FAS

State of the Union: Tradition and Function

01.24.11 | 1 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood

The history and characteristic features of the State of the Union address, to be delivered by President Obama on January 25, were reviewed in a recent report (pdf) from the Congressional Research Service.

“Presidents often acknowledge the difficult nature of the goals they set, but such acknowledgment is qualified by a strong statement that Americans will always fulfill their destiny, solve intractable problems, and ultimately ‘establish a more perfect Union’. ”

“No President has ever reported that the crisis facing the nation was insurmountable.”

See “The President’s State of the Union Address: Tradition, Function, and Policy Implications,” November 17, 2010.

publications
See all publications
Government Capacity
Press release
FAS Position on “Schedule PC” and Impact on Federal Scientists

If this proposed rule were enacted it would have deleterious effects on government workers in general and federal researchers and scientists, specifically.

05.20.25 | 3 min read
read more
Government Capacity
Blog
Proposed “Schedule Policy/Career” Rule is Open For Comment Now, and If Implemented Could Significantly Change How Decisions Are Made

When we introduce “at-will” employment to government employees, we also introduce the potential for environments where people are more concerned about self-preservation than service to others.

05.20.25 | 3 min read
read more
FAS
Policy Memo
Agenda for an American Renewal

There is no better time to re-invigorate America’s innovation edge by investing in R&D to create and capture “industries of the future,” re-shoring capital and expertise, and working closely with allies to expand our capabilities while safeguarding those technologies that are critical to our security.

05.15.25 | 13 min read
read more
Global Risk
Press release
Nuclear Notebook: Russian Nuclear Weapons 2025 Federation of American Scientists Unveils Comprehensive Analysis of Russia’s Nuclear Arsenal

Russia currently maintains nearly 5,460 nuclear warheads, with an estimated 1,718 deployed. This represents a slight decrease in total warheads from previous years but still positions Russia as the world’s largest nuclear power alongside the United States.

05.13.25 | 3 min read
read more