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.
Gulf-Israel Ties Might Not Survive Trump’s Peace Plan
A political program that does not envision statehood for the Palestinians could reverse the Gulf Arab states’ tentative warming toward Israel.
An Acting Secretary of Defense Isn’t Enough
Amid tensions between Washington and Tehran, the U.S. Department of Defense needs a Senate-confirmed leader.
Trump Should Scrap His Israeli-Palestinian Peace Plan and Focus on Gaza
The White House’s fantasy proposal is bound to fail.
Democrats Face a Defense Spending Conundrum
The U.S. foreign-policy establishment shouldn’t balk at pledges to roll back national security commitments.
How Democrats Can Get Tough on China—Without Imitating Trump
The current White House has legitimate concerns but counterproductive solutions.
Maximum Pressure on Iran Means Maximum Risk of War
Trump’s strategy is creating a crisis, not solving one.
Leaving the Paris Agreement Is a Bad Deal for the United States
Trump’s plan to quit the accord would provide serious cover for major emitters like China and India.
Here’s What a Progressive China Strategy Would Look Like
Trump’s trade war won’t put Washington on strong footing to compete with Beijing.
There Is Still Time for Diplomacy With Iran
The risk of war has risen. But a diplomatic solution remains likely.
Trump’s Iran Policy Is Becoming Dangerous
Growing evidence suggests the U.S. president is traveling a path toward war—whether he knows it or not.
Galleries
A Week in World Photos
Diplomacy in Saudi Arabia and North Korea, tragedy at the U.S.-Mexico border, and a heat wave in Europe.
In the Magazine
In the Magazine
The 2020 Candidates Aren’t Talking About Foreign Policy. They Need to Start.
The United States caused many of the planet’s problems and can still unmake them—but only if its politicians face up to the challenge.
India Has a Mindset Problem
Jugaad once symbolized immense potential, but the endless shortcuts are now holding the country back.
The Spycraft Revolution
Changes in technology, politics, and business are all transforming espionage. Intelligence agencies must adapt—or risk irrelevance.
The Spies Who Came In From the Continent
How Brexit could spell the end of Britain’s famed advantage in intelligence.
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