The debate over defense spending will be more contentious than usual as the annual budget process ramps up in Washington.

As the Obama administration finalizes its first defense budget, analysts say near-term growth will be followed by lean spending amid the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

With U.S. economic recovery still slow, trade policy looms as a factor in the congressional midterm races. This Backgrounder explores the consequences for trade based on the outcome of the Democratic…

Foreign policy is dominating U.S. political discourse for the first time in years. This backgrounder looks at the leading schools of foreign-policy thought on both sides of the political aisle.

President Bush’s review of U.S. Iraq policy may involve adjustments to broader U.S. strategy in the Mideast. Bush is hearing proposals ranging from a boost in combat forces to engaging Iran and Syria…