There at the beginning: we're still 'emerging,' maybe forever.

In this article, author talks about the growth of the periodical over the years and his experience of working as its editor. Topics discussed include the methods of research used by the periodical to present analyses including operations research, applied mathematics and economics, the U.S. Air Force after World War II, and the policy think tank Rand Corp. The article also talks about the changes that have taken place in the process of policy formation after the World War II and the former editors of the periodical including Ed Quade.