"What is clear is that there is no shortage of challenges or opportunities beyond America's borders. What may matter most when it comes to this country's national security, though, is whether it can put its own economic and political house in order," says Richard N. Haass.

John B. Bellinger III argues that international law presents many obstacles to a quick U.S. intervention in Syria.

Michael Spence describes how technological progress affects employment and why policymakers should increase investment in education and skills to help workers adapt.

Julia E. Sweig argues the United States has been a marginal actor in Latin America, but this could change in the Obama administration's second term.

Peter Orszag outlines the obstacles that China faces on the road to becoming a high-income country and explains why other nations should take note.

Max Boot argues that substantial withdrawals of American military personnel from Afghanistan ignore the reality of the situation.

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

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon says that the war in Afghanistan, which has spanned a decade and cost more than 2,000 American lives, has now faded to one key, albeit short-sighted, question: How many U.S. troops will remain after 2014?

Sebastian Mallaby argues that although it will not solve all U.S. economic woes, a manufacturing renaissance is both possible and desirable.

Peter Orszag explains why and how the federal government should encourage more clinical data registries, which can cut health care costs and improve patient outcomes.

Julia E. Sweig says the recent "fiscal cliff" deal marks the end of the grand bargain, and "the new normal in Washington is one of hyper partisanship, in which the Republicans have learned that if they wait long enough the Democrats will soften at the end of negotiations."

Sebastian Mallaby argues the lesson from sub-Saharan Africa's economic turnaround is that policies do matter.

Women have made strides in Afghanistan since 2001, but huge issues still remain. While the United States focuses on withdrawal, Afghan women are still in the fight and will be long after 2014, says Gayle Tzemach Lemmon.

A precipitious drawdown to 6,000 troops in Afghanistan after 2014 would cripple the U.S. counterterrorism mission and Afghan security forces, vastly increasing the risk of a Taliban takeover, says Max Boot.

Michael A. Levi says, "The benefits of the oil and gas boom—jobs, wealth and, in the case of natural gas, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions—offer plenty of reasons to continue to develop these resources judiciously. But we should beware of turning this potential blessing into an unintended curse."

Sebastian Mallaby comes down in favor of Ben Bernanke's latest gamble as Fed chairman.

In the context of the holiday season, Julia E. Sweig assesses President Obama's response to the Newtown shootings.

John B. Bellinger III says, "Over the last 230 years, the Senate has approved more than 1,500 treaties. In 2013, Mr. Obama must demonstrate leadership by putting greater effort in securing Senate approval of essential treaties that advance American interests, including the Law of the Sea Convention."

Peter Orszag explains why Build America Bonds could become victims of the fiscal cliff and why they should be saved.

Sebastian Mallaby argues that Europe's future is looking frighteningly like Japan's past.