About Elephants in the Room
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.
Biden Makes His First Bold Move on Asia
The appointment of Kurt Campbell as Biden’s right hand on Asia will supercharge the incoming administration’s policy to counter China.
Why Biden’s Plan to Rejoin the Iran Deal Makes No Sense
This week’s escalation of tensions by Tehran looks like blackmail to force Biden to abandon sanctions—and give up leverage over the regime.
The Military Stayed Out of the Insurrection, but It Isn’t Over Yet
Trump failed because key Republicans backed down and the military stayed out—yet critical questions remain.
The Military Stayed Out of the Insurrection, but It Isn’t Over Yet
Trump failed because key Republicans backed down and the military stayed out—yet critical questions remain.
Why the Persecution of Muslims Should Be on Biden’s Agenda
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.
Biden Shouldn’t Rush to Restore the Iran Nuclear Deal
Moving quickly to resurrect the JCPOA, as Biden seems set to do, would start his presidency with a hugely divisive controversy.
Biden Must Reverse Course on Western Sahara
Trump’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty dangerously undermines decades of carefully crafted U.S. policy.
Note to Mohammed bin Salman: Stop Digging Yourself Deeper
The Saudis need to get on Biden’s good side. Obvious places to start include releasing women’s rights activists.
The National Security Risks of Trump’s Temper Tantrum
Refusing to concede and start the transition creates mostly hindrances, not disasters. But on key issues, obstructing Biden puts America in danger.
Trump’s Parting Gift to Biden: A More Stable Middle East
He was successful because only an iconoclastic president could have rejected false assumptions and failed strategies.
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.