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.
The appointment of Kurt Campbell as Biden’s right hand on Asia will supercharge the incoming administration’s policy to counter China.
This week’s escalation of tensions by Tehran looks like blackmail to force Biden to abandon sanctions—and give up leverage over the regime.
Trump failed because key Republicans backed down and the military stayed out—yet critical questions remain.
Trump failed because key Republicans backed down and the military stayed out—yet critical questions remain.
Trump’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty dangerously undermines decades of carefully crafted U.S. policy.
The Saudis need to get on Biden’s good side. Obvious places to start include releasing women’s rights activists.
Refusing to concede and start the transition creates mostly hindrances, not disasters. But on key issues, obstructing Biden puts America in danger.
He was successful because only an iconoclastic president could have rejected false assumptions and failed strategies.
Global protests against government-imposed lockdowns, gang violence in El Salvador, and hat tips to medical staff.
A prayerful start to Ramadan, medical workers on the front lines of a pandemic, and the annual Lyrids meteor shower.
Decentralizing decision-making can help left-behind regions get back on track.
Boris Johnson has contradictory ideas for his country’s future—and no clear paths for getting there.
The coronavirus pandemic has turned a conscious uncoupling into a messy breakup.
“Jai Shri Ram” was meant to be a celebration of a Hindu deity. But the phrase is turning into hate speech—and a dog whistle for attacks on Muslims.