US Navy – The drive to develop pilotless aircraft that can replace manned planes on the most dangerous, or the tedious, combat missions has produced some important technological advances. However, while they may be unmanned, the authority for them to release weapons is likely to remain in human hands.

• Sea Power: Unmanned Combat Planes ëSmarter,í But Finger on the Trigger is Human

US Navy – In the 1930s, Joseph Stalin undertook to build one of the worldís largest navies, a Soviet fleet of battleships and battle cruisers. He did so in the face of well known impediments and shortfalls of geography, finances, and industrial capacity and capabilityóand in the absence of an obvious and compelling strategic rationale. Why?

• US Naval War College Review: Stalinís Big-Fleet Program

Background – US Bases – America is reducing its troop levels in Germany and South Korea, two long-time allies, and is considering repositioning other forces too. Will improved strategic flexibility come at the cost of worsening already-strained relationships?

• Economist: Restructuring the superpower