Elephants in the Room was a blog about U.S. foreign policy during the presidency of Donald Trump, written by Republican policymakers and experts outside the administration. It was curated by Peter D. Feaver and William Inboden. The blog was discontinued at the end of Trump’s presidency on Jan. 20, 2021. For new articles with a conservative perspective on U.S. foreign policy, read FP’s Shadow Government channel.
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.
The incoming U.S. president must hold China and other countries accountable for religious persecution—and counter Beijing’s global campaign to destroy human rights.
Moving quickly to resurrect the JCPOA, as Biden seems set to do, would start his presidency with a hugely divisive controversy.
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.
Last summer, the United States decided to end its longest war. But just days after the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan, Kabul fell—and the Taliban took control of the country. Aug....Show more
In her role as administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, Samantha Power is often thrust into the forefront of some of the world’s biggest crises. From working to ensu...Show more
Want the inside scoop on Russian arms sales to Africa? Care to learn more about how Ukraine is arming itself and how Beijing views Washington’s support for Taiwan? FP subscribers are alrea...Show more
Finland’s envoy to Washington once shared a sauna with the Russian president. Here’s what he thinks the West got wrong about Vladimir Putin.
Despite Beijing’s rhetoric, a full-scale invasion remains a risky endeavor—and officials think the island can be coerced into reunification.
Ukraine isn’t taking credit for the strikes, but officials see them as an effort to cut Russian supply lines.
As Russia weaponizes its gas exports, Germany is left scrambling to meet its needs—and reduction targets.
U.S.-China competition could benefit Africa by forcing each side to offer what it thinks it is best at.
