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 Abused U.S. Sanctions and Failed to Get Results. Biden Can Do Better.
From maximum pressure to terrorism designations, the Trump administration engaged in transactional diplomacy with little to show for it. The next government must use these tools wisely.
For the West, There Is No Road Back to a Time Before Trump
Europeans are relieved by Biden’s victory but will be very disappointed if they don’t heed the lessons of the past four years.
Trump’s Policies Have Convinced Iran to Build a More Advanced Nuclear Program Before Negotiating
Washington’s reliance on sanctions and maximum pressure will make it harder to strike a new deal constraining Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
The Trump Administration Has Gone AWOL on Belarus
The Belarusian people may yet achieve the end of the Lukashenko era, but it will be in spite of the United States’ silence.
What the Republican National Convention Tells Us About Trump’s Foreign Policy
Exaggeration, distortion, spin—that much was expected. More frightening were the things they didn’t say.
How the Democrats Stole the Republicans’ Turf
In speaking for all Americans—instead of just a section of them—Biden's team has rejected the conventional narrative about how to beat Trump in November.
Mali Needs a Marshall Plan, Not a Military Regime
American, French, and West African leaders must pressure the army to stand down and form an interim government, before a power vacuum and violent extremism threaten the entire region.
What Kamala Harris Tells Us About Gender, Race, U.S. Leadership, and Trouncing Trump
Democrats weigh in on a Biden-Harris ticket.
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.
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.