Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images By Solomon Bennett Endless war is a term typically used to describe the ongoing era of military engagement in at least seven countries in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Syria, Somalia, and Libya. At home, the idea of an endless war echoes in … Continue reading Endless War at Home
Category: United States
The Imperial Presidency: A Homegrown Phenomenon
By Gray Farris A title of position is just that -- a title. Sometimes, that title is derived from historical precedent, while others are derived from a unique creation of those distributing the powers of a particular government. No such title is more controversial or public than that of the President of the United States. … Continue reading The Imperial Presidency: A Homegrown Phenomenon
Indictment of the Executive
By Solomon Bennett In the wake of the attacks by al-Qaeda on September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush responded by requesting an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) from Congress which provided the president with the power to “to deter and preempt any future acts of terrorism or aggression against the United States.” … Continue reading Indictment of the Executive
Why America can’t talk itself out of North Korea
By Guzi He Albert Einstein described insanity as doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results. Likewise, world leaders have repeatedly put faith in negotiating denuclearization with North Korea — despite their ritualistic handshakes and photo ops always ending in a flurry of missiles. Since the February summit in Hanoi, Pyongyang … Continue reading Why America can’t talk itself out of North Korea
The Missing Branch: A Blueprint for Bold Congressional Leadership on Foreign Policy
Image: Getty Images By Andrew Jarocki Nothing is more dangerous than an unchecked executive. What does the Russian occupation of the Crimea and Chinese bullying in the South China Sea have in common? Both are violent adventurism at the whim of one unchecked leader. Unfortunately, the United States increasingly suffers from this dangerous temptation as … Continue reading The Missing Branch: A Blueprint for Bold Congressional Leadership on Foreign Policy
Long Wars and Their Discontents
By Scott Strgacich One day in 14th century Italy, two friars entered the castle of Sir John Hawkwood, the storied English mercenary captain, to petition him regarding some minor business. “May God give you peace, my lord,” they began. “May God take away your alms,” Sir John responded venomously. “Do you not know that … Continue reading Long Wars and Their Discontents
The Balance of Power Never Left
Written by Samuel Leiter In 2019, we sit on the precipice of the first transition in international politics since the end of the Cold War. The United States’ position as the pre-eminent global power is beingquestioned. Donald Trump’s boisterous threats to end American alliances and the rise of leaders who repudiate the existing international order reflect that America’s world order and unipolar moment are in their twilight … Continue reading The Balance of Power Never Left
The Populist Pushback on Climate Change
Cover image by Natalie Wu Written by Jan Gerber On December 3, 2018, as the warmest year on record was coming to a close, the Polish President Andrzej Duda delivered his opening remarks at the COP24 Climate Conference in Katowice, Poland. With the double-edged motto of the conference, “Changing Together,” over his head, Mr. Duda … Continue reading The Populist Pushback on Climate Change
The Democratic Party’s Foreign Policy Drift on Russia
Image source: wikimedia By Coleman Hopkins Since the Vietnam War, Americans could largely count on Democrats, particularly those in Congress, to be voices for moderation in international relations. Their support for debate before action provided calming introspection in deliberation on foreign affairs discourse in government. Oftentimes, they were the few domestic critics of … Continue reading The Democratic Party’s Foreign Policy Drift on Russia
Syria, Yugoslavia, and A Lesson for America
Yugoslavian Army General Headquarters building damaged during NATO bombing. Source: Not Home at Wikimedia By Coleman Hopkins President Trump’s recently expressed desire to withdraw US forces from Syria has set off neoconservative and progressive critics who charge that such an action would put the security of America’s regional allies at risk, and would even advance … Continue reading Syria, Yugoslavia, and A Lesson for America