Press Releases

U.S. Policy towards North Korea: Strategic Shaping and Interim Steps to Denuclearization For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 26, 2014 WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the National Security Network and the National Committee on North Korea released the paper, “U.S. Policy towards North Korea: Strategic Shaping and Interim Steps to Denuclearization.” The paper’s release coincided with an event on Capitol Hill featuring Ambassador Christopher Hill, NSN Executive Director John Bradshaw, and NCNK Executive Director Karin Lee. Below is an executive summary of the paper. To read the full report, click here. North Korea’s WMD program advances pose an increasing threat to the U.S. while its brinksmanship tactics create instability and the risk of conflict arising from miscalculation. The administration’s emphasis on coordination with South Korea, Japan, and China is an important step toward… Read More ›

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 10:00 AM ET The upcoming round of talks between the P5+1 and Iran negotiators may lead to a first phase agreement on Iran’s nuclear program. This press call previews potential outcomes from the talks, lay out the key elements of a first phase and final deal, and discuss the U.S. debate on sanctions. Moderator(s): John Bradshaw, Executive Director, National Security Network Speaker(s):  Kelsey Davenport, Nonproliferation Analyst, Arms Control Association Alireza Nader, Senior International Policy Analyst, RAND Corporation Joel Rubin, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Ploughshares Fund   TRANSCRIPT: THIS IS A PRELIMINARY TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.  JOHN BRADSHAW, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL SECURITY NETWORK: Good morning everyone, this is John Bradshaw, I’m the… Read More ›

Contact: Kate Brown kbrown@nsnetwork.org 202-213-7051   For Immediate Release   The National Security Network is delighted to announce that John Bradshaw will become our new executive director on October 9, 2013. “We are very pleased that John is joining us,” said Brian Katulis, NSN Board Chair and Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress. “He will bring leadership and creativity to the next phase of NSN’s mission. He has strong experience in all sectors of foreign policy, including extensive government service and leadership in advocacy and grassroots public education. His extensive management, fundraising, and executive experience are just what the organization needs to advance a principled, effective foreign policy for the United States.” Heather Hurlburt, who has served as NSN Executive Director since 2008,… Read More ›

The President’s Counterterrorism Speech: What’s Next? A Discussion with Leading National Security Experts Major General Paul Eaton, USA (Ret.), Rear Admiral John Hutson, USN (Ret.), and Elisa Massimino,President & CEO, Human Rights First discuss President Obama’s counterterrorism speech made on May 23, 2013. “On 23 May, President Obama issued commanders guidance.  We now need operators to implement that.” – Major Gen. (ret) Paul Eaton For the orginal piece, click here Read More ›

 Washington, DC — Earlier today, the National Security Network released an important new report, “Reshaping Pentagon Spending and Capabilities: Setting Priorities for the Future,“ arguing that the debate over Pentagon spending levels must initially focus on identifying and prioritizing the serious 21st-century threats currently facing the nation. In order for Congress to effectively guide the allocation of taxpayer dollars, the Pentagon must clearly communicate its top strategic priorities, stop protecting flawed and antiquated weapons systems designed to respond to the threats of the Cold War and pursue low-risk tradeoffs that allow investment in the tools needed to advance U.S. interests in a changing security environment.  CLICK HERE TO READ THE REPORT According  to the New York Times, last week, five of the Pentagon’s former chief operating officers joined together to push for… Read More ›

As Congress Questions Drones, New Report Cites Information Needed to Evaluate Counter-terrorism Utility of Targeted Killing A new report released today by intelligence analyst Joshua Foust entitled “Oversight for Effectiveness: A Counter-Terrorism Perspective of the Targeted Killings ‘White Paper’” outlines five areas where lack of available information about U.S. targeting killing policies threaten our ability to pursue an effective and sustainable program that advances U.S. counter-terrorism objectives and suggests a framework for beginning to address these challenges. Read the full report here. Following the publication earlier this month of a Department of Justice ‘white paper’ on the criteria for lethally targeting U.S. citizens, public and congressional interest in drones has increased steadily – as displayed in the hearings over John Brennan’s nomination to head the CIA,… Read More ›

 In response to today’s bipartisan Senate vote confirming Senator Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense, Major General (ret) Paul Eaton, senior adviser to the National Security Network, issued the following statement:  “As a soldier, there are few criteria more important for leadership than a clear chain of command and the ability to make difficult decisions based on credible assessments of risk and need. Chuck Hagel has earned my respect with his lifetime commitment to ensuring the best possible conditions for our fighting men and women and protecting them from unnecessary risks. A combat-wounded Army Sergeant, a recipient of two Purple Hearts, a successful manager in the public and private sector, and a selfless advocate for the men and women of our armed services; Senator Hagel has… Read More ›

Earlier today, the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) held a press conference in which Marion Blakey (AIA CEO) and Wes Bush (CEO and Chairman of Northrop Grumman) once again rehashed industry talking points in a last-ditch effort to protect their enormous corporate profits. This was Blakey’s first appearance back at the National Press Club since early December when several defense contractor CEOs, including Bush, admitted that Pentagon spending reductions should be on the table during sequestration negotiations. Today, Blakey and Bush focused on three myths that beg debunking: CLAIM #1: The industry has already absorbed $487 billion in cuts. – Marion Blakey FACT: The $487 billion claimed to have already been cut is merely a reduction in what the Pentagon hoped to spend. These phantom cuts are akin to a taxpayer saying they… Read More ›

Statement on Nomination of Sen. Chuck Hagel for Secretary of Defense In response to today’s nomination of Senator Chuck Hagel for Secretary of Defense, Major General (ret.) Paul D. Eaton, Senior Advisor at the National Security Network, released the following statement: “Senator Hagel is a decorated war veteran and a strong choice to run the Department of Defense. Senator Hagel has proven himself relentlessly focused on driving America’s national security interests without sacrificing American values, earning my respect and that of my colleagues in the military community.The next Secretary of Defense will face many challenges, from how we reshape the Pentagon, to when and how we use force, post-Afghanistan and Iraq, in the pursuit of peace and security. Senator Hagel will bring to these challenges… Read More ›

In response to today’s White House announcement of Senator John Kerry’s nomination to be Secretary of State, NSN Executive Director Heather Hurlburt issued the following statement: In nominating Senator Kerry, a decorated war hero and public servant, President Obama has put forth a candidate of the highest quality to be America’s top diplomat.    Senator Kerry’s lifelong concern with how America’s moral leadership reinforces our strategic interests has led him to serve as a visible, vital force on behalf of the United States from North Korea to Pakistan to South Sudan. His leadership on energy and trade, nuclear non-proliferation and the changing Middle East make him particularly qualified to meet twenty-first century challenges that transcend national boundaries and Cabinet departments. He brings longstanding personal relationships… Read More ›