In 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a one-time boost in spending to state and local governments of more than $275 billion which was distributed via 65 different new or existing federal programs.

Robert F. Hale is the principal advisor to Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta on all budgetary and fiscal matters, including the development and execution of the Defense Department’s annual budget of more than $600 billion.

In this complex and dynamic world of changing demands, the nature of security today requires that it be conceived more broadly than ever before. Some have called for a new vibrant strategic direction for US national security and foreign policy. Today's context presents a unique set of challenges and requires a new way of thinking about power, security, and leadership. General Anthony Zinni, former Commander of the US Central Command offers insights in power and leadership in the 21st Century.

As with each edition, this issue of The Business of Government magazine has as its focus the core mission of the Center—connecting research to practice as a means to improve public management. We do this by bringing together insights and perspectives, blended with an equal measure of practicality and reflection, from an array of government leaders, public managers, thinkers, practitioners, and academics.