It's Debatable
Intervention or Restraint? A Washington debate on pressing issues for policymakers.
-
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures during an executive order signing event at the White House in Washington on March 31. Over and Out
A not-so-restrained final intervention from Emma and Matt.
-
CEO of Tesla and SpaceX Elon Musk wields a chainsaw as he leaves the stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Feb. 20. What You Gonna Do When DOGE Comes for You?
Cutting wasteful spending is useful, but Elon Musk’s outfit is targeting nonprofits and undermining key arms of U.S. soft power.
-
U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson applaud as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an address to a joint session of Congress on Mar. 4. Is the World Overreacting to Trump?
Washington’s Ukraine policy might yield a truce—but tariffs and territorial threats to neighbors could do long-term damage.
-
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (L) and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance meet on the sidelines of the 61st Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany on Feb. 14. Is the United States Europe’s Ally or Adversary?
As Vance chastises European leaders and Trump echoes Russian talking points, fears are growing on the continent.
-
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump hold a joint news conference in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 4, 2025. Will Trump Make Gaza or Greenland the 51st State?
Another wild week in Washington calls into question long-standing U.S. alliances and policies.
-
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a "Make America Great Again" rally at Aaron Bessant Amphitheater in Panama City Beach, Florida on May 8, 2019. Will Trump End America’s Wars—or Start New Ones?
The president’s provocative second inaugural address contained ideas that will make both hawks and doves uncomfortable.
-
A dove of peace flag is seen during a rally in support of Ukraine, to mark the second year of Russia's military invasion, in Frankfurt, Germany on Feb. 24, 2024. Will 2025 Be More Peaceful?
The incoming U.S. administration could strike a deal on Ukraine—and possibly start talks with Iran and North Korea—but bickering could derail diplomatic efforts.
-
The defaced portraits of toppled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and Russia's President Vladimir Putin hang above an entrance to a building, reportedly used by the Russian Army, in the Syrian town of Al-Bassah in the Latakia province on Dec. 12. Who Were the Winners and Losers of 2024?
Matt and Emma take a look back at a turbulent year in global politics.
-
Protesters take part in a demonstration against the South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Dec. 5, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. Are Democracies Doomed to Gridlock and Dysfunction?
From France to South Korea, U.S. democratic allies are descending into political chaos.
-
People pass by a congratulatory billboard showing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Nov. 7. What Trump’s Win Will Mean for NATO, Ukraine, Israel, and Iran
Foreign policy might have mattered in the election after all—but mainly in Michigan.
-
Protesters wave a Palestinian flag as people gather to watch U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speak on the Ellipse, just south of the White House in Washington on Oct. 29. Do U.S. Voters Even Care About Foreign Policy?
The parties seem to be realigning on questions of war and peace, but it’s not clear how consequential the results will be for anxious allies in Europe and Asia.
-
Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky shake hands on Sept. 27 in New York City. Will the U.S. Election Make a Difference to U.S. Foreign Policy?
Harris and Trump may sound similar when it comes to the Middle East, but their policies could diverge significantly on Ukraine.
-
Israeli troops deploy in an area in the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel on Sept. 27. Is Confronting Hezbollah or De-Escalating Likelier to Bring Peace?
As the Middle East teeters on the brink of a wider war, Washington is calling for a cease-fire in Lebanon, while Israel seeks a knockout blow.
-
People watch the ABC News presidential debate between U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former U.S. President Donald Trump at a debate watch party on Sept. 10, in West Hollywood, California. Did Trump Win the Foreign-Policy Debate?
Harris gave a better performance, but when it comes to questions of deterrence and the war in Ukraine, the former president was arguably more convincing.
-
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (C), Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (3rd L), Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (2nd L) and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (L) attend the 18th East Asia Summit during the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Sept. 7, 2023. Does Harris Have a Foreign Policy?
The Democratic National Convention did not shed much light on what a Harris administration’s global outlook would be.