Decades of mismatched strategy and resources have left America’s military unable to meet its global responsibilities or adequately deter growing threats. Led by Mackenzie Eaglen, AEI has launched a new project designed to provide policymakers with immediate and realistic solutions to rebuild American strength. Read the first three chapters from Hal Brands, James C. Capretta, and Todd Harrison here.

In addition to rebuilding our military capabilities, the US must continue reducing economic dependence on Chinese supply chains in strategic sectors. In a new AEI report, Chris Miller makes the case for expanding current policies beyond microchips to diversify electronics component manufacturing.

Another important policy priority in 2025 is the renewal of many provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. As some Republican lawmakers push to raise the cap on the state and local tax deduction, AEI tax experts Alex Brill and Kyle Pomerleau highlight the downsides of this proposal.

The Trump administration is also keen to secure the border and reduce illegal immigration. Writing in The Wall Street Journal, AEI scholar and former Senator Phil Gramm argues that any immigration reform must combine ending asylum abuse with attracting more high-skilled foreign workers to the country.

Last week, Meta announced it would stop using “fact-checkers” for content moderation on its social media platforms. AEI climate and energy expert Roger Pielke Jr., whose own work was regularly deleted by this policy, explains why this is a victory for science and democracy.