About Elephants in the Room
Elephants in the Room is a blog about U.S. foreign policy in the age of Trump, written by experienced GOP policymakers, scholars, and others not currently working in the new administration. It is curated by co-editors Peter D. Feaver and William Inboden.
Mattis’s Resignation Isn’t a Crisis Yet—But It Probably Will Be
The U.S. secretary of defense was right to resign in protest, but Trump can’t handle the consequences.
Neither Side Gets the Khashoggi Debate Right
The tribalism infecting U.S. domestic politics has unfortunately crept deep into the foreign-policy discourse.
History Will Remember George H.W. Bush Kindly
The United States owes a great debt to its 41st president.
Five Vital Lessons From George H.W. Bush
From being wary about the Middle East to protecting America’s intelligence services, the former president was far more prescient than he’s often given credit for.
Once Upon a Time, U.S. Foreign Policy Worked
George H.W. Bush's administration was evidence of what the establishment was capable of.
Asia Needs Pence’s Reassurance
He should confront Trump’s mistakes and put forward a positive agenda.
Bolton Is Building a Confrontational Latin America Strategy
The Trump administration is right to call out the region’s rogues for their destabilizing behavior.
The United States Should Use Its Leverage Over Saudi Arabia
Trump has a window of opportunity to demand real change.
Galleries
A Week in World Photos
Preparation for the Lunar New Year in Vietnam, the election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Epiphany celebrations around the world.
A Top-Down View of 2018
Climate change, migration, disasters, agriculture, and industry—a look at the past year from above.
Stretched Thin on Thin Ice
With the Arctic melting and northern coast guards struggling to keep up, the next disaster is a matter of when, not if.
Food Fight
Why the next big battle may not be fought over treasure or territory—but for fish.
The Taliban’s Fight for Hearts and Minds
The militants’ new strategy is to out-govern the U.S.-backed administration in Kabul—and it’s working.
Point and Nuke
Remembering the era of portable atomic bombs.
