Noah Schwartz // If we accept that the massive military presence we maintain is more of a threat to US democratic norms than Russia, the only option is a peace dividend of mass defense cuts.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Kosovo and Serbia’s Long Frozen Conflict
Alexander Miguel // Just as Milosevic lost control of a unified Yugoslavia during the decline of the Soviet Union, the SNS may have to cut their losses in Kosovo and join the EU. The United States has already encouraged both Pristina and Belgrade to make peace. From here, Washington should keep a delicate hand and welcome Serbian integration into the rest of Europe, though be realistic in its expectations.
Is Salt Driving Russia’s Conquest of Bakhmut?
Grant W. Turner // In an expansionist empire that operates on corrupt networks of patronage, where internal stability and military power rely increasingly on domestic resources, acquiring a supply of salt closer to Russia’s industrial heart is undeniably in the interests of Putin’s regime and those who keep him in power.
Hypocrisy Spells the End of American Exceptionalism
Rishab Chatty // When he entered office, President Joe Biden pledged to prioritize human rights in his foreign policy. To this day, the Biden Administration has seldom stayed true to this statement.
Australia’s Atomic Dilemma: Is the Outback Going Nuclear?
Lake Dodson // Australia may finally accept the responsibility of becoming an internationally recognized, legitimate, nuclear state.
Zelensky’s Visit, “Kossuth Mania,” and America’s Altered Foreign Policy Debate
Lajos Kossuth on Broadway. New York Public Library Digital Collection. Public domain. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech to Congress Wednesday night saw the leader receive a standing ovation roughly once every ninety seconds. The enthusiasm brought to mind a similar episode 171 years ago: a visit by Hungarian revolutionary Lajos Kossuth. Kossuth had led Hungary … Continue reading Zelensky’s Visit, “Kossuth Mania,” and America’s Altered Foreign Policy Debate
The U.S. Would Be Insane to Intervene in Haiti
Scarlett Kennedy // As the violence in Haiti escalates, top policymakers have advocated for an American-backed military intervention on the troubled island. Foreign interventions have devastated Haiti time and again. There is no reason to think this time may be any different. In fact, it may be worse.
The 2022 Realist Review Holiday Reading List
Realist Review Staff // This collection of book recommendations was put together by some of the Realist Review writing and editing staff.
Playing with Fire: Why the US Smallpox Research is Risky
Garrett Ehinger // The United States continues its smallpox research as a safety measure against future attacks. This precaution may seem obvious, but such research carries grave risks for national security.
U.S.-China Competition: Is China Winning Without War?
Garrett Ehinger // China is not as affected by U.S. deterrence as American leaders might think. It recognizes the high costs that war with the United States would have...Thus it seeks to provoke the United States into further investment in deterrence while patiently entrenching itself around the globe.
Realist Review 