This Congressional Research Service report outlines the background and history of recent Navy irregular warfare and counterterrorism activities, a number of which may pose critical oversight issues for Congress.

Despite the last week's setbacks, Max Boot argues for a firm commitment to a future U.S. presence in Afghanistan.

Michael Kranish of the Boston Globe discusses Mitt Romney's defense budget plan, describing it as "expensive," "unclear," and "misleading."

Following the attack on Afghan civilians by a U.S. Army sergeant and the recent burning of Qurans by NATO soldiers, the United States' relationship with Afghanistan has come under sharp focus. Listen to CFR senior fellows Stephen Biddle and Max Boot discuss these events, the planned drawdown of U.S. troops by 2014, and the future of U.S. policy toward Afghanistan.

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.

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.

The United States will "increasingly seek partnerships with other like-minded countries [in the region] to ensure global stability, security, and prosperity." In a new volume of collected essays, CFR Senior Fellow Scott Snyder writes that one of the strongest partners for the United States is South Korea.

The U.S. Defense Strategic Guidance (DSG) reflects the reality that offshore balancing has jumped from the cloistered walls of academe to the real world of Washington policymaking, says Christopher Layne.

The Pentagon's strategic review sets the stage for a new era of restraint in U.S. military spending and a focus on priorities in Asia. CFR's Richard K. Betts and Max Boot discuss the challenges facing the U.S. military and the implications for U.S. defense policy.

Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellows Richard Betts and Max Boot join Staff Writer Jonathan Masters in a discussion of the Department of Defense's recent strategic review, military spending, and U.S. defense strategy.

This collection of essays by Richard K. Betts, a leading international politics scholar, investigates the use of American force since the end of the Cold War, suggesting guidelines for making it more selective and successful. Betts argues that American force should be used less frequently but more decisively.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta gave these remarks on the defense strategic review, "Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for the 21st Century Defense", at the Pentagon on January 5, 2012.

President Obama gave these remarks on the strategic defense review, "Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership:Priorities for 21st Century Defense", on January 5, 2012 at the Pentagon.

This defense strategy document, "Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for 21st Century Defense", was released on January 5, 2012. The introduction states, "This strategic guidance document describes the projected security environment and the key military missions for which the Department of Defense (DoD) will prepare. It is intended as a blueprint for the Joint Force in 2020, providing a set of precepts that will help guide decisions regarding the size and shape of the force over subsequent program and budget cycles, and highlighting some of the strategic risks that may be associated with the proposed strategy."

The eurozone and Saudi Arabia are elevated threats in 2012 under CFR's new Preventive Priorities Survey, while Afghanistan and Sudan are reduced. CFR's Micah Zenko discusses.

Brad Stone explains how a save-the-earth maker of solar-powered aircraft became the world's most prolific manufacturer of military drones.

Representative Kay Granger (R-TX) discusses the changing environment in the Middle East, focusing on Israel's future relations with Egypt and its other neighbors.

What is the best way to stabilize Afghanistan at a time when international forces are scaling down commitments? Putting Afghan troops in the lead of their own counterinsurgency efforts, writes CFR's Linda Robinson.