All Foreign Policy
First LookIndia's Modi comes to Washington, but what about democracy back home?Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the White House has been accompanied by the announcement of several major deals between the two countries. But the visit has also drawn criticism from some over India’s human rights backsliding under Mr. Modi.
First LookUS, China at odds on many issues after first day Blinken visit to BeijingBoth sides said advancement on the issues that divide them remains a work in progress while the Chinese foreign ministry said “the China-U.S. relationship is at the lowest point since its establishment.”
How Biden’s curtailed trip affects his goals for Asia and democracyIn Japan, President Joe Biden is pursuing two pillars of his foreign policy: revitalizing U.S. alliances and demonstrating democracy’s virtues. Hanging over both is the debt ceiling crisis he left behind.
Can world manage hunger crisis? Add food costs to the challenges.The refugees fleeing fighting in Sudan, seeking food and shelter, constitute a new hunger crisis. More hungry people in more countries need food aid.
Sudan fighting commands attention. Can US correct its course?To ease its pivot to Asia, the U.S. outsourced diplomacy in Sudan. Now, faced with the threat of worsening violence and instability, it must reassess its priorities. Can it achieve both peace and democracy for the Sudanese people?
A third nuclear age? What to expect from US-South Korea summit.Amid concerns over America’s nuclear umbrella and China’s rise toward parity with the United States and Russia, the world could be on the eve of a fresh era of nuclear proliferation. How should the U.S. respond?
Will Pentagon leak sour US relationship with its allies?The Pentagon leak has put sharp focus on both the strength of U.S. alliances and the fragility of relationships that need constant tending – especially in an era of disinformation.
How strong is US-Ukraine wartime alliance? What the leaks reveal.Leaked documents indicate close U.S.-Ukrainian coordination in the war with Russia, but there are limits. Experts point to Ukraine’s innate distrust of even friendly powers. The leaks won’t help.
Biden’s democracy summit 2.0: Ukraine war spurs globalized formatTwo years into President Biden’s signature initiative, successful democracies from around the world are co-hosting a second democracy summit. What lessons can they provide?
Interview: Belarus leader in exile on ‘defending our common values’Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus? The exiled leader of Belarus’ pro-democracy movement, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, points to a different view of her nation’s future.
Israel’s democracy fight: Why Biden is getting off the sidelinesCan the United States afford to treat the Israeli battle over judicial reform as just an internal matter? Not, the latest White House thinking holds, if it undercuts a pillar of the two democracies’ ties.
US-China conundrum: Can hotline diplomacy work if trust isn’t a goal?How do you preserve crisis communications with an adversary suspicious of your use of them? The U.S. is finding China isn’t interested in hotlines, and that spells trouble.
‘You have to find the small lights’: The challenges for quake-hit TurkeyThe World Bank’s Alanna Simpson, who has worked on seismic risks in Turkey, speaks with the Monitor about the lessons of past quakes and the country’s response to the recent devastating temblor.
First LookUS moves to recover suspected Chinese spy balloon after shooting it downThe United States downed the Chinese balloon off the Carolina coast after it became the latest flashpoint in tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Adjusting to a big-power era, Germany and Japan enhance militariesJapan and Germany, World War II’s two great vanquished powers, are both enhancing the role and stature of military power in their diplomatic and security policies. Their motivations are similar.
First LookYellen calls for debt renegotiations between Zambia and ChinaU.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who is touring African countries this week, says it is crucial to tackle Zambia’s debt crisis. Ms. Yellen is seeking to encourage fair American investment in a country predominantly financed by China.
Timing is everything: Why West is giving Ukraine heavier weapons nowThe West has deepened its commitment to arming Ukraine, in part because Ukraine has shown an ability to fight effectively, but also as a response to Russia’s own resolve and the war’s sheer brutality.
Biden in Mexico: Crises on the agenda, but opportunity is in the airThe three North American leaders meeting in Mexico next week are well positioned to take advantage of shifts in global trade. But they have pressing short-term crises to overcome first.
First LookWNBA star Brittney Griner released in prisoner exchange with RussiaWNBA star Brittney Griner is safe in American custody and heading home, says President Joe Biden. The United States released convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in exchange, though another American citizen still remains jailed in Russia.
How can US woo a distrustful Pakistan? Flood relief was a start.Almost reflexive anti-Americanism in Pakistan speaks to a broken relationship between the two countries. But soft power and person-to-person diplomacy are seen as ways to restore trust.
