Foreign Policy and National Security

Foreign Policy and National Security covers how the United States uses diplomacy, military power, intelligence, economic tools, and international law to protect the country and shape events abroad. From counterterrorism operations and surveillance authorities to sanctions, treaties, and military deployments, this category explains the real rules, institutions, and tradeoffs behind U.S. action in the world.

Military Power and War Decisions

National security starts with understanding who runs the armed forces and how presidents can use them. Articles in this category break down the chain of command inside the U.S. military (Who’s Actually in Charge of the U.S. Military?) and the rules for refusing unlawful orders (Can Military Members Refuse Orders? The Law Is More Complex Than You Think). They also unpack debates over “imminent threat” in the War Powers framework (‘Imminent Threat’ Has No Legal Definition — and Presidents Know It) and explain how modern conflicts and congressional votes can shape future military action without requiring a formal declaration of war.