Howard W. French

Howard W. French is a columnist at Foreign Policy, a professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, and a longtime foreign correspondent. His latest book is The Second Emancipation: Nkrumah, Pan-Africanism, and Global Blackness at High Tide.

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Articles by Howard W. French
A closeup photo of Biden sitting in front of Israeli and U.S. flags looking contemplative. Netanyahu is not seen in the frame.
A closeup photo of Biden sitting in front of Israeli and U.S. flags looking contemplative. Netanyahu is not seen in the frame.

Biden’s Unquestioning Support for Israel Could Be a Costly Error

Analysis
Howard W. French
Demonstrators carry Israeli flags and a large sign that reads "New York Stands With Israel."
Demonstrators carry Israeli flags and a large sign that reads "New York Stands With Israel."

The Peril in Declaring ‘I Stand With Israel’

Argument
Howard W. French
People hold a cutout depicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a Sikh rally outside the Indian consulate in Toronto on Sept. 25.
People hold a cutout depicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a Sikh rally outside the Indian consulate in Toronto on Sept. 25.

Washington Is Losing Credibility Over the Canada-India Spat

Analysis
Howard W. French
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, wearing a green collared shirt, walks toward the dais as he arrives to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York City
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, wearing a green collared shirt, walks toward the dais as he arrives to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York City

Why Ukraine Is Not a Priority for the Global South

Analysis
Howard W. French
A woman sits in a folding chair and rests her head face-down on a folding table.
A woman sits in a folding chair and rests her head face-down on a folding table.

China’s Youth Are Increasingly Grim About Their Future

Analysis
Howard W. French
Macron and Bongo, both smiling, sit side by side. Macron is reaching over and grasping Bongo's hand in a friendly gesture.
Macron and Bongo, both smiling, sit side by side. Macron is reaching over and grasping Bongo's hand in a friendly gesture.

France’s Concern for Gabon’s Democracy Is Too Little, Too Late

Argument
Howard W. French
Tourists look up at a giant buddha statue carved into the side of a mountain.
Tourists look up at a giant buddha statue carved into the side of a mountain.

China Is Closing In on Itself

Analysis
Howard W. French
A child sitting on a man's shoulder takes a picture as she visits the Bund waterfront area in Shanghai, China, on July 5.
A child sitting on a man's shoulder takes a picture as she visits the Bund waterfront area in Shanghai, China, on July 5.

Almost Nothing Is Worth a War Between the U.S. and China This article has an audio recording

Argument
Howard W. French
Supporters of Niger’s ruling junta gather for a protest in Niamey, Niger, on Aug. 3.
Supporters of Niger’s ruling junta gather for a protest in Niamey, Niger, on Aug. 3.

Niger’s Coup Is a Turning Point for Africans

Analysis
Howard W. French
Protesters gather in front of the French Embassy.
Protesters gather in front of the French Embassy.

How the West Could Actually Help the Sahel

Analysis
Howard W. French
Sculptures known as the “Benin Bronzes” are pictured at the German Foreign Ministry during a ceremony for the signing of an agreement of intent to return them to Nigeria, in Berlin, Germany, on July 1, 2022.
Sculptures known as the “Benin Bronzes” are pictured at the German Foreign Ministry during a ceremony for the signing of an agreement of intent to return them to Nigeria, in Berlin, Germany, on July 1, 2022.

The Moral Flaw in the Case Against Returning African Art

Analysis
Howard W. French
A protester sits in front of riot police during a demonstration at the Place de la Concorde in Paris on June 30.
A protester sits in front of riot police during a demonstration at the Place de la Concorde in Paris on June 30.

The Pernicious Delusion of Colorblind Policymaking

Analysis
Howard W. French
Russian President Vladimir Putin leaves after being greeted by Chinese President Xi Jinping before the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia summit in Shanghai.
Russian President Vladimir Putin leaves after being greeted by Chinese President Xi Jinping before the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia summit in Shanghai.

China’s Ideological Affinity With Russia Is Over

Argument
Howard W. French
U.S. and Indian flags adorn the Eisenhower Executive Office Building of the White House in Washington on June 20.
U.S. and Indian flags adorn the Eisenhower Executive Office Building of the White House in Washington on June 20.

Washington’s Perennial India Fantasy This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Howard W. French
Two white balloons float near a Chinese flag during a demonstration outside the Chinese Embassy in Washington.
Two white balloons float near a Chinese flag during a demonstration outside the Chinese Embassy in Washington.

Let’s Stop Pretending Spying Is a Big Deal This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Howard W. French
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