The Debt Ceiling Deal Highlights America's Warped Priorities
By failing to invest in its own people, the United States shows the world the shakiness of the foundations of its power.
List of Liberalism articles
![A close-up photo of Netanyahu and Putin standing face to face and smiling at each other.]()
A close-up photo of Netanyahu and Putin standing face to face and smiling at each other.
The Deeper Reason Netanyahu Won’t Arm Ukraine Against Russia
Jerusalem’s ties to Moscow are partly about security. They’re also about illiberalism.
![Vladimir Putin addresses the United Nations General Assembly on September 28, 2015 in New York City.]()
Vladimir Putin addresses the United Nations General Assembly on September 28, 2015 in New York City.
The U.N. (as We Know It) Won’t Survive Russia’s War in Ukraine
The institutions designed to secure global order clearly aren't up to the task. What will take their place?
![The full moon rises behind the Statue of Liberty in New York City on May 18, 2019.]()
The full moon rises behind the Statue of Liberty in New York City on May 18, 2019.
Liberalism Isn’t Dead—but It’s Very Sick
In two new books, Yascha Mounk and Francis Fukuyama try to cure the patient.
![A statue of Mao Zedong]()
A statue of Mao Zedong
Ideological Competition With China Is Inevitable—Like It or Not
Beijing recognizes promoting human rights and democracy is an ideological challenge. So should Washington.
![israel religious secular idf protest]()
israel religious secular idf protest
How Liberals Lost in Israel
The decline of Israeli democracy holds lessons for the United States.
![A young Uighur activist holds up a poster during a demonstration outside the Foreign Office in Berlin before talks between the Chinese and German foreign ministers on Sept. 1.]()
A young Uighur activist holds up a poster during a demonstration outside the Foreign Office in Berlin before talks between the Chinese and German foreign ministers on Sept. 1.
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.
![Then-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden]()
Then-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden
Why Liberal Internationalism Is Still Indispensable—and Fixable
G. John Ikenberry’s new book traces what went wrong. And Biden is listening.
![Russian matryoshka dolls depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump on sale at in Moscow on July 13, 2018.]()
Russian matryoshka dolls depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump on sale at in Moscow on July 13, 2018.
America Must Promote Democracy, Despite Trump’s Disdain for It
Even if 2020 marks a low point of U.S. democratic practice, supporting liberalism abroad must remain a vital element of U.S. foreign policy.
![Indian author Pankaj Mishra in 2006.]()
Indian author Pankaj Mishra in 2006.
You Can Only See Liberalism From the Bottom
Why Pankaj Mishra sees the ideology’s limits more clearly than its most powerful fans.
![Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden greet supporters at a rally on Oct. 12, 2008 in Scranton, Pennsylvania.]()
Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden greet supporters at a rally on Oct. 12, 2008 in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Biden Is Getting Ready to Bury Neoliberalism
The potential next Democratic administration is preparing to upend decades of dogma on globalization.
![Anne Applebaum in Udine, Italy, on Jan. 26, 2019.]()
Anne Applebaum in Udine, Italy, on Jan. 26, 2019.
The Tragic Romance of the Nostalgic Western Liberal
Anne Applebaum wants to understand rising illiberalism but is clinging to a Cold War moral framework that no longer applies.
![A tattered American flag blows in the winds of Hurricane Dennis in Mobile, Alabama, on July 10, 2005.]()
A tattered American flag blows in the winds of Hurricane Dennis in Mobile, Alabama, on July 10, 2005.
The Anti-American Century
The old U.S.-led order has crumbled. What will replace it may be just what the world—and the United States—needs.
![French Finance Minister Emmanuel Macron gestures during a session at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, on Jan 22, 2016.]()
French Finance Minister Emmanuel Macron gestures during a session at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, on Jan 22, 2016.
The Pandemic Could Be the Crisis Liberalism Needed
The future has rarely seemed bleaker for free-market democracy—but small changes can bring it roaring back.
![British Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn lays a bunch of flowers at the end of Westminster Bridge by the Houses of Parliament in central London on March 23, 2017.]()
British Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn lays a bunch of flowers at the end of Westminster Bridge by the Houses of Parliament in central London on March 23, 2017.
Liberal Professors’ Deadly Delusions About Curing Terrorists
Last week’s attack in Britain proves that well-meaning progressive academics have no business keeping the public safe.
![A man draped in an Algerian national flag walks along a street as protesters take part in a demonstration against the ruling class in Algeria’s capital, Algiers, on Aug. 23, for the 27th consecutive Friday and marking six months since the movement began.]()
A man draped in an Algerian national flag walks along a street as protesters take part in a demonstration against the ruling class in Algeria’s capital, Algiers, on Aug. 23, for the 27th consecutive Friday and marking six months since the movement began.
America’s Silence Helps Autocrats Triumph
Without the support of the U.S. government, pro-democracy forces around the world will wither as authoritarianism gains ground.
![Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and government ministers react prior to the voting of the government resignation at the parliament in Kiev on Feb. 16, 2016.]()
Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and government ministers react prior to the voting of the government resignation at the parliament in Kiev on Feb. 16, 2016.
The Death of Ukraine’s Liberals
Western-oriented reformers are about to get completely wiped out in parliamentary elections—and they have nobody to blame but themselves.
![New York Times columnist David Brooks speaking at the Book Expo America in New York.]()
New York Times columnist David Brooks speaking at the Book Expo America in New York.
When Zombie Neoconservatives Attack
Why most Americans are right about foreign policy, and David Brooks is wrong.
![Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend Christmas Eve services at the National Cathedral on December 24, 2018 in Washington.]()
Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend Christmas Eve services at the National Cathedral on December 24, 2018 in Washington.
Freedom of Religion Doesn’t Cut It
The United States is committed to protecting freedom of expression abroad—but in far too narrow terms.
![President Jair Bolsonaro waves a Brazilian flag while addressing supporters during his inauguration ceremony in Brasilia on Jan. 1, 2019. (Evaristo Sa/AFP/Getty Images)]()
President Jair Bolsonaro waves a Brazilian flag while addressing supporters during his inauguration ceremony in Brasilia on Jan. 1, 2019. (Evaristo Sa/AFP/Getty Images)
Brazil’s Love Affair With Diplomacy Is Dead
A leader in liberal internationalism is about to turn its back on the world.
![1_lead_books-in-brief]()
1_lead_books-in-brief
Books in Brief: Fresh Reads on Liberal Internationalism, China’s Feminist Movement, and Nations in Crisis
Foreign Policy staffers review recent releases.
The Deeper Reason Netanyahu Won’t Arm Ukraine Against Russia
Jerusalem’s ties to Moscow are partly about security. They’re also about illiberalism.
The U.N. (as We Know It) Won’t Survive Russia’s War in Ukraine
The institutions designed to secure global order clearly aren't up to the task. What will take their place?
Liberalism Isn’t Dead—but It’s Very Sick
In two new books, Yascha Mounk and Francis Fukuyama try to cure the patient.
Ideological Competition With China Is Inevitable—Like It or Not
Beijing recognizes promoting human rights and democracy is an ideological challenge. So should Washington.
How Liberals Lost in Israel
The decline of Israeli democracy holds lessons for the United States.
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.
Why Liberal Internationalism Is Still Indispensable—and Fixable
G. John Ikenberry’s new book traces what went wrong. And Biden is listening.
America Must Promote Democracy, Despite Trump’s Disdain for It
Even if 2020 marks a low point of U.S. democratic practice, supporting liberalism abroad must remain a vital element of U.S. foreign policy.
You Can Only See Liberalism From the Bottom
Why Pankaj Mishra sees the ideology’s limits more clearly than its most powerful fans.
Biden Is Getting Ready to Bury Neoliberalism
The potential next Democratic administration is preparing to upend decades of dogma on globalization.
The Tragic Romance of the Nostalgic Western Liberal
Anne Applebaum wants to understand rising illiberalism but is clinging to a Cold War moral framework that no longer applies.
The Anti-American Century
The old U.S.-led order has crumbled. What will replace it may be just what the world—and the United States—needs.
The Pandemic Could Be the Crisis Liberalism Needed
The future has rarely seemed bleaker for free-market democracy—but small changes can bring it roaring back.
Liberal Professors’ Deadly Delusions About Curing Terrorists
Last week’s attack in Britain proves that well-meaning progressive academics have no business keeping the public safe.
America’s Silence Helps Autocrats Triumph
Without the support of the U.S. government, pro-democracy forces around the world will wither as authoritarianism gains ground.
The Death of Ukraine’s Liberals
Western-oriented reformers are about to get completely wiped out in parliamentary elections—and they have nobody to blame but themselves.
When Zombie Neoconservatives Attack
Why most Americans are right about foreign policy, and David Brooks is wrong.
Freedom of Religion Doesn’t Cut It
The United States is committed to protecting freedom of expression abroad—but in far too narrow terms.
Brazil’s Love Affair With Diplomacy Is Dead
A leader in liberal internationalism is about to turn its back on the world.
Books in Brief: Fresh Reads on Liberal Internationalism, China’s Feminist Movement, and Nations in Crisis
Foreign Policy staffers review recent releases.
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