Lehman and Toprani analyze Reagan's military lessons for new Cold War challenges

12 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 28

Their analysis comes as Congress debates raising U.S. military spending to 5% of GDP amid threats in the Middle East, Pacific, and Eastern Europe.
They argue that effective leadership, strategic planning, and acquisition reforms, not just increased spending, were key to Reagan's success in the 1980s.
Lehman and Toprani emphasize adapting these lessons to today's more complex global landscape, warning that spending alone will not ensure long-term strategic advantage against modern rivals like China.

Is the push for a 5% defense budget ignoring the lessons of past technological failures?

With defense spending soaring, why are critical U.S. munitions stockpiles still dangerously low?

As nuclear arsenals expand, are military leaders truly prepared for a conflict with China?

Will acquisition reforms finally deliver advanced weapons on time and within budget?

How can the U.S. win a new cold war if rising gas prices sap public support?

Can Reagan's Cold War playbook truly defeat a 21st-century economic titan like China?