James Carafano

1 week ago | 19fortyfive.com | James Carafano

Key Points and Summary: The recent India-Pakistan crisis (April-May 2025), which saw a ceasefire after a terror attack and retaliatory strikes, demonstrates that nuclear weapons primarily serve to deter other nuclear-armed states from using their nuclear weapons, rather than preventing conventional conflict or being useful for “escalate to de-escalate” tactics.

1 week ago | share.google | James Carafano

Key Points and Summary: The recent India-Pakistan crisis (April-May 2025), which saw a ceasefire after a terror attack and retaliatory strikes, demonstrates that nuclear weapons primarily serve to deter other nuclear-armed states from using their nuclear weapons, rather than preventing conventional conflict or being useful for “escalate to de-escalate” tactics.

1 week ago | share.google | James Carafano

It’s widely presumed that artificial intelligence (AI) will play a dominant role in future wars. Maybe not Skynet and Terminator-level stuff, but plenty of independent hunter-killer vehicles blasting each other and the rest of us. However, the way the future unfolds might be nothing like that. AI developments increasingly led by machine learning-enabled technologies, seem to be going in another direction. The History of Artificial ThinkingAI is a fairly plastic term.

4 weeks ago | 19fortyfive.com | James Carafano

Key Points – China’s aggressive posture toward Taiwan and broader Indo-Pacific ambitions has renewed America’s reliance on aircraft carriers, reaffirming their strategic importance despite high costs and vulnerabilities. -Aircraft carriers offer unmatched mobility and power projection, crucial for deterring adversaries like Beijing. Although critics question their relevance amid emerging threats, the U.S. Navy has few viable alternatives to immediately replace the carrier’s unique capabilities.

1 month ago | 19fortyfive.com | James Carafano

Key Points: The US Army’s cancellation of the M10 Booker light tank program reflects a shift towards strategic clarity under the Trump administration and Defense Secretary Hegseth, prioritizing combat relevance over flawed projects. -The M10, initially intended as an air-droppable asset for light forces, became too heavy due to requirements creep, losing its niche. Its cancellation signals a move away from programs not delivering effective capability efficiently.