Dissenters from the conventional wisdom - the "hardliners" - argued that arms control would at best make a marginal contribution to security.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Of Lions, Lambs, and Ostriches

But if early signs are anything to go by, a new policy is emerging which, if not exactly hawkish in the pugnacious sense, is more unilateralist than outsiders are accustomed to, stepping away from multilateral and regional entanglements that are deemed marginal to America's own security needs.

ECONOMIST: Working out the world

Current promised Social Security benefits are weak and marginal compared to what would be gained through a lifetime of real savings and investment.

FORBES: A Personal Account Option For Social Security