Overview

In the wake of the September 11 attacks and the ensuing war on terrorism, the United States began a massive buildup in its defense budget. However, there was little public debate about the possible alternatives to the sweeping budget increases proposed by the Bush administration. A useful guide to teachers, students, and the general reader interested in defense, this book lays out the best case for four different options, each of which could serve as the organizing principle for future U.S. defense plans and budgets. This Council Policy Initiative presents these choices as presidential speeches so that they can be read and understood by interested Americans. The speeches are preceded by a memo that explains the strengths, weaknesses, and politics of each alternative. The aim is to involve Americans in thinking about and debating their national security. Lawrence J. Korb is director of National Security Studies at the Council of Foreign Relations.