Why does the incompetence of the Russian military pose a unique danger to the people of Ukraine? What are the most important takeaways from this week's Supreme Court confirmation hearings? Are any educational institutions abiding by a sound and reasonable code of principles? These are just some of the important questions that AEI's scholars addressed this week.

Kori Schake suggests that the incompetence behind Russia's surprising inability to defeat Ukrainian forces could pose a serious threat of its own. "The ineptitude and lack of professionalism that Russian forces have displayed in the first three weeks of the conflict are making fighting considerably more brutal for civilians than a more competent military would," she writes, "and increasing the prospects that the war escalates."

According to Michael Mazza, the West's support for Ukraine does not necessarily mean that Taiwan should expect similar support if it is invaded by China. Among the questions that Taipei must ask itself: Will the West be willing to bear the economic consequences of freezing out Beijing as they have Moscow? 

Adam J. White argues that during this week's Supreme Court hearings, nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson may have set a new standard for judicial hearings in several ways. Among them is Brown Jackson's assertion that her judicial methodology focuses on "original public meaning," an approach long embraced by Republican nominees but derided by Democratic politicians.

In the Spring 2022 issue of AEI's National Affairs, Mark J. Warshawsky provides a nuanced vision of Social Security reform that achieves fiscal sustainability while providing for the welfare of retired and disabled recipients.

Frederick M. Hess takes heart in the College Board's recent statement of principles for its Advanced Placement program. He applauds the organization's efforts to reject censorship and indoctrination while offering students "an unflinching encounter with evidence" and reasoned debate.