The Republicans vying to challenge Barack Obama in the 2012 presidential election face a dangerous world, and many questions on the campaign trail about whether they are ready to be commander in chief. Do they appreciate the implications of China's rise? Do they understand the principles behind America's alliance with Israel? What will their answer be to the challenge from Iran? How will they respond to the collapse of the Eurozone? Will they keep troops in Afghanistan? Can they articulate a clear vision for America's role in the world? AEI has been asking—and answering—questions about global security for more than 70 years. Today, our foreign and defense policy scholars stand on the leading edge of public policy, shaping the conversation about U.S. strength abroad. On Nov. 22, the candidates were posed foreign policy and national security questions at the CNN debate co-sponsored by AEI and the Heritage Foundation. AEI analysts prepared briefings surrounding the debate about the top security issues that all Americans should be thinking about.