Skip to main content

War Is Not Over: What the Optimists Get Wrong about Conflict

In the News
Foreign Affairs
Paul Poast

The political turmoil of recent years has largely disabused us of the notion that the world has reached some sort of utopian ‘end of history.’ And yet it can still seem that ours is an unprecedented era of peace and progress.

American troops board plane
Reuters
Defense and Security

President Trump Fell in Love with Kim Jong Un—and North Korea Kept Building Missiles

In the News
Chicago Tribune
Ivo H. Daalder

We need a different approach, one that is more realistic about the growing threat North Korea represents.

A man stands near a TV showing a file picture of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for a news report on North Korea firing short-range ballistic missiles
Reuters
Defense and Security

Trump's Empty Threats Weaken the US and Embolden Enemies

In the News
Chicago Tribune
Ivo H. Daalder

America's global influence is suffering as a result of Trump's threats without action.

President Donald J. Trump talks to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House
The White House
Global Politics

Can O'Brien Succeed as National Security Advisor?

In the News
Foreign Policy
Ivo H. Daalder

After firing his first three national security advisors, President Donald Trump has just named a fourth, the most any president has had in his first term. Will Robert O'Brien be any more successful than the previous three?

Donald Trump and Robert O'Brien
Reuters
Defense and Security

Debunked! Most Americans Do Support the US Engaging in World Affairs, Not Retreating

In the News
Chicago Tribune
Ivo H. Daalder

A powerful belief has taken hold that Americans are exhausted from global overreach. Council President Ivo Daalder debunks the notion that Americans want to retreat from world affairs.

President Donald Trump and Mike Pompeo
Reuters
Public Opinion

Why National Security Advisor Is the Hardest Post for Trump to Fill

In the News
Foreign Affairs
Ivo H. Daalder

In less than three years, President Trump has had three national security advisers: a campaign aide with a checkered past, a respected general, and an ideologue with strong views apparently consonant with his own. All ultimately failed.

John Bolton Defense and Security

The US Democrats' China Debate

In the News
The Diplomat
Craig Kafura

None of Trump's Democratic would-be rivals look likely to adopt a softer stance on China.

China and US flags
Reuters
Global Politics

Boris Johnson's Brexit gamble puts UK on edge. Is it worth it?

In the News
The Chicago Tribune
Ivo H. Daalder

When it comes to Brexit, Britain’s boisterous new prime minister is determined to succeed where his predecessor failed.

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits Vanguard-class submarine HMS Victorious at Faslane naval base Global Politics

Trump's Dream of Space Force Moves One Step Closer to Reality

In the News
WTTW
Cécile Shea

President Donald Trump's dream of establishing a United States Space Force moved one step closer to reality Thursday with the creation of the U.S. Space Command.

President Donald Trump watches with Vice President Mike Pence and Defense Secretary Mark Esper as the flag for U.S. Space Command is unfurled Defense and Security

Global cities begin to shrink as inner areas empty out

In the News
Financial Times
Richard C. Longworth

Populations of Paris and New York City decline while immigration sustains London.

Global Cities