Would an impulsive Trump hit the nuclear button?

In the News
Chicago Tribune
Richard C. Longworth

In the late 1980s, as the Cold War neared its end, a veteran Cold Warrior reminisced in Chicago about the nuclear button and the thinking of the men who controlled it. It was an insight that holds meaning today.

Vladimir Putin, left, and Donald Trump shake hands
Kremlin
Defense and Security

An Early Challenge to Trump's Foreign Policy in Asia

In the News
Wall Street Journal
Karl Friedhoff

The dispute between Seoul and Tokyo over comfort women has wide-ranging ramifications.

South Korean women wearing traditional dress pay their respects to a comfort-woman statue set up in front of the Japanese consulate in Busan, South Korea. US Foreign Policy

The Airport Security Balancing Act

In the News
WTTW
Cécile Shea

After a deadly attack at the baggage claim area of the Fort Lauderdale airport on Jan. 6, questions have been raised about whether it’s necessary to extend airport security perimeters.

Defense and Security

Rebel Defeat in Aleppo Underscores U.S. Policy Failure

In the News
WTTW
Saeid Golkar

What, if anything, can and should the United States do to help end the conflict in Syria and stabilize the region?

Screenshot of Saeid Golkar talking on TV US Foreign Policy

Could a U.S.-Russia 'Reset' Change Public Distrust?

In the News
National Interest
Dina Smeltz

While an improving tenor in official relations could lead Russians to warm to the United States, American public opinion may be more resistant.

Vladimir Putin speaking in front of a crowd Public Opinion

Disaster zone: Trump's Cabinet formula

In the News
Chicago Tribune
Richard C. Longworth

Donald Trump, a businessman-turned-president-elect, is larding his Cabinet with business people-turned-public-servants. It's never worked, and it won't work now. Here's why.

A black and white photo of Robert McNamara, who was secretary of defense under Presidents John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. Global Politics

Disaffected rust belt voters embraced Trump. They had no other hope

In the News
The Guardian
Richard C. Longworth

Midwestern workers voted for Obama in 2012, but they have lost faith in the establishment. Trump echoed their resentments while promising change.

An illustration of a main in overalls wearing a hardhat
Jasper Rietman
Global Politics

National Intelligence Chief James Clapper Resigns

In the News
CNN
Ivo H. Daalder

Ivo Daalder speaks on several items of breaking news including National Intelligence Chief James Clapper resigning, Trumps first meeting with an international leader, and former Trump critic being considered for cabinet.

Ivo Daalder speaking on-stage with a lit screen behind him US Foreign Policy

An Inside Look at the Presidential Transition Process

In the News
WTTW
Ivo H. Daalder

Ivo Daalder, who worked on President Obama’s National Security Policy transition team and then as ambassador to NATO, joins WTTW to discuss presidential transition.

Ivo Daalder on WTTW Global Politics

Trump's task is to rebuild trust with Europe over Nato

In the News
Financial Times
Ivo H. Daalder

As president, Trump will have to reassure allies that America's commitment to their security remains strong and unconditional.

Donald Trump speaking with supporters at a campaign rally at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
Gage Skidmore
US Foreign Policy