Policy
How Has President Obama's National Security Council Performed?
A new book from a foreign policy expert grades the administration on everything from its response to the crises in the Middle East, to its policymaking process. By Jeffrey Goldberg
Threats
These 22 Countries Don't Have a Military
More than 20 nations lack standing armies—and it's not always about pacifism. By Kathy Gilsinan
Policy
National Security Professionals Pick Mitt Romney in 2016 Poll
The national security community’s top pick for 2016 isn’t a rising GOP senator or the former secretary of state – it’s Mitt Romney. By Molly O’Toole
Ideas
3 Ways Obama Expanded War Powers Well Beyond George W. Bush
Here are three precedents set by the Obama administration that make it even easier to use lethal force abroad without congressional approval. By Conor Friedersdorf
Policy
Plunging Oil Prices Set Off a Global Chess Game
High oil prices have sustained kleptocracies in places like Russia and Venezuela. Will the fall in prices at the pump also mean more instability around the world? By Norm Ornstein
Ideas
Is Religion The Cause of All Major Wars in History?
In her new book, Fields of Blood, Karen Armstrong argues against the idea that faith causes wars. By Emma Green
Ideas
US Foreign Policy, Viewed from the Middle East
Washington's apparent moves toward containment are puzzling America's already tense Middle Eastern allies. By Elliott Abrams
Ideas
Who Controls Foreign Policy – the President or Congress?
A Supreme Court case over passports for people born in Jerusalem could have a surprisingly big effect on the balance of power in the United States. By Garrett Epps
Policy
Even Israel's Best Friends Understand That It's Disconnecting From Reality
An editorial in the leading American Jewish newspaper should be read by Prime Minister Netanyahu as a serious warning. By Jeffrey Goldberg
Threats
John Kerry: The Cold War Was 'Easy' Compared to Today
The Secretary of State says more economically powerful countries make today's political landscape more complex than it was 50 years ago. By Kaveh Waddell
Policy
The Way Americans Feel About a US Pivot to Asia Might Surprise You
More Americans are recognizing the strategic importance of the Asia-Pacific as the U.S. rebalances its forces in the region. By Scott A. Snyder
Policy
How Republicans Got Their Groove Back on National Security
After the Iraq War, Democrats were suddenly the party Americans trusted to protect them. This midterm election suggests that’s over. By Noah Gordon
Threats
Hagel: Get Used To Endless War
The Pentagon's chief said that the US is living through 'historic, defining times.' This means that the long war will likely become even longer. By David Graham
Policy
The Wars Rand Paul Would Fight
In a speech at the Center for the National Interest, the Kentucky senator outlined 'the Paul Doctrine.' By Dominic Tierney
Policy
What Rand Paul Still Has To Prove on Foreign Policy
Is a big foreign policy speech enough to convince voters and political strategists that Rand Paul is the real deal? By Lauren Fox
Policy
Obama Wants His Staff To Be More 'Hands On' in National Security Crises
From domestic politics to foreign policy, Obama and his aides frequently appear overtaken or overwhelmed by events. By James Oliphant
Policy
Rick Perry Sharpens His National Security Edge Over GOP Rivals
The Texas governor recently made significant progress establishing his credentials in a surprising area: foreign policy. By David Frum
Policy
Rand Paul and the Myth of American Isolationism
Over the last year, Sen. Paul has developed an approach patterned on the internationalist thinking that influenced foreign policy elites during the Cold War. By Peter Beinart
Ideas
Should America Protect Itself Through Bridges or Barricades?
President Obama's response to global challenges stresses coalition-building over unilateralism. By Ronald Brownstein
Policy