Blogs

The Water's Edge

James M. Lindsay analyzes the politics shaping U.S. foreign policy and the sustainability of American power.

Latest Post

A view of an Iron Dome anti-missile battery, near Ashkelon, in southern Israel on April 17, 2024.
A view of an Iron Dome anti-missile battery, near Ashkelon, in southern Israel on April 17, 2024. Hannah McKay/REUTERS

The President’s Inbox Recap: Iran’s Attack on Israel

The unprecedented Iranian attack on Israel raises concerns of a wider Middle East conflict. Read More

Ukraine
The President’s Inbox Recap: Russia, Ukraine, and Global Instability
The war in Ukraine reflects collisions in Russia-Ukraine relations, Europe-Russia relations, and U.S.-Russia relations.
United States
Election 2024: The United States Is Facing a Second China Shock
Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: China’s effort to solve its economic woes by doubling down on exports is creating a policy challenge for others. 
United States
Election 2024: China’s Efforts to Interfere in the U.S. Presidential Election
Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: China is following Russia’s lead in meddling in the U.S. presidential election.
  • Middle East and North Africa
    The President’s Inbox Recap: The War in Gaza
    Sunday marks the six-month anniversary of Hamas's attack on Israel.
  • United States
    Election 2024: Are Republicans Turning Isolationist?
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: Many Republicans have lost faith in their party’s traditional embrace of internationalism.
  • Nuclear Weapons
    The President’s Inbox Recap: Confronting the Nuclear Threat
    The world has entered a new and dangerous nuclear age.
  • Grand Strategy
    The President’s Inbox Recap: The Case for U.S. Retrenchment Overseas
    Proponents of retrenchment want the United States to do less overseas.
  • United States
    Election 2024: Are Americans Turning Isolationist?
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: Much like talk of Mark Twain’s death, claims that Americans are turning their back on the world are greatly exaggerated.
  • United States
    The President’s Inbox Recap: The Crisis at the U.S. Southern Border
    The U.S. immigration system needs comprehensive reform.
  • United States
    Campaign Roundup: Joe Biden Opposes the Sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: Joe Biden doesn’t want one of America’s closest allies to buy a once iconic American company.