Klaus W. Larres, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
In 2016 Trump promised to ‘shake the rust off America’s foreign policy.’ Four years later, it’s clearer what that looks like: a US that sits on the sidelines of world crises and collaborations alike.
A commission set up by the US Secretary of State says religious freedom and property rights should be elevated above other rights. It has prompted concern from faith-based and secular critics alike.
Klaus W. Larres, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Beijing is touting its role in the world and praising its autocratic governmental system and its huge countrywide surveillance network. Hawks in Washington aren’t impressed.
The US is taking an untraditional approach in its peace talks with the Taliban. The new deal does not contain many of the elements that are typically key to a successful peace negotiation.
The conflict between Iran and the US has gone on for decades. A scholar of social movements in Iran asks why the US has consistently failed to support that country’s activist reform movements.
As the North Atlantic Treaty Organization celebrates its 70th anniversary with a leaders’ meeting in London, five US scholars shed light on NATO’s history and its potential future.
David Banks, American University School of International Service
In northern Syria, Trump has caused U.S. allies and rivals to view American commitments in a new, uncertain light. Other countries may now shift to depend less on the U.S., weakening national power.
Revolutions are built not on deep misery but on rising expectations. History may not provide much hope of immediate change in Hong Kong – but protesters may have a longer view.
Since the 1940s, Congress has largely let the president make decisions, while members of the House and Senate endorse or condemn those actions from the sidelines.
Multiple American presidents have viewed US support of Ukraine’s security and democracy as critical to the national interest. President Trump’s dealings with Ukraine are a major divergence.
Data show that the US intervenes more in other countries’ affairs than it did in the past. It also currently hires fewer career professionals for ambassadorial or foreign affairs positions.