1. News & Issues

Defense and National Security

The U.S. military and the American national security system are connected to U.S. foreign policy and U.S. relations with the world in undeniable yet diverse ways. These resources are the best on the Web for exploring and better understanding these connections.

George C. Marshall, 50th U.S. Secretary of State

George C. Marshall, the 50th U.S. Secretary of State, earned a Nobel prize for his humanitarian efforts in rebuilding war-torn Europe.

U.S., Japan Strike Deal On Okinawa Troops

The United States and Japan have struck an agreement to move 9,000 U.S. Marines from the prefecture of Okinawa to Guam.

Nuclear Weapons Non-Proliferation Treaty

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, first opened for signing in 1968, was the first major international treaty aimed at curbing the development of nuclear weapons.

India Successfully Fires Nuclear Capable Missile

India successfully fires an Agni-V missile on April 19, but unlike the response to North Korea's recent attempt at a missile launch, no one is too upset.

The U.S. and Great Britain: The Special Relationship Forged In War

A look at the "special relationship" of U.S. and British diplomacy during the two world wars.

Obama, Panetta Announce "Leaner" Military

President Obama announced on January 5, 2012, that, in the wake of budget constraints and changing strategic needs, the U.S. military is going to become "leaner."

U.S. Interest In The Strait of Hormuz

Iran's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz points out the strategic value of many straits to U.S. foreign policy.

Obama, Panetta Herald End of Iraq War

On October 21, 2011, President Barack Obama announced the end of U.S. involvement in the Iraq War.

US Foreign Policy After 9/11

United States foreign policy changed in some very noticeable ways after September 11, 2001. In other ways, foreign policy after 9/11 has remained the same.

U.S. Wants To Secure Weapons In Libya

The collapse of the Qaddafi regime in Libya puts new emphasis on one of the U.S. State Department's major policy components -- conventional weapons nonproliferation.

International Strategy for Cyberspace

Just as the realm of U.S. foreign policy reaches around the globe, it also reaches into cyberspace. In an effort to keep the Internet free, open, and secure, the Obama administration introduced the International Strategy for Cyberspace in May 2011.

The Bush Doctrine

The Bush Doctrine of US foreign policy combined elements of unilateralism with preventive warfare.

Obama Defends War in Libya

The Obama White House defended US action in the war in Libya against a rebuke from Congress.

The War Powers Act of 1973

A description of the War Powers Act of 1973, its function and intent.

Combatting Terrorism in 2010

This is an article on the elements of a counterterrorism strategy.

What Is Counterterrorism?

This is an article explaining counterterrorism

What Is Arms Control?

What does the phrase "Arms Control" mean, and how does it affect US foreign policy?

The U.S. Defense Department

The U.S. Defense Department directs and organizes the United States military. Learn more about its history, leadership, and budget.

How Much Does the US Spend on Defense?

Running the most powerful defense apparatus in the history of the world isn't cheap. Find out how much the US spends on national security and other aspects of foreign policy.

General David Petraeus

U.S. Army General David Petraeus has become one of the most important figures shaping America's national security and defense. Learn more about his background, education and experience.

NATO

A profile of NATO, the world's largest military alliance, from About Guide to U.S. Foreign Policy Keith Porter.

How the US is Fighting Terrorism in the Horn of Africa

The Horn of Africa is becoming a locus of terrorist activity. Find out how the US is responding.

Learn about the US Military

The US military is one of the most powerful and important tools of America's foreign policy. To learn all about the US military, check out About.com's comprehensive coverage of the US military.

Love the Warrior, Hate the War

Analyst Lorelei Kelly explores why progressives have more in common with the military than they think.

The U.S. Defense Department

The U.S. Defense Department, also known as the Pentagon, oversees all branches of the U.S. military and maintains a presence around the globe. This is their official web site.

Does America need a Foreign Legion?

Colby Cosh of Canada's National Post speculates that America will need mass recruitment of foreigners to fill the growing need for soldiers.

National Security Council

The National Security Council, including the President and Vice President, is the primary forum for drawing together all executive branch leaders to consider urgent matters of security and foreign policy.

Joint Chiefs of Staff

The Joint Chiefs of Staff include the top commanders of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the principal military adviser to the President.

Discuss in my forum

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.