Budgeting for Foreign Affairs and Defense
US foreign and national security policies are expressed and supported by the dollars spent on foreign affairs, defense, intelligence and homeland security. Budgets are at the heart of government policy-making; they reveal the nation’s priorities behind the political rhetoric. The Stimson Center’s Budgeting for Foreign Affairs and Defense program examines how the nation plans and resources for its foreign and national security policies. The project is unique in viewing the nation’s foreign and security policies and resources as a whole. The nation’s ability to carry out its policy agenda depends on the synergy of the diplomatic, foreign assistance, military, intelligence and homeland security tools. The Stimson Center’s Budgeting for Foreign Affairs and Defense program carries out independent analysis, provides practical solutions for planning and resourcing US foreign and national security policies and proposes ways to improve our planning and budgeting system. Dr. Gordon Adams, a Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center, directs the program on Budgeting for Foreign Affairs and Defense. READ MORE »
Current Research
Budget Insight Blog » The Budgeting for Foreign Affairs and Defense program blog provides current news and analysis on a variety of issues related to national security. The blog examines such areas as foreign affairs, defense, intelligence and the interagency process focusing on the institutions, processes and budgets that comprise these areas of national security. With links to recent news articles and immediate reaction and analysis, the Budget Insight Blog is a valuable resource for those interested in following the issues that affect national security and foreign policy. READ MORE »
Foreign Affairs: Diplomacy and Development » One element of the Budgeting for Foreign Affairs and Defense program’s research covers foreign affairs activities, including foreign assistance and diplomatic engagement. Consistent with the idea that institutions, processes and budgets have an overwhelming effect on national security policy, the foreign affairs section examines foreign assistance, the State Department, and what reforms are needed to strengthen the civilian toolkit to conduct U.S. foreign policy. READ MORE »
Defense » The Defense budget is perhaps the most widely talked about budget in the federal government. Its size and controversy surrounding specific programs and issues are front page news. The Budgeting for Foreign Affairs and Defense program looks at defense from the standpoint of budgets, structures and processes and provides policymakers and interested parties with valuable data and analysis on the defense budget. READ MORE »