
Our Top Weekend Reads
Why Biden thinks the way he does about foreign policy, what the future holds for an America on the brink, and what the Cold War policy of containment means for our current moment—all from our latest magazine issue.

Under Burns, the CIA Gets a New Focus
Biden’s pick for the agency’s director shows that diplomacy is back.

America Abandoned Its Economic Prophet. The World Embraced Him.
John Kenneth Galbraith was an intellectual celebrity 50 years ago—and it would be a mistake to ignore him today.

How to Restore U.S. Credibility in Africa
By standing up for democracy and free trade, the United States can outflank China and Russia, its authoritarian rivals on the continent.

A New Pivot to Asia
The fuzzy goodwill between Biden and America’s Asian allies will soon be tested by China’s growing power.

Inside Joe Biden’s Foreign-Policy Worldview
The next U.S. president isn’t an intellectual—and that’s a good thing.

Foreign Policy Begins at Home
The best way for Biden and Harris to build better partnerships abroad is to get America’s own house in order—and that begins with human rights.

Grave New World
Why Biden’s job will be so much harder than his predecessors’.

Biden Can’t Fight Corruption Without Help From Europe
To stop drug traffickers, criminals, and kleptocrats from laundering their loot, the United States and EU must join forces.

Now Is a Bad Time to Weaken Civilian Control Over the Military
Biden’s nomination of a retired general to head the Pentagon reinforces a dangerous trend. His confirmation must come with concrete safeguards.

Biden Makes His First Bold Move on Asia
The appointment of Kurt Campbell as Biden’s right hand on Asia will supercharge the incoming administration’s policy to counter China.

With Iran, Biden Can’t Let Perfect Be the Enemy of Good
Why any new agreement would likely be worse than resuscitating the existing deal.

Biden Can’t Make Washington a Beacon for Human Rights by Returning to Business as Usual
The world stepped up while the United States stepped back from defending human rights. The next U.S. president should join them.

All the Capitol Rioters Should be Tracked Down
But not in ways that will only further entrench the surveillance state.

How Biden Can Help Prevent War on Iran—Right Now
Law and precedent bar the new administration from diplomacy before Inauguration Day. But that doesn’t mean its hands are tied.

Our Top Weekend Reads
An opportunity for Biden, populism’s online fires, and the need for transitional justice.

Biden Can Backtrack on Trump’s Move in Western Sahara
Labeling the Polisario Front a separatist insurgency rather than anti-occupation movement sets a dangerous precedent. But there’s also no strategic reason Biden can’t back away from Trump’s brash turn on day one.

Why Biden’s Plan to Rejoin the Iran Deal Makes No Sense
This week’s escalation of tensions by Tehran looks like blackmail to force Biden to abandon sanctions—and give up leverage over the regime.

Why the Persecution of Muslims Should Be on Biden’s Agenda
The incoming U.S. president must hold China and other countries accountable for religious persecution—and counter Beijing’s global campaign to destroy human rights.