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.
Iran-Backed Militias Are In Iraq to Stay
Prime Minister Mahdi is trying to bring the Popular Mobilization Forces under control of the government, but even he probably knows it won’t work.
Dear China, We Have to Talk About Your Nukes
The United States and Russia can’t maintain the global system of nuclear deterrence on their own anymore.
In Fragile States, Disease Outbreaks Don’t Stay Local for Long
U.S. health aid can also promote stability, mitigate extremism, and avoid costly longer-term military interventions.
The Case for Humanitarian Aid to North Korea
It won’t bring the regime in from the cold, but it will save lives.
The New U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Deal Can Work for Everyone
Republicans and Democrats have every reason to compromise and ratify the agreement.
Trump’s Iran Policy Hasn’t Failed—Yet
Maximum pressure could still deliver strategic outcomes.
Trump Should Not Forget Venezuela
Even with the eyes of the world elsewhere, here’s how Trump can keep up pressure on Maduro.
In Japan and South Korea, Trump Boxed Himself In
The United States is not making progress in its trade war with China or in nuclear talks with North Korea.
Washington Is Turning Its Back on Sudan
The United States should not abandon the Sudanese in their greatest hour of need.
The Lessons of 1944 Are in Jeopardy
Seventy-five years after D-Day, the United States should remember that on-the-ground leadership still works.
Galleries
A Week in World Photos
A lockdown in Kashmir, a movement in Hong Kong, and flowers from Russian President Vladimir Putin in France.
A Week in World Photos
Conflict in Hong Kong, a lockdown in Kashmir, and wildfires in Indonesia and Greece.
In the Magazine
In the Magazine
Why Central Banks Need to Step Up on Global Warming
A decade after the world bailed out finance, it’s time for finance to bail out the world.
Space Research Can Save the Planet—Again
The solutions to climate change lie far, far away.
Democracy Is the Planet’s Biggest Enemy
Young people care a lot about climate change—but most of them can’t vote. Here’s how governments can adapt to accommodate them.
Can ‘Supercharged’ Plants Solve the Climate Crisis?
Crops already suck up a lot of carbon dioxide. One scientist thinks they can do much more.
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