, and foster peaceful relations with neighboring countries. This statement comes amidst broader international reactions to the regime change, with the UN Secretary-General calling for an orderly political transition and the EU's top diplomat noting the weakened state of Assad's supporters in Moscow and Tehran.