Policy
Why Trump and Biden Can’t Cut Troops in Afghanistan Much More
Even ‘bare minimum’ counterterrorism forces require critical intelligence only U.S. personnel can provide, officials warn.
Policy
Democratic Candidates Sound Off on China
Three of the seven 2020 candidates at the debate argued the U.S. needs an international coalition to deal with Beijing.
Ideas
‘Are You in This?’
If so many Americans believe Russia is an ally, China is a good business partner, and terrorism isn’t worth fighting anymore, how can the United States be counted on for global security?
Ideas
Why Elizabeth Warren’s Foreign Policy Worries America’s Allies
Finding savings in the defense budget is possible, of course, but getting to 11 percent will require real cuts to capabilities.
Ideas
What’s Driving Apolitical Diplomats to Get Political
Some former State Department officials are so concerned by Trump’s treatment of America's allies and diplomatic corps that they have begun to advise 2020 Democrats.
Policy
Volker: I Didn’t Realize White House Was Asking for Biden Dirt
In Tuesday testimony, the special envoy to Ukraine said he was not part of the Giuliani-Perry-Sondland backchannel.
Ideas
Democrats Should Debate Arms Policy, Not Just Impeachment
With Congress and the president at odds over Saudi exports and other questions, it’s time to press the candidates about their views.
Ideas
A National-Security Problem Without Parallel in American Democracy
Democrats — candidates and lawmakers alike — should make it clear that they will impose consequences on any country that meddles with voting.
Ideas
The Call Was Coming From Inside the White House
After 2016, Americans focused on the threat of election interference from abroad. What they overlooked was the danger at home.
Ideas
If This Isn’t Impeachable, Nothing Is
Trump reportedly pressured a foreign government for help against a potential electoral opponent.
Ideas
Here’s What Foreign Interference Will Look Like in 2020
The incentives for foreign countries to meddle are much greater than in 2016, and the tactics could look dramatically different.
Ideas
But What About China?
To treat great-power competition as an afterthought is irresponsible, even dangerous. The 2020 presidential candidates did just that.
Ideas
Five Questions About Nukes To Ask at the Next Debate
Three minutes’ discussion among two candidates is a pitiful amount of time to devote to a truly existential threat.
Ideas
House to 2020 Candidates: Trump and Nukes Don’t Mix
Those who would win the Democratic nod should heed the vote to kill the new low-yield nuke.
Policy
Top Diplomat Slams ‘Endless War’ Cries of Campaign Trail as ‘the Echo of the 1930s’
“I get terribly worried. Because this shows total ignorance of what’s going on in the world today,” Ambassador Jim Jeffrey says.
Policy
Democrats Couldn’t Agree on Top National-Security Threats
The candidates’ different answers reflect the Democratic Party’s deeper divisions on foreign policy.
Ideas
‘End Forever Wars’ is a Sound Bite, Not a Security Policy
More and more Democratic candidates are echoing Trump’s pledges to withdraw from conflicts abroad. Few say how to do it, nor how it will make us safer.
Policy
On Iran, It’s Trump Vs. Trump
The president’s 2020 reelection campaign looms large over the decision whether to retaliate for a downed drone.
Ideas