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.
Let the Referendum on Trump and Trumpism Begin
The November election isn’t just the most important political event of 2020 in the United States. It’s the most important political event in the world.
The Shocking ‘Coronavirus Coup’ in Hungary Was a Wake-Up Call
While the world is shut down, history hasn’t stopped. Authoritarians are seizing the opportunity.
Mourning the Olympics and All the Celebrations We’re Losing to the Pandemic
Especially in times like these, it's OK to feel for everyone whose milestone events have been canceled or postponed.
The Virus Has Exposed the Recklessness of Trump’s “America First”
The world needs to cooperate to beat the coronavirus pandemic. That includes you, President Trump.
We Know Peace Plans—This Isn’t One of Them
Here’s why Trump’s latest gambit probably won’t settle the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.
Putin Is Following the Game Plan of Other Autocrats Before Him
And moves like his Jan. 15 announcement generally work—both to secure a leader’s power and ensure a favorable transition down the road.
Trump Has Made Sanctions a Path to Strikes
Economic measures can de-escalate tensions, but not if used crudely.
Praise for the Suleimani Strike Isn’t Based in Reality
The ideological architects of one of the United States’ most disastrous foreign-policy decisions—the 2003 invasion of Iraq—are spinning a tale to support Trump’s most dangerous move to date.
Trump Is Playing With Fire in the Middle East
The U.S. president may claim that the strike on Iran’s Suleimani was meant to “stop a war,” yet it will do anything but.
The U.S.-Chinese Trade War Just Entered Phase 2
Its next chapter will be fought through export and import controls, investment restrictions, and sanctions—and the United States should prepare itself now.
Galleries
A Week in World Photos
Crackdowns to curb coronavirus, a dramatic volcano eruption, and wandering mountain goats.
A Week in World Photos
Overwhelmed hospitals, strictly enforced lockdowns, and creative approaches to social distancing.
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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.