Policy
Trump Learns to Live With NATO—And Vice Versa
There are arguments over spending, and all manner of other issues. But the 70-year-old alliance has seen bad times before.
Threats
The ‘Caliphate’ Is Gone. Where’s the ‘Caliph’?
As the war on the Islamic State moves into a new phase, its leadership tries to adapt.
Threats
The ‘Caliphate’ Is Dead, but Americans Might Not Be Any Safer
Why a terrorist group with land looked so threatening to the United States.
Threats
The US Is Running Low on Options to Force Maduro Out
The Trump administration has already deployed visa restrictions, sanctions, and even an embargo on Venezuelan oil. What else is left?
Policy
Trump's Golan Announcement Was No Impulse Tweet
The push for Trump to make such a move has been going on for more than a year, due to parallel efforts by Israeli officials and members of Congress.
Policy
Trying to Kill the Iran Deal Could End Up Saving It
Trump administration officials are publicly united on their policy of punishing the Islamic Republic. But cracks are showing over just how far to go.
Ideas
How White-Supremacist Violence Echoes Other Forms of Terrorism
Their enemies are different, but their tactics are often the same.
Policy
The Impossible Job of Speaking Truth to Trump
How do you offer intelligence to a president who’s not interested—and keep your job?
Policy
The Trump Administration Can’t Get a United Front Against Iran
But the Warsaw conference did bring together Gulf Arabs and Israel against their common enemy.
Threats
America Still Doesn’t Know What to Do With Terrorism Suspects
Some pre-9/11 plotters have not yet been brought to justice, even as a new generation of suspects is taking their place.
Threats
What Lies Beyond America’s Deadliest Day in Syria
The assault in northern Syria underscores why Trump wants to get out — and why that’s going to be difficult.
Ideas
Why Haven’t Terrorists Hit the US with a Devastating Cyber Attack?
National-security experts have been warning about it for 15 years. There are a few theories.
Ideas
If Not Pipe-Bombs, What Counts as Terrorism in 2018?
There is no consensus—in academia, law, or common usage—on when an attack is more than just a crime.
Policy
The Khashoggi Affair Will Change the US-Saudi Relationship
Even if the storm largely blows over, U.S. law means some aspects will never be the same.
Threats
America Is Not Ready for Exploding Drones
An apparent assassination attempt in Venezuela shows how technology is moving faster than governments can counter it.
Ideas
America and North Korea Are Having Two Different Conversations
One country’s “productive” talks are another’s “gangster-like” demands.
Threats
What Does It Mean for North Korea to Fly a Missile Over Japan?
This latest strike may be Pyongyang’s most provocative test this year.
Ideas
What Happens When No One Believes American Threats?
In the long term, it does America no favors for its president to establish a reputation for hyperbole and unrealistic threats.
Ideas
What Are Turkey and Russia Doing in Syria?
CFR’s Steven Cook offers context and backstory behind the assassination of the Russian ambassador in Ankara.
Ideas
In Today's Complex World, 'We Have No Idea What War Is'
Rosa Brooks discusses her tenure at the Pentagon, and the ever-expanding role of the American military.
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