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.
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.
Trump’s Trade Wars Have Made Bad Agriculture Policies Worse
From suffering U.S. farmers to the pain inflicted on the developing world, everything about U.S. agriculture policy is dysfunctional. The next administration can do better.
This November, America’s Safety Is on the Ballot
Americans are already less safe because of growing distrust in their intelligence. Dangers will multiply without a change in political leadership.
The White House Wants Peace With Sudan. Congress Wants Khartoum to Pay.
Normalizing ties with Israel could mean removal from the U.S. state sponsors of terrorism list, allowing the country to rebuild its shattered economy—but U.S. legislators are standing in the way.
Palestinians Can’t Stand In the Way of Israel’s Regional Integration
Deals with the UAE and Bahrain demonstrate the Palestinian issue is no longer a barrier to Israeli-Arab cooperation.
This Election Has Become Dangerous for the U.S. Military
Trump is losing support among the troops. That’s just one reason why the military risks getting sucked into the campaign.
The Trumpists’ Answer to His Republican Foreign-Policy Critics? More Culture Wars.
Trump’s friends have opted for their usual grievance politics.
Why I, an Anti-Trump Republican, Didn’t Sign the Anti-Trump Letter
Many former Republican national security officials just endorsed Biden. They will be hobbled in the fight for the party’s post-Trump future.
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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.
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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.