National Security

The Atlantic’s coverage of national security, military intelligence, global conflict, and more

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National Security

Our writers make sense of America’s place in the world, reporting on rising authoritarianism, military technology, and geopolitical conflicts.

A photo collage in red, white, and black showing Richard Nixon in side profile and explosions
Photo-illustration by Mike McQuade. Sources: Wally McNamee / Getty; Corbis / Getty.

The President’s Weapon

Why does the power to launch nuclear weapons rest with a single American?

Illustration of Ali Khamenei
Illustration by The Atlantic. Source: Majid Saeedi / Getty.

Five Ways Iran May Respond

The history of the Islamic Republic illuminates how it may answer the U.S. strikes.