David Polansky

David Polansky is a political theorist who writes on geopolitics and the history of political thought. He is currently a research fellow with the Institute for Peace and Diplomacy.

Articles by David Polansky

Trump stands at a podium in a dark suit and red tie, both hands outstretched as he gesticulates. A green marble wall is visible behind him.

Why Is Washington Acting Like a Revisionist Power?

Argument

November 18, 2025, 4:55 PM

A black and white portrait of a man wearing a sweater with a collared shirt under it.

James C. Scott Trampled Across Borders to Explain the World

Obituary

July 31, 2024, 3:37 PM

A U.S. Marine uses a U.S. flag to cover the face of a statue of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in Baghdad.

Why Did America Stumble Into a Trap in Iraq?

Review

June 2, 2024, 7:00 AM

The cover of Benedict Arnold's Imagined Communities.

The Greatest Book on Nationalism Keeps Being Misread

Argument

January 7, 2024, 7:00 AM

The United Nations Security Council gathers.

Take Realist Arguments Over Russia in Good Faith

Argument

June 23, 2022, 4:50 PM

Protesters supporting U.S. President Donald Trump break into the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington, DC.

Machiavelli’s Lessons for America’s Jan. 6 Tumult

Argument

January 8, 2022, 6:00 AM

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