National security has traditionally focused on the threat of powerful states, but there is a growing consensus that weak and fragile states are a significant threat today as they may become havens for extremism and international crime, foster regional instability, and lead to humanitarian crises.  Such states also pose additional challenges for American foreign policy, [...]

Among last week’s debates about cutting the budget, there was also news about next steps for efforts to balance our civilian and military resources and authorities to better face today’s global challenges.  Testifying before both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, Secretary of Defense Robert S. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of [...]