Puzzle Palaces and Foggy Bottom: U.S. Foreign and Defense Policy-Making in the 1990s explores the actors and institutions involved in the formulation of foreign and defense policy. The book covers traditional inputs into the policy-making process - Congress and the president - and nontraditional inputs, such as public opinion, the media, and "think tanks." It provides a detailed examination of how issues get on the foreign policy agenda and how different parties maneuver to influence policy.

Policy-making in a changing environment -- The president and the executive branch -- The role of executive agencies -- The legislative branch -- Coordinating the players -- Outside influence I: interest groups and think tanks -- The influencers II: the public and the media -- Case studies: FSX and Desert Storm -- The policy process and the future.