
Democratic Frontrunners Are Wrong About Aid for Israel
Putting America’s annual $3.8 billion of military assistance to Israel on the chopping block makes for good politics. But it makes no sense for U.S. national security.

For the 2020 Democrats, It’s America First, Too
The slate of Democratic candidates includes two Rhodes scholars, two ex-soldiers, and a former chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. But don’t count on them to resurrect a Pax Americana.

Our Top Weekend Reads
Impeachment drama on full display in Washington, fallout of the U.S. recognition of Israeli settlements, and the legacy of Bolivian President Evo Morales.

Why Impeachment Is Failing—and Trump May Win in 2020
The evidence that Trump abused his office in Ukraine is overwhelming. But a flailing Democratic Party shows he is lucky in his adversaries.

Warren’s Plan to Rebuild the State Department Doesn’t Go Far Enough
Adding 8,000 foreign service officers won’t solve America’s diplomatic problems. State needs to prioritize data science, expand strategic planning, and encourage mid-career training, too.

Which Democratic Candidates Are National Security Employees Opening Their Wallets for?
Data shows that members of the State Department and the military are investing in candidates who are not currently topping national polls.

Trump Can’t Save Coal Country
With eight bankruptcies in the last year—the latest this week—coal is in deep trouble again, and that could spell trouble for Trump in 2020.

The Fire in Syria Is Shedding Light on the United States
There’s only one positive aspect to the disaster in Syria: It’s forcing an overdue conversation about U.S. grand strategy.

The Presidential Candidates Are Ignoring One of the World’s Biggest Looming Threats
Whoever sits in the White House come 2021 will likely have to confront a pandemic of some kind. He or she should start preparing now.

Our Top Weekend Reads
Violent clashes in Hong Kong, the People’s Republic of China’s 70th anniversary, and obstacles to solving Canada’s opioid crisis.

It Is Time for the United States to Stand Up to China in Hong Kong
Tweets aren’t enough. Washington must make clear that it expects Beijing to live up to its commitments—and it will respond when China does not.

After Trump, the United States Should Return to Obama’s Iran Deal
A new administration could re-enter the accord within 60 days.

The Next U.S. President Should Make a New Deal with Iran
If Democrats win in 2020, they should work with America’s regional allies to strike a new nuclear agreement while showing zero tolerance for Tehran’s regional destabilization campaign.

Democrats Face a Defense Spending Conundrum
The U.S. foreign-policy establishment shouldn’t balk at pledges to roll back national security commitments.

11 Charts That Track the Weight of Foreign Policy in U.S. Primary Debates
Candidates have faced fewer global questions since the elections of 2004 and 2008, but China and trade have remained consistently popular topics.

How Democrats Can Get Tough on China—Without Imitating Trump
The current White House has legitimate concerns but counterproductive solutions.

A Foreign-Policy Cheat Sheet for the Democratic Debates
We know what the candidates want to talk about. Here's what journalists should be asking.

FP’s Guide to the 2020 U.S. Election Debates
Eight things to read before the candidates meet.

Democrats Won’t Win by Being Trump Lite on Trade
International trade isn’t the problem—it’s Republican trade policies that have empowered corporations while leaving American workers behind.

An Icon of the Left Tells Democrats: Don’t Go Socialist
The economist Joseph Stiglitz still mistrusts markets. But he’s worried "democratic socialism" will cost the Dems the 2020 election.

How Biden’s Greatest Strength Could Prove a Weakness
No one can touch him on foreign-policy experience, especially Trump. But his long voting record will also be a vulnerability, starting with Iraq.

With Emergency Declaration, Trump Sticks by His Populist Persona
Trump will continue targeting immigrants, while the Democrats will target the rich. Success in 2020 will depend on the messaging.

Trump’s Trade Woes Cloud His Re-Election Chances
The new NAFTA is going nowhere, China’s not budging, and farmers are going under.