This publication is now archived. IntroductionBack in July, John Burns of the New York Times posed a provocative question: If there’s civil war in Iraq, how will we know it? The answer may be unclear…

This publication is now archived. What will define victory in the battle for Falluja?The major military offensive under way in Falluja will weaken the Iraqi insurgency by destroying one of its main l…

This publication is now archived. The current crisisThe war in Iraq is the United States’ first sustained conflict since the military shifted to an all-volunteer force in 1973. As the casualty count …

Brazil’s economic dynamism has given it a stronger voice on global trade and energy issues. Experts say Washington can advance its regional interests more effectively through a more sophisticated rel…

Lawmakers are considering sharp cuts to defense spending as part of mandated deficit-reduction efforts. This Backgrounder discusses the effects of such major cuts and implications for U.S. military s…