Michèle Flournoy discusses U.S. defense policy and strategy as well as broader international security challenges.

"The hypocrisy behind U.S. targeted killings has long been apparent to casual news readers, and it is now confirmed by internal intelligence documents," according to Micah Zenko.

While there was some early discussion on where to base the command (continental United States, Africa, or Germany), its current location in Germany has the existing infrastructure, transportation links, housing, schools, and health facilities to support its personnel, employees, and family members. Any future rebasing discussions will need to take into account a cost-benefit analysis—and in a time of fiscal uncertainty, the cost might be prohibitive.

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As the Pentagon attempts to refocus the U.S. military strategy toward Asia, the department is facing major budget constraints. Experts disagree on how to balance the fiscal challenge with the country's national security priorities.

The BCA established an automatic process to reduce spending, partially entailing a sequester of budgetary resources, if Congress did not pass and the President did not sign, by January 15, 2012, legislation reducing the deficit by $1.2 trillion over the FY2012-FY2021 period. No such legislation was enacted by the deadline. Therefore, the automatic spending reduction process was triggered.

All signs suggest that the United States will not be keeping large numbers of forces in Afghanistan for much longer, says CFR's Stephen Biddle.

Micah Zenko says the nomination of John Brennan to become the next CIA director can be crucial in scrutinizing the U.S. drone program.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey held this press conference on January 10, 2013. They discussed Afghan President Karzai's visit, defense sequestration, and possible chemical weapons in Syria.

President Obama signed the annual National Defense Authorization Act for FY13 into law on January 2, 2013.

Micah Zenko says, "Like Dick Cheney 21 years ago, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta has engaged in an exhaustive effort to avoid both sequestration and any further reductions in the Pentagon's budget. The distinction between Panetta and his predecessors, however, is in the tactics he has employed to protect his bureaucratic turf."

With the strategic focus of the U.S. military in flux and the Pentagon's budget under significant scrutiny, this CFR Issue Tracker looks at the 2012 presidential candidates' positions on defense.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (H.R. 4310) passed in the House in May 2012 and awaits decision by the Senate.

The U.S. defense budget has grown to inordinate levels, and the American public isn't happy about it. Scott Rasmussen sets out proposals on how to create a leaner military spending strategy that is more efficient and satisfies the desires of the voters.

The Department of Defense submitted this report in April 2012, outlining its current investment in unmanned aircraft systems (also known as drones) and future financial, personnel, and infrastructure needs through Fiscal Year 2017.

Frank G. Klotz says the possibility of a total stalemate on the U.S. defense budget looms very large, but with American forces still fighting in Afghanistan, and Iran and North Korea remaining potential flashpoints, the consequences could be grave.

Ash Carter, deputy secretary of defense, explains how the United States is transforming its military and defense strategy as a result of financial cut backs.

Ash Carter, deputy secretary of defense, explains how the United States is transforming its military and defense strategy as a result of financial cut backs.

Deputy Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter and Richard Hass, President, Council on Foreign Relations discuss the challenges U.S. faces on defense strategy and budget priorities in the 21st century.

Max Boot says cutting spending on Afghan forces is penny wise and war foolish.

This report by the Institute for Economics and Peace provides an overview of the macroeconomic effects of government spending on war and the military since World War II.