The defense industrial base is tied to American competitiveness in the 21st Century. For that reason, leaders in the private and public sector must take steps to thrive during a drawn out period of changing expectations while also remaining committed to keeping the country strong through innovation, long-term investment and disciplined management.

For American public diplomacy, engaging with foreign audiences face-to-face continues to be an invaluable asset for promoting mutual understanding and the values of American culture. The State Department’s American Spaces programs are traditional tools in that effort.

This paper takes a look at the variety of challenges facing governments that choose to employ social media as a tool of public diplomacy. From measures of effectiveness and audience reach, to the ability to have online material noticed above the sea of information posted daily, the proper use of these tools not as easy and straightforward as it may initially appear.

ASP’s White Paper report, “Advanced Biofuels and National Security” builds on ASP’s long history of demonstrating the importance of reducing oil use for national security and highlighting the work of the Department of Defense in promoting alternative fuels. This report demonstrates that developing advanced biofuels are important in reducing America’s dependence on oil; this dependence presents real national security threats to the United States and the American military.

As reflected in recent statements by federal leaders including the President, narcotrafficking presents a serious threat to American national security. The instability caused through the Western Hemisphere by nacrotrafficking is of a transnational nature that permeates societies across political, economic, and cultural mediums. This paper goes into details on the issues surrounding Narcotrafficking and National Security.

It’s easy to become distracted by the sensationalism associated with the fiscal cliff, Benghazi, cabinet nominations, and gun control. While ASP agrees that all of these are important issues, it is still wise to refocus our energy on long term solutions to perennial problems that effect our national security. Read the latest issues of ASQ, discussing these issues here.