Sept-Oct 2008

A Realist Rally

As featured in the IHT: Realism can lead the way out of our foreign-policy shambles. But first the camp’s heavyweights need to bridge the partisan

Essays

For God, King and Country

Over the centuries, the causes and justifications for war have evolved. But we remain caught in a Westphalian mindset, even though the nature of today’s substate threats demands an altogether-...

Foreign Policy, Meet the People

Partisanship used to stop at the water’s edge. But times have changed; the U.S. electorate is now deeply divided—and not just on domestic-policy prescriptions. Facing a rift among the masses greater...

Russia Goes Ballistic

Russia will surpass U.S. nuclear capabilities within two decades if trends continue. America’s strategic force is a cold-war relic, and while Washington’s weapons break down, Moscow is making bombers and missiles that are newer and deadlier.

The Iranian Fallout

As Iran draws frighteningly close to a full-blown nuclear capability, a former weapons inspector gives a hardheaded analysis of Tehran's program.

The Great Debate

The Neocons vs. The Realists

Is the neoconservatism the future, or has their Kristol ball been shattered? Stephen Walt takes on Joshua Muravchik.

First Draft of History

The Legend of a Democracy Promoter

George W. Bush will not be judged kindly by history. But make no mistake: his freedom agenda will endure in the next administration and beyond.

Books & Reviews

A Ticking Bomber

There is no simple answer to the causes of terrorism. But three books offer insight into the complexities of man and his motivation to kill. These explanations come not from academic tomes, nor expositions by the burgeoning cottage industry of ter

Bridge On The River Euphrates

The much-vaunted surge has made Iraq safer. But more boots in the desert is not the only reason security has improved. As U.S. forces get ready to leave, we have to face some inconvenient political realities.

League of Demagoguery

We live in a world where the failures of a botched freedom agenda are everpresent. Yet no one in the foreign-policy establishment of either party seems to understand the changing realities of international affairs—or articulate coherent policy alt

The Realist

Voting Blind

John McCain and Barack Obama are busily offering foreign-policy platitudes on the campaign trail, mostly about spreading freedom, working with allies and hunting down terrorists. But what exactly would they do if elected? Digging ourselves out of

Follow The National Interest

February 12, 2012