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.
Annexation Isn’t Dead. A Desperate Trump Could Bring It Back to Life.
Israel's plan to annex parts of the West Bank seems off the agenda for now, but Trump might push Netanyahu to proceed anyway.
How Biden Could Use Trump’s Trade War Thumbscrews to Fight Climate Change
Fortunately for supporters of aggressive action on global emissions, Trump has demonstrated a highly effective way to circumvent the legislative process.
The Total Destruction of U.S. Foreign Policy Under Trump
His last remaining objective is obtaining foreign help for his reelection.
Trump’s Flip-Flops on China Are a Danger to National Security
China is a real threat. That requires a serious U.S. strategy, not bellicose rhetoric designed to distract voters from the administration's failures.
The Time for America to Embrace Industrial Policy Has Arrived
The United States has always helped some parts of the economy at the expense of others. It’s time to get it right.
Trump’s New Director of National Intelligence Doesn’t Understand His Job
John Ratcliffe, a Trump loyalist without intelligence experience, sees his job as helping the president and undermining the intelligence community.
Annexation Will Probably Go Smoothly. The Problems Will Come Later.
Israel’s annexation of Palestinian territory won’t trigger a disaster. But the aftermath will be toxic for the Jewish state.
Forget the Book. Bolton’s Legacy Is a Nuclear Arms Race.
Why Bolton will be one of the most negative influences on U.S. security policy for decades to come.
Bolton’s Book Is a Terrifying Warning About What Trump Could Still Do
Geopolitical ignorance is no longer funny when it impacts U.S. national security.
An Appeal to the National Security Community to Fight Racial Injustice
Two former U.S. officials argue there is no security abroad without justice at home.
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.