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.
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.
It’s Time for Macedonia to Accept Compromise
Voters in the country’s upcoming name-change referendum should not allow nationalist opposition or foreign interference to stand in their way.
Turkey and the United States Should Work Together to Avert Disaster in Idlib
Despite their differences, Trump and Erodgan share an interest in avoiding a new humanitarian catastrophe in Syria.
Trump Officials Can’t Rescue Their Reputations With Op-Eds
They argue their actions are saving the republic, but they are really trying to save themselves.
John Bolton’s Obsession With the International Criminal Court Is Outdated
If Trump’s advisors are all off giving irrelevant speeches on old preoccupations, who is minding the president?
It’s Time to Hold Myanmar Accountable
A year after the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya began, the United States is still dragging its feet.
Why Did an Israeli Intelligence Firm Spy on a Former Obama Official?
On our podcast: Colin Kahl was targeted by Black Cube, the same company Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein hired to discredit his accusers.
Trump Blinks, and Egypt’s Sisi Wins
By giving in on aid, Washington just lost its leverage in Cairo.
Galleries
A Week in World Photos
Soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a rocket malfunction in Kazakhstan, and a human tower in Spain.
A Week in World Photos
Displaced children in Yemen, farmer protests in New Delhi, and a return to Earth in Kazakhstan.
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.
