Experts in the News | Miller Center

Escalation: A Tool to Be Considered, Not Dismissed

Many of our national security professionals and uniformed officers nearly reflexively dismiss taking actions or postures that could be considered “escalatory” or “provocative” in both real-world and simulated crisis or conflict. These ideas and practice are flawed.

Admiral Charles A. Richard

How JD Vance Outshone Donald Trump on Debate Stage

"Vance, who is an effective speaker, presumably from his Yale Law and podcast experiences, seemed to be running out of steam by the end, but overall, he did well," Perry said.

Barbara Perry

Tim Walz 'Like a Deer in the Headlights'—Analysts on Who Won VP Debate

Walz won on a game-ending score with his responses to the question about Jan. 6. His 'you're no Jack Kennedy' lowering of the boom was to tell Vance, who would not admit that Trump lost in 2020, he was no Mike Pence.

Barbara Perry

Strikes and presidential elections

Hope for a resolution, however, might be found in the 1964 strike. In that case, the president (and his opponent) avoided deep involvement, despite serious economic stakes, and the parties involved reached a settlement prior to the election.

Guian McKee

Ever heard of an agency review team? With Melody Barnes

During every presidential transition, flocks of people parachute into agencies across the federal government. From November to January, these agency review teams serve as the bridge between the president-elect and the mammoth organization they will soon oversee, relaying information back and forth to prepare for a smooth handoff of power. Organizing these teams is no small task, so today on “Transition Lab,” we speak with Melody Barnes, who co-led this work for former President Barack Obama’s 2008 transition, about what she learned.

Melody Barnes

Experts analyze Israel’s offensives in Lebanon, Gaza and Iran’s retaliation

Experts weigh in on the latest attacks and explore the potential for a resolution in the region.

Mara Rudman