About Shadow Government
Shadow Government is a blog about U.S. foreign policy in the age of Trump, written by experienced policymakers, scholars, and practitioners from the loyal Democrat opposition. It is co-edited by Derek Chollet, Colin Kahl, and Julie Smith.
China and the EU Are Growing Sick of U.S. Financial Power
They are trying their best to erode Washington’s rules.
Here’s How Congress Can Check Trump
The newly Democratic House of Representatives should hold the administration accountable for its worst foreign-policy instincts.
Trump’s Magical Thinking on Iran Sanctions Won’t Advance U.S. Interests
Far from convincing Tehran to cooperate, new U.S. measures are on track to achieve the exact opposite.
When Fighting Domestic Terrorism, You Get What You Pay For
The Trump administration has gutted the budget for fighting far-right extremists, making it harder to stop attacks like the Pittsburgh massacre.
Trump Is Pushing the United States Toward Nuclear Anarchy
The White House wants to leave the INF Treaty. New START could be next. The death of these agreements would fuel a new arms race.
Trump’s Blank Check Diplomacy is Remaking the U.S.-Saudi Relationship
The U.S. president wants to sweep discussion of the kingdom's involvement in Jamal Khashoggi’s killing under the rug.
Merging the U.S. Consulate and Embassy in Jerusalem Is a Mistake
Trump is pushing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict toward a one-state solution.
Trump Should Calm Tensions With Europe Over Iran Sanctions
Here’s how Washington and Brussels can come to a compromise.
Has Trump Read His Own Counterterrorism Strategy?
The president’s views don’t seem to line up with those of his team.
Fort Trump Is a Farce
The question of a permanent U.S. military presence in Poland is complicated. The White House shouldn’t treat it as a vanity project.
Galleries
A Week in World Photos
Election watching in Madagascar, World War I remembrance in London, and Diwali celebrations in India.
Stretched Thin on Thin Ice
With the Arctic melting and northern coast guards struggling to keep up, the next disaster is a matter of when, not if.
Food Fight
Why the next big battle may not be fought over treasure or territory—but for fish.
The Taliban’s Fight for Hearts and Minds
The militants’ new strategy is to out-govern the U.S.-backed administration in Kabul—and it’s working.
Point and Nuke
Remembering the era of portable atomic bombs.
