Good to Know: Hostage taking and the rise in hostage diplomacy Danielle Gilbert - January 17, 2024 Media stories spotlight the high stakes – and the pressure to bring hostages home.
Will foreign policy actually matter in the 2024 U.S. election? Elizabeth N. Saunders - September 21, 2023 It may not matter much to voters, but foreign policy is definitely on the ballot.
Why authoritarian governments take hostages Danielle Gilbert - December 11, 2022 It’s not just a terrorist tactic any more.
What’s in Biden’s National Security Strategy? Stacie Goddard - October 13, 2022 The NSS conveys the president’s vision – and the country’s ‘grand strategy.’
Brittney Griner was ‘wrongfully detained.’ What happens now? Danielle Gilbert - May 5, 2022 The State Department announcement gives the U.S. government ways to negotiate for the release of the WNBA star
Americans see Afghan and Ukrainian refugees very differently. Why? Scott Williamson, Melina Platas, Lauren Prather, Claire Adida, and Adeline Lo - April 28, 2022 But research suggests some approaches can help communities successfully absorb all kinds of refugees
Russians think they’re engaged in a heroic struggle with the West Lily Wojtowicz and Dina Smeltz - April 13, 2022 A new survey finds that the public in Russia believes President Vladimir Putin’s rationale for the ‘military operation’ in Ukraine.
Imran Khan dissolved Pakistan’s parliament. How did that happen? Yasser Kureshi and Asfandyar Mir - April 5, 2022 Pakistan’s Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of the prime minister’s moves
Are Russian troops using sexual violence as a weapon? Here’s what we know. Esther Hallsdóttir - March 23, 2022 They’ve done so in Ukraine in the past. Five factors make it likely this time as well.
Two Polish women died after being refused timely abortions. Many Poles are outraged — and protesting. Courtney Blackington - February 17, 2022 Antiabortion organizations are powerful in Poland, but abortion rights support is growing
Congress failed to block the sale of missiles to Saudi Arabia. Why? Alexandra Stark - December 23, 2021 Just voting on the measure helps draw Americans’ attention to the Saudi role in Yemen’s war
Half of Biden’s ambassador positions are vacant. Here’s why that matters. Matt Malis - December 7, 2021 An acting official can’t do the job as effectively as a confirmed ambassador.
Russia proved it can shoot down a satellite. Does this make space less secure? James J. Cameron - November 22, 2021 The U.S., China and India have also tested anti-satellite weapons
Biden has resettled the fewest refugees in the history of the U.S. program. What could change that? Reva Dhingra, Olivia Woldemikael, and Mitchell Kilborn - November 2, 2021 Refugees bring communities a net financial gain, research finds
American missionaries were kidnapped for ransom in Haiti. What happens in these cases? Danielle Gilbert - October 23, 2021 Here’s the research on hostage-taking and recovery
Pro-government groups helped quash Nigeria’s protests last year. Who’s really behind these groups? Matthew T. Page - October 7, 2021 Since 2015, the groups have staged hundreds of news conferences to praise government officials
There’s a deeper story behind the World Bank’s ratings scandal Judith Kelley - September 19, 2021 The more prominent a global scorecard is, the more governments want to game it
What’s the big ruckus over the new defense partnership with the U.K. and Australia? Sophie Meunier - September 17, 2021 France isn’t happy about being sidelined by the new U.S. alliance for Indo-Pacific security.
If Biden wants to work with Mexico on migration and asylum, he might start talking to Mexican NGOs Zaid Hydari, Kelsey Norman, Kevin Cole, and Ana Martín Gil - August 16, 2021 The administration wants to encourage asylum seekers to stay in Mexico rather than continue traveling north
Fights over marine boundaries are creating safe zones for pirates Brandon Prins, Anup Phayal, and Aaron Gold - August 4, 2021 New research reveals how contested waters have become maritime hot spots
Can the U.S. and India depend on each other? Christopher Clary - August 1, 2021 Here are the takeaways from the July 2021 bilateral meetings.
A Florida security company is entangled in the assassination of Haiti’s president. How is that possible? Deborah Avant - July 19, 2021 An increasing number of clients and providers in the private security market are dodging the rules
Why do some U.S. mayors want more refugees? Anita R. Kellogg - June 27, 2021 Studies find that refugees pay back more than they’re given and that they revitalize abandoned neighborhoods
Biden wants to tap friends and party loyalists to fill high-level ambassadorships. That’s nothing new. Paul K. MacDonald - June 21, 2021 New research explains why these political appointees actually perform better than expected
China’s Belt and Road Initiative invests in African infrastructure — and African military and police forces Natalie Herbert - April 29, 2021 China is looking to protect its economic investments and build its reputation as a world power
Americans are divided over boycotting the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Here’s the data. Craig Kafura - April 11, 2021 Many Americans later regretted the decision not to participate in the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics
Biden reversed Trump’s sanctions on International Criminal Court officials. What happens now? Kyle Rapp and Kelebogile Zvobgo - April 4, 2021 Past U.S. administrations supported the court’s work — when it aligned with U.S. interests
U.S. policymakers often criticize Chinese investment in Africa. The research tells a more complicated story. Yoon Jung Park and Lina Benabdallah - February 18, 2021 This new series explores what’s really going on in debt relief, infrastructure and other critical issues across the continent
Trump changed how the U.S. assigns the label ‘terrorist.’ Can the Biden administration change it back? Samuel M. Hickey and Manuel Reinert - February 11, 2021 Trump changed ‘designation’ from a foreign policy tool to one aimed at influencing American public opinion
Biden will stop the U.S. troop drawdown in Germany, but also push for smaller deployments around the world Michael Allen, Michael Flynn, and Carla Martinez-Machain - February 10, 2021 Our research reveals what helps U.S. military basing succeed
The ICC says it can investigate Israel’s alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories. Netanyahu and Biden object. M.P. Broache and Kelebogile Zvobgo - February 10, 2021 Israel and the U.S. don’t think the International Criminal Court has jurisdiction over nonmember states. Here’s when it does.
Biden announced a major policy shift on Yemen. What happens now? Alexandra Stark - February 7, 2021 U.S. diplomacy, not U.S. military support, will shorten the war in Yemen
Biden reverses Trump’s ‘Muslim ban.’ Americans support the decision. Nazita Lajevardi, Loren Collingwood, and Kassra AR Oskooii - January 26, 2021 In 2017, rallies and protests persuaded a big proportion of citizens that the ban was ‘un-American'
Biden said he’ll work to advance transgender rights. Here are 4 things to know. Kassandra Miller and Audrey Comstock - December 10, 2020 What is the state of transgender rights and protections in the U.S. and internationally?
The U.S. election is over. What did international observers think? Susan D. Hyde - November 9, 2020 Here’s the report card.
Guinea’s president claims he won reelection. Thousands of Guineans disagree. Lisa Mueller - October 30, 2020 Electoral protests in Africa rarely end up ousting an incumbent who defies term limits
The Trump campaign claims it wants a foreign policy debate. That’s not what we’re likely to get. Elizabeth N. Saunders - October 21, 2020 But foreign policy will definitely be on the ballot on Nov. 3
A closer look at Congo’s Islamist rebels Judith Verweijen and Daniel Fahey - September 28, 2020 Claims about links to the Islamic State may hamper civilian protection
The State Department says the Chinese Communist Party controls Chinese companies. It’s not that simple. Meg Rithmire - September 7, 2020 State-funded Chinese firms at times actually subvert Beijing’s interests.
The State Department labeled China’s Confucius programs a bad influence on U.S. students. What’s the story? Naima Green-Riley - August 24, 2020 Concerns over the ideological threat of these programs may be overblown
‘Fake news’ methods change faster than Western governments can react. Here’s how to keep up. H. Akin Unver - August 13, 2020 Understanding how Russia, Turkey and the Gulf nations use disinformation could guide better safeguards against foreign interference
Four things to know about the U.S. decision to close the Chinese consulate in Houston Jessica Chen Weiss and Elizabeth N. Saunders - July 22, 2020 Trump administration’s latest move could make it harder to repair the U.S.-China rift
Do U.S. policing programs help boost the militarization of foreign police forces? Benjamin Kenzer - July 10, 2020 Joint police/military training is a feature of some U.S.-funded programs.
Despite U.S. sanctions, the International Criminal Court will keep investigating alleged war crimes in Afghanistan Stephen Chaudoin and Kelebogile Zvobgo - June 16, 2020 The U.S. public may not agree with Trump’s move
No, Trump probably can’t list antifa as a ‘terrorist group.’ Here’s what he’s really doing. Brian Phillips - June 11, 2020 U.S. security services are getting the message about where to focus
China’s making inroads in the Middle East. The Trump administration isn’t happy. Jonathan Fulton - June 2, 2020 But U.S. pressure to reject China could bring out a great power rivalry in the region
The covid-19 crisis could strengthen Iran’s ‘invisible government’ Hossein Mahdavi - May 7, 2020 An increased social welfare role for groups within Iran could undercut the rationale for U.S. sanctions
The U.S. labeled a white supremacist group as ‘terrorists’ for the first time. It’s less significant than you think. Anna Meier - April 29, 2020 Why pick an obscure group that’s not yet linked to an attack?
Can the U.S. sue China for covid-19 damages? Not really. Jessica Weiss - April 29, 2020 Here’s how this could quickly backfire.
The Navy won’t reinstate Captain Brett Crozier. There’s more to the story than the Navy is saying William Cameron, Stacie Goddard, and Pierce MacConaghy - April 9, 2020 Key questions remain unanswered about why Crozier’s ship did a “port call” in Vietnam.
ICE said it won’t deport people for seeking medical care. Immigrants won’t believe them. Jaclyn Kelley-Widmer - March 20, 2020 Trump is still promoting the wall and border closings – which he’s now saying will stop the virus.
China and the U.S. blame each other for the coronavirus. But both countries made similar mistakes. Rui Zhong - March 17, 2020 Communication lags may prove costly.
Covid-19 reveals how China’s internal politics now affect the whole world Andrew Mertha - March 6, 2020 What happens in Wuhan doesn’t stay in Wuhan
China already leads 4 of the 15 U.N. specialized agencies — and is aiming for a 5th Shing-Hon Lam and Courtney J. Fung - March 3, 2020 Beijing is campaigning to lead the global intellectual property agency
Trump named a loyalist to head intelligence. Will Richard Grenell eliminate dissent? Brent Durbin - February 24, 2020 The incoming director of national intelligence will have a limited tenure
Is Trump admitting defeat with his new U.S. visa rules? Anna Law - January 27, 2020 President is making it harder for pregnant women to visit, but birthright citizenship remains untouched
Here are the facts behind Mike Pompeo’s fight with NPR Henry Farrell - January 25, 2020 Either the NPR journalist is unusually terrible at geography, or the State Department has issued a misleading statement.
When tensions rise, retaliation isn’t the same as all-out war Michael Horowitz and Elizabeth N. Saunders - January 7, 2020 "Powder keg" situations rarely explode into war by accident.
International troops are leaving Yemen. Here’s what will help bring peace. Alexandra Stark - December 12, 2019 Here’s how mediation from other countries can end civil wars.
Republicans say that Trump’s quid pro quos were normal. Here’s why they’re wrong. James Goldgeier and Elizabeth N. Saunders - October 29, 2019 The body of existing testimony shows how Trump has crossed the line
U.S.-North Korea talks just broke down. Here’s what might happen next. Patricia M. Kim - October 10, 2019 Does Pyongyang have a playbook for the next few months?
Is the impeachment inquiry really ‘unconstitutional’? Andrew Rudalevige - October 10, 2019 There’s a long history of White House lawyers saying what the boss wants to hear.
Trump’s travel ban really was a Muslim ban, data suggests Vahid Niayesh - September 25, 2019 What the Trump administration’s data can and can’t tell us about the true effect of the travel ban
What to expect when you are expecting a Trump ‘transcript’ James Goldgeier - September 25, 2019 The record of Trump’s call with Ukraine’s president won’t tell the whole story. Not even close.
India’s prime minister will visit the U.S. next week. What will he say about human rights in Kashmir? Suparna Chaudhry - September 20, 2019 Narendra Modi’s government has kept the region under lockdown since early August
Trump’s nominated a new national security advisor. Don’t expect that to change much about Trump’s foreign policy. Paul Musgrave - September 10, 2019 Goodbye to John Bolton. Hello to Robert C. O’Brien.
Women are mysteriously missing from D.C. think tanks’ foreign policy panels. Here’s the data. Mimosa Giamanco and Federiga Bindi - August 21, 2019 Here’s the fifth article in our series on the gender gap in political science.
Hate crimes are on the rise. What does it take to get state governments to respond? Regina Werum, Heather L. Scheuerman, Christie L. Parris, and Alison Faupel - August 12, 2019 We were surprised by our findings
India just pulled Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy. Here’s why that is a big deal for this contested region. Ahsan I. Butt - August 7, 2019 The Modi government’s move could mean increased regional instability.
The U.S. officially withdrew from the INF Treaty. Here’s what you need to know. James J. Cameron - August 2, 2019 This was a U.S.-Soviet arms treaty, but there’s a China factor.
Dan Coats just resigned as Director of National Intelligence. Here’s why that matters. Michael Poznansky - July 30, 2019 Whoever succeeds him almost certainly will be a less independent voice.
Pakistan’s leader Imran Khan meets President Trump this week. Here’s what to expect. Asfandyar Mir - July 21, 2019 Strained relations or not, there’s a lot at stake for both countries.
John Bolton is warning of a “Clash of Civilizations” with China. Here are the five things you need to know. Paul Musgrave - July 18, 2019 Academics and experts say that the “clash of civilizations” argument is misleading and destabilizing.
Eisenhower called it the ‘military-industrial complex.’ It’s vastly bigger now. Daniel Wirls - June 25, 2019 Here are four things to know about this transformation.
Wait — why are the U.S., Russia and the E.U. suddenly cooperating in Moldova? Mitchell A. Orenstein and Ecaterina Locoman - June 25, 2019 And can the government they installed survive?
The Trump administration is revealing U.S. intelligence operations. Is it revealing too much? Austin Carson and Allison Carnegie - June 20, 2019 Every administration faces tension between credibility and protecting sources — but it’s especially sharp for Trump.
Could foreign aid help stop Central Americans from coming to the U.S.? Here’s what you need to know. Sarah Bermeo - June 17, 2019 Targeted aid might offer some solutions.
War with Iran is probably less likely than you think Michael Horowitz and Elizabeth N. Saunders - June 17, 2019 Here’s what to watch for.
Yes, Trump can override Congress and sell weapons to Saudi Arabia — even over Republican objections Jennifer Spindel - May 29, 2019 It’s not easy for Congress to block arms sales.
How do you reduce sexual and gender violence in conflict? Consider these five key issues. Marie E. Berry and Chen Reis - May 21, 2019 This week’s Oslo conference could help redirect the world’s efforts.
Trump tweeted there’s ‘no infighting’ on U.S. policy on Iran. But does he have all the information? Tyler Jost and Robert Schub - May 18, 2019 Advisers help presidents make informed decisions — usually
Debate over Hong Kong’s proposed extradition law devolves into a scuffle in the legislative council Michael C. Davis - May 11, 2019 This law could open the door to extradition to China, and that’s the problem.
Israel responded to a Hamas cyberattack with an airstrike. That’s not such a big deal. Jacquelyn Schneider and Erica D. Borghard - May 8, 2019 Policymakers are debating how best to retaliate against cyberwarfare actions — and how not to.
No, China and the U.S. aren’t locked in an ideological battle. Not even close. Jessica Chen Weiss - May 4, 2019 Here are 3 things wrong with imagining we’re in a “clash of civilizations”
Trump changed U.S. policy toward Libya. This is why it matters. Mieczysław P. Boduszyński and Christopher K. Lamont - May 2, 2019 The Trump administration’s about-face on Libya leaves few options in the face of a dramatic escalation of violence.
Trump claims he’s the greatest hostage negotiator ever. So why did he make it harder to bring Americans home? Danielle Gilbert - April 29, 2019 The “cheif hostage negotiator” doesn’t seem to understand how American policy works.
The Trump administration opposes the International Criminal Court. Do Americans agree? Kelebogile Zvobgo - April 26, 2019 In short, it’s complicated.
The weather stations that monitor climate change are at risk. This is why. Kenneth Schultz and Justin Mankin - April 21, 2019 Civil war and other conflicts are costing us valuable data.
Did India shoot down a Pakistani F-16 in February? This just became a big deal. Sameer Lalwani and Emily Tallo - April 17, 2019 There are broader implications for India — and the United States
Generals overthrew Sudan’s president, Bashir, but they can’t agree on what comes next Naunihal Singh - April 15, 2019 Demonstrators march with national flags during a rally demanding a
Would Trump label Mexican cartels terrorist organizations? Brian Phillips - March 26, 2019 This type of shift could have serious policy implications.
The Trump administration will push to decriminalize homosexuality worldwide. Surprised? Here’s why. Phillip Ayoub - February 27, 2019 “Homonationalists” argue that immigration would threaten LGBTQ rights at home.
Trump may be about to call Europe’s bluff on Iran. Europe isn’t bluffing. Henry Farrell - February 24, 2019 Vice President Pence reprimanded the United Kingdom, France and Germany
Why is Nigeria cracking down on peaceful religious protests? Jason Klocek - February 4, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83417" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Members of the Islamic Movement in
What the INF Treaty means for the U.S. and Europe James Cameron - February 1, 2019 Editor's note: On Feb. 1, 2019, the Trump administration followed
Trump plans to meet with Kim Jong Un next month. Here’s what not to expect. Mira Rapp-Hooper - January 24, 2019 President Trump has announced his plans to meet with North
Who’s disproportionately prosecuted for human trafficking? Young black men. Vanessa Bouché and Mark Daku - January 11, 2019 [caption id="attachment_82383" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A line of school buses with
The Trump administration downgraded the E.U.’s diplomatic status in Washington. That’s going to hurt. Karen Smith - January 8, 2019 [caption id="attachment_42786" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A European Union flag, with a
Democracy is in crisis in Latin America. Brazil may be the next trouble spot. Scott Mainwaring and Luis Schenoni - October 22, 2018 [caption id="attachment_79199" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A man yells after listening to
Former U.S. Special Forces were reportedly hired to kill Yemen’s leaders. Did the government know? Deborah Avant - October 19, 2018 [caption id="attachment_79057" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The carcass of a car reportedly