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.
The Sad Decline of Brazil’s Political Establishment
Voters are manifesting their profound unhappiness with the status quo. Jair Bolsonaro is the result.
The United States Is Not Doing Enough to Fight Chinese Influence
Beijing’s authoritarian political warfare demands a strong response.
Can Nikki Haley Deliver One Last Time?
It’s not too late for Trump’s departing U.N. ambassador to cut Washington’s peacekeeping costs.
How Trump Can Get a Better Deal on Iran
The United States needs to keep Europe on board, go beyond sanctions, and ensure lasting bipartisan support for its new policy.
Nikki Haley Will Be Back
Trump’s U.N. ambassador is the only cabinet official to have emerged from the administration stronger than ever.
Jamal Khashoggi’s Disappearance Is a Slap in the Face to the United States
Washington should explore retaliatory measures that impose real costs on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The United States Needs an Afghanistan Exit Strategy
Washington should hand over U.S. military and political roles to other countries, including China.
The United States Needs Help Putting Pressure on Venezuela
It is time for other governments to step up.
Trump Needs to Start Worrying About Saudi Arabia’s Reform Efforts
The United States has a profound interest in helping Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman avoid his own worst impulses.
The Insubordination of Trump Isn’t Treason. It’s Normal.
The president isn't being subverted by the deep state—he's being thwarted by bureaucracy.
Galleries
A Week in World Photos
A star search in Colombia, floods in France, and a migrant caravan in Guatemala.
A Week in World Photos
Soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a rocket malfunction in Kazakhstan, and a human tower in Spain.
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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.
