Had the coup attempt in Turkey succeeded, the United States would have been placed in an excruciating position. In principle, we oppose military coups; in practice, we have a long history of making common cause with military autocrats if we believe it to be conducive to the advancement of our national interests. Continue Reading
With luck, Brexit will serve as a wake-up call in European capitals. The United States will have a modest voice as the EU debates its future. But we should, where possible, promote an institution that is both more effective and accountable. Continue Reading
Despite Donald Trump’s recent uptick in polling against Hillary Clinton, he surely faces an uphill battle for the White House. Like John McCain and Mitt Romney before him, he must contend with formidable demographic headwinds, especially the rising share of non-white voters. Continue Reading
Donald Trump’s views often change and are sometimes contradictory. Indeed, Trump’s comments on foreign policy often seem to be impromptu riffs, creatures of the political moment rather than expressions of any analysis of the issue at hand. Continue Reading
At times during the Republican primary, this critique of Obama’s purported weakness prompted a remarkable bellicosity. But whatever the temperature of their rhetoric, Republican candidates were unified both in their critique of Obama’s foreign policy and in a call for greater American leadership — i.e., action — in the Middle East and elsewhere. Continue Reading
Foreign policy has played a part in the Democratic debate, though a modest one. One reason: neither candidate has appeared willing to put too much distance between her- or himself and President Barack Obama’s foreign policy. Continue Reading
Russia’s recent behavior elsewhere — notably in the Ukraine — suggests that Putin’s announcement that Russia will withdraw forces from Syria should be approached skeptically. Continue Reading