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.
Congress Has Been AWOL on U.S. Coronavirus Diplomacy
The invisibility and silence of Congress is another reason for America’s shocking abdication of global leadership.
The Pentagon Tries to Pivot out of the Middle East—Again
Confusion over the removal of missiles and aircraft from Saudi Arabia could invite the aggression the United States is trying to avoid.
Under Cover of Pandemic, China Steps Up Brinkmanship in South China Sea
Beijing has increased pressure on its nervous neighbors in its quest to dominate the entire South China Sea.
The U.S.-Iraqi Relationship Is Coming to a Head—and That’s a Good Thing
After 17 years, there is little love left between Washington and Baghdad. Upcoming talks may be the last opportunity to save their dysfunctional partnership.
6 Key Questions About the Trump Administration’s Firing of Captain Crozier
The affair surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak on the USS Theodore Roosevelt lays bare the dysfunction of civilian-military relations under Trump.
A Deal to Stop the Saudis From Drowning U.S. Shale Would Come None Too Soon
Trump has finally realized the U.S. energy industry is under attack. Better late than never.
The Coronavirus Is Absolutely No Excuse to Lift Sanctions on Iran
Exploiting Iran's coronavirus crisis to demand an end to sanctions is fundamentally dishonest—and panders to a brutal regime.
Yes, Blame China for the Virus
A bungled response in Western countries is no reason to take the heat off China. If China had a different government, the world could have been spared this terrible pandemic.
If Trump Hates Obama’s Nuclear Deal, Why Is He Letting Up on Iran?
Iran is stockpiling enriched uranium and may soon receive advanced weapons from Russia. Trump has an easy way to tighten the screws.
Trump and Johnson Can Quickly Strike a Trade Deal—If They Avoid the Pitfalls
The U.S. and Britain both want a trade agreement post-Brexit. China and chickens could get in the way.
Galleries
The Week in World Photos
Global protests against government-imposed lockdowns, gang violence in El Salvador, and hat tips to medical staff.
The Week in World Photos
A prayerful start to Ramadan, medical workers on the front lines of a pandemic, and the annual Lyrids meteor shower.
In the Magazine
In the Magazine
How to Save Global Capitalism From Itself
Decentralizing decision-making can help left-behind regions get back on track.
Britain’s Post-Brexit Identity Crisis
Boris Johnson has contradictory ideas for his country’s future—and no clear paths for getting there.
The Ugly End of Chimerica
The coronavirus pandemic has turned a conscious uncoupling into a messy breakup.
The 3 Most Polarizing Words in India
“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.