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The Water's Edge

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

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U.S. President Joe Biden attends the presidential debate hosted by CNN in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27, 2024.
U.S. President Joe Biden attends the presidential debate hosted by CNN in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27, 2024. MARCO BELLO/Pool via REUTERS

Election 2024: Joe Biden’s Disastrous Debate

Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: President Joe Biden lost his debate to former President Donald Trump and perhaps much more. Read More

Grand Strategy
The President’s Inbox Recap: The Case for Liberal Internationalism
The liberal international order is more resilient than its critics recognize.
United States
Election 2024: Trump Talks Foreign Policy With Time Magazine
Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: Donald Trump gave his most detailed interview on foreign policy yet. He made some dubious claims but didn’t call for America to come home.
China
The President’s Inbox Recap: A Second China Shock
A surge in Chinese manufacturing exports is threatening jobs in many countries, not just the United States.
  • United States
    Election 2024: Is Donald Trump an Isolationist?
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: Donald Trump has long criticized U.S. foreign policy. That doesn’t mean he wants America to “come home.”
  • United States
    Election 2024: Donald Trump Declines to Fight Aid to Ukraine
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: Donald Trump has chosen to stand aside as the House of Representatives moves to vote on aid to Ukraine.
  • Israel
    The President’s Inbox Recap: Iran’s Attack on Israel
    The unprecedented Iranian attack on Israel raises concerns of a wider Middle East conflict.
  • 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.