The crisis of democracy identified in the 1970s never really went away; it was just papered over with temporary solutions and obscured by a series of lucky breaks.

This CFR Issue Guide provides resources and analysis on President Obama's inauguration and the foreign policy challenges facing his second administration.

President Obama's plans for a consolidated trade and commerce department underscores his goal of doubling U.S. exports by the end of 2014, but some question how creating a larger organization will increase efficiency.

Few would challenge the intelligence credentials of Lt. Gen. Michael V. Hayden. But there are deep concerns among many lawmakers whether it is appropriate that he run the embattled CIA.

Leslie Gelb spends a day with Secretary of State Hilary Clinton as she goes through her "grueling and inspirational" regular duties.

Edward Alden writes that the Department of Homeland Security "has yet to become a whole that adds up to more than its parts," reviewing books by its first two secretaries, Tom Ridge and Michael Chertoff.

Experts discuss the potential that public private collaboration can have toward achieving the goals of U.S. foreign policy, private business, and civil society.

Listen to Representative Nita Lowey, chair, subcommittee on state, foreign operations, and related programs, House committee on appropriations (D-NY), discuss her views on the U.S. national security apparatus and the balance between civilian and military resources.

Listen to experts discuss suggested measures the U.S. government could take to react to and function after a catostrophic event in the nation's capital.

Listen to former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich outline what he believes are the major challenges and threats facing the United States and his ideas for institutional and strategic reforms.

The handoff of foreign policy responsibility from one U.S. presidential administration to another has proven risky in many cases. The next transition occurs at a time of extraordinary global challenges.

People naturally disagree about who is responsible for the partisan tone and tactics in Washington, DC, these days, but most agree on this: It's worse, it's more intense, and it's nastier. And few on either side are enjoying it much.

Former House Speaker and prospective presidential candidate Newt Gingrich urges a more bipartisan approach to solving problems from Iraq to homeland security and hints he may enter the race late this year.

David Ignatius says in looking at a possible nomination of Chuck Hagel for secretary of defense, the issue for the White House "is whether Hagel would be the best manager during an important inflection point in Pentagon history."

Chronic mismanagement by local governments has left a number of California cities teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.