In Memoriam: Bruce Russett
Russett helped the world understand the democratic peace.
Does Putin have a vote in U.S. elections?
International relations scholars have a ‘good chat’ about U.S. elections and foreign policy.
Will foreign policy actually matter in the 2024 U.S. election?
It may not matter much to voters, but foreign policy is definitely on the ballot.
Leaders around the world made bold moves in 2022. They didn’t always succeed.
The TMC 2022 roundups: The international beat
Russians think they’re engaged in a heroic struggle with the West
A new survey finds that the public in Russia believes President Vladimir Putin’s rationale for the ‘military operation’ in Ukraine.
Why democracies win more wars than autocracies
Like Putin, dictators tend to start risky wars, our research shows
Condemning Putin will make it harder to end the conflict with Russia
Consider how hard it was to lift sanctions after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait
Fear of ‘terrorism’ shaped U.S. foreign policy after 9/11. Will the U.S. make China the next big obsession?
An overarching narrative can lead to fewer foreign policy choices.
20 years after 9/11, the U.S. is again in a great power confrontation
The end of the Cold War scrambled U.S. foreign policy — and then 9/11 scrambled it again. Here’s what remains the same.
International relations scholar Nuno Monteiro asked and answered the big questions about real-world politics
Monteiro, who passed away this month, influenced debates about U.S. dominance in the world
Biden may be getting rid of the Authorizations for the Use of Military Force. That deserves a ‘Whoa.’
The possibility of addressing the legal framework for the war on terror is big news.
Here’s how experts on the Middle East see the region’s key issues, our new survey finds
We asked about their views on the Israel-Palestine conflict, Iran’s nuclear program and more
Biden has picked a retired general for defense secretary. Here’s why it matters.
The move marks back-to-back administrations tapping retired generals to fill high-level government positions
The Trump campaign claims it wants a foreign policy debate. That’s not what we’re likely to get.
But foreign policy will definitely be on the ballot on Nov. 3
Public outrage derailed Trump’s plans to slow the mail. That’s what keeps presidents in check.
Public opinion more effectively reins in the presidency than the other branches. But that may be changing.
The secretary of defense spoke out against Trump’s approach to the protests. Yes, this is a big deal.
And he did it on TV, which will reach a broad audience
Trump just de-escalated in the Middle East. Here’s why we shouldn’t be surprised.
In an election year, presidents don’t want U.S. troops in harm’s way
Don’t expect Congress to rein in Trump’s use of military force in the Middle East
Presidents usually want Congress to approve their military decisions. Lawmakers usually want to stay out of it.
Attacking Iran will not help Trump win reelection. Here’s why.
Military crises don’t always trigger a rally around the flag
What radicalized ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi?
Iraq’s post-2003 chaos is actually to blame, not Saddam Hussein.
When the Berlin Wall fell 30 years ago, it shook up U.S. politics. Here’s how.
Republicans have been divided on foreign policy ever since the Cold War ended.
Now that Trump has abandoned the Kurds, will other countries ever trust the U.S.?
Alliances are based on trust, not just U.S. assistance
Why buying Greenland wouldn’t really help the U.S. economy (even if it were for sale)
Unlike Russia, the United States no longer depends on resource extraction.
War with Iran is probably less likely than you think
Here’s what to watch for.
Why Saudi Arabia is turning to Asia
Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman visited Pakistan, India and China in a growing effort to diversify Saudi foreign relations.
The point of the Afghanistan ‘peace deal’ is simple: The U.S. wants to get out
[caption id="attachment_83301" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Former insurgents surrender their weapons during
Trump’s challenge to Venezuela’s president could lead to a military occupation. Here’s why — and why that’s dangerous.
President Trump recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate
It’s a big deal that Trump didn’t allow notes on his meetings with Putin
Editors' note: In light of a January 2019 Washington Post
As the U.S. withdraws from Syria and Afghanistan, here are lessons from the Iraq War
[caption id="attachment_82173" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump speaks to members of
Here’s why Russia keeps hosting Afghanistan peace talks that will almost certainly fail
[caption id="attachment_82023" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov opens
Three reasons that Jim Mattis’s resignation is not just unusual — but startling
[caption id="attachment_81843" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump, flanked by Defense Secretary
Last week showed how Trump’s management of his team is hurting his own foreign policy. It’s only going to get worse.
[caption id="attachment_81377" align="alignleft" width="960"] Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., chairman of
Why the First World War lasted so long
The First World War ended 100 years ago today. Scholars
Hundreds of scholars have signed a statement defending the international institutions that Trump has attacked
[caption id="attachment_76696" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump poses with Germany's Chancellor
No, Trump can’t count on a hawk’s advantage in making peace with North Korea
[caption id="attachment_73137" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump plans to meet with North Korean
Trump’s supporters don’t care about his flip-flops on Syria. We checked.
Editors' note: In light of President Trump's contradictory tweets about
John Bolton talks tough on the U.N. What’s his record really like?
President Trump’s selection of John Bolton to serve as his
John Bolton will be the new national security adviser. That doesn’t mean we’re going to war — yet.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/politics/who-is-john-bolton/2018/03/22/cc109486-2e36-11e8-8dc9-3b51e028b845_video.html Thursday evening — two days after the 15th anniversary
Here’s how hostile states are hiding behind ‘independent’ hackers
[caption id="attachment_68648" align="aligncenter" width="329"] (Oxford University Press)[/caption] More and more
A new Korean war would kill more U.S. military personnel than you might think
Is the United States on the brink of war with North
When did Congress authorize fighting in Niger? That’s an excellent question.
It’s Veterans Day – not a bad time to give
The military doesn’t love Trump back. This is why.
Veterans’ Day is a good time to examine how U.S.
Iran’s involvement in Syria is costly. Here’s why most Iranians still support it.
[caption id="attachment_65055" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Mourners escort the truck carrying the
How 9/11 created a feedback loop for international jihadism
[caption id="attachment_63827" align="aligncenter" width="960"] U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians pull
Trump shifted gears on Afghanistan — but what role do foreign policy advisers play? Here’s what the research says.
[caption id="attachment_62694" align="aligncenter" width="960"] This image released by the
Cameroon has been in crisis for six months. Here’s what you need to know.
[caption id="attachment_59202" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Cameroon’s President Paul Biya and wife
The big G-7 summit starts soon. Watch for these 3 signs of harmony — or discord.
[caption id="attachment_58603" align="alignleft" width="960"] On May 26, 2016, in Kashikojima,
Yes, consumers can change public policies — sometimes. Here are the challenges.
[caption id="attachment_54697" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Ivanka Trump attends the launch of
Trump’s secretary of state pick could give Putin some very unfortunate ideas
Donald Trump has apparently chosen Rex Tillerson, chief executive of
What a President Trump means for foreign policy
[caption id="attachment_49232" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump arrives
The Democrats are surprisingly unified. That should help Hillary Clinton.
[caption id="attachment_44902" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton reacts
Mitch McConnell said you don’t need experience to be president
Here's why he's wrong.
Despite Obama’s new executive order, U.S. drone policy may still violate international law
[caption id="attachment_43445" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A U.S. airman guides a U.S.
Four reasons why killing insurgents in Syria might backfire
[caption id="attachment_42715" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Smoke rises after what fighters of
Is Donald Trump leading a realignment of the GOP? Maybe not.
[caption id="attachment_36766" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump listens
Daniel Drezner says Donald Trump is the champion of foreign policy ‘realism.’ He’s wrong. It’s Barack Obama.
[caption id="attachment_35605" align="aligncenter" width="908"] An American bald eagle prepares to
Three reasons the U.S. won’t break with Azerbaijan over its violations of human rights and democratic freedoms
[caption id="attachment_34580" align="aligncenter" width="908"] BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - AUGUST 04: The
Here are three ways that Star Wars is a neoconservative universe
[caption id="attachment_32707" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Daisey Ridley as Rey, left, and
Why France is so deeply entangled in Syria
On Nov. 14, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad declared that French
What France can learn from how the U.S. reacted to 9/11
[caption id="attachment_32391" align="aligncenter" width="908"] A soldier patrols in the courtyard
Burma votes on Sunday. Why do authoritarian governments even hold elections?
[caption id="attachment_31900" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Supporters of the Union Solidarity and
Here’s why the Iraq War may have helped trigger the financial crisis
[caption id="attachment_30658" align="aligncenter" width="333"] (Courtesy Cambridge University Press)[/caption] Thomas Oatley
Pundits are regularly outpredicted by people you’ve never heard of. Here’s how to change that.
[caption id="attachment_30148" align="aligncenter" width="331"] (Courtesy, Crown Publishing)[/caption] In the weeks
No one talks about democratization any more. Is there a better policy?
[caption id="attachment_26905" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Iraqi civilians and U.S. soldiers pull
Are Republicans really the new doves?
[caption id="attachment_16591" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), speaks on
The birth and perhaps death of anxiety about failed states
[caption id="attachment_16440" align="aligncenter" width="650"] The Fund For Peace's 2013
If policymakers had listened to political scientists, we wouldn't have invaded Iraq
[caption id="attachment_16126" align="aligncenter" width="4400"] (MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images)[/caption] Tom Ricks suggests
If policymakers had listened to political scientists, we wouldn’t have invaded Iraq
[caption id="attachment_16126" align="aligncenter" width="4400"] (MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images)[/caption] Tom Ricks suggests
Was the downing of the Malaysian Air flight accidental?
[caption id="attachment_13120" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Debris of the Boeing 777, Malaysia
How should we count the war dead in Syria?
[caption id="attachment_10009" align="aligncenter" width="810" special=""] Photo by Manu Brabo (AP)[/caption]
Getting to know Donald Rumsfeld
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="606" special=""] Donald Rumsfeld in "The Unknown
Why divided government is killing John Boehner
This is a guest post by Cornell College political scientist
Around the PoliSci Blogosphere
Michael Ahn Paarlberg Why Do Europeans Cause So Many Train Wrecks?
Rationality and the Iraq War
The Duck of Minerva is hosting an interesting debate about
What Does the Iraq War Teach Us About Theories of International Relations?
This is a guest post from Stephen Benedict Dyson. *****
Asian Americans Voted Democrat: We Should Not Be Surprised
We are delighted to welcome the following guest post by Karthick
Economic Inequality and Political Power (Part 2 of 3)
In my previous post I discussed the lack of government
The Fiscal Facts of Life: Do Americans Understand Where Budget Deficits Come From?
Mitt Romney’s choice of Paul Ryan as his running mate
Defining Dissidence Down
In all the coverage of Senator Richard Lugar's crushing 20-point
Latinos and the Culture War
bq. Evangelicalism is the most potent worldview force in conservatizing
Maybe Bush’s Case for the Iraq War Worked After All
This is a guest post by Georgetown political scientist Michael
Did George W. Bush Persuade the Public on the Iraq War?
Ezra Klein's new piece on presidential persuasion is stimulating a
This Week in Political Science: Divisive Primary Edition
The "Niggerhead" incident and related mudslinging among the GOP presidential
The Tax Receipt and Public Opinion, cont’d
In response to my little experiment on the tax receipt,
Partisan Bias in Presidential Rankings?
bq. Presidential ranking polls communicate far more than an ordered
War Powers Irresolution
A question raised by a "Politico story":http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/51687.html yesterday -- "Did
Obama’s Response to Egypt: No Accident?
In my "last post":https://themonkeycage.org/2011/02/how_do_presidents_matter_in_fo.html, I described how individual leaders can
British Opinion about the War in Afghanistan
Political scientists Douglas Kriner and Graham Wilson "have posted":http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2010/10/assessing-british-support-for-the-war-in-afghanistan/ this
Partisan Bias and Political Facts
Brendan Nyhan has "an excellent post":http://www.brendan-nyhan.com/blog/2010/09/what-we-know-about-political-misperceptions.html on political misperceptions, documenting
Glenn Beck’s Rally and the Threat Gap
"We'll be the checks and balances on this out-of-control, criminal
Who Are the Real Mavericks?
This post will do something extraordinary: it will make you
Partisan Identity and Foreign Policy
At Cato's blog, Justin Logan discusses Adam Berinsky's book _In
The Conventional Wisdom Isn’t Always Wrong
From Joshua Keating at Foreign Policy magazine. Subtitled "Five things
Netroots v. Wonkosphere
"Matthew Yglesias":http://yglesias.thinkprogress.org/archives/2009/12/health-care-and-iraq.php complains: bq. The cute meme of the day
What We Don’t Know About Polarization
Last week, I linked to my comments at the TPM
Take That Tom Coburn and the New York Times!
As my own personal rebuttal to "Senator Coburn":https://themonkeycage.org/2009/10/my_two_cents_on_coburns_propos.html and Patricia
Did US Public Diplomacy After 9/11 Actually Work?
bq. Have U.S. public diplomacy efforts during the post-9/11 period
How Liberal Will Specter Be?
Simon Jackman shows that Specter was the 3rd most liberal
Airbrushing History
I seem to remember a lot of jokes about the
Was There Bias in Media Coverage of the March to War in Iraq?
There have been many criticisms and self-criticisms of media coverage