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International relations theory

Delusions of Indispensability

The notion that America is the world's "indispensable nation" is hardly questioned, even as it fosters strategic overreach.

Unintelligent Design

In the wake of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, Americans cried out for catharsis. The 9/11 Commission delivered. What we are left with is an ill-conceived bureacracy in the guise of reform.

American Jihad

Al-Qaeda has accomplished the unthinkable: establishing an embryonic recruitment, radicalization and operational capacity on our shores. Our current strategy risks another 9/11.

On War and Choice

It has long been said that there are wars of necessity and wars of choice. But enemies always adapt, especially in our world of terrorists, failing states and delinquent regimes. Every war is a war of choice.

The Kremlin Begs To Differ

One doesn’t need to be a Russian domestic radical or a foreign Russophobe to see major flaws in the way Russia is ruled. The population, however, is satisfied with the status quo...for now.

Shades of Abu Ghraib

The grisly subject of torture is back with us again. A look back at the dark days of de Gaulle's struggle to hold onto Algeria reveals consequences that echo loudly in our newest fight to retain what it means to be civilized.

Commentary

A TNI Classic: Kenneth Waltz on Nuclear Zero

The late theorist debated Scott D. Sagan on the future of the ultimate weapon in 2010.

Kenneth Waltz's Crucial Logic

Why the scholar's thought continues to have an enormous impact.

Kenneth Waltz and the Power of Pure Theory

Waltz had a gift for rigorously linking the theoretical with the practical.

Blogs

Dan Drezner Is (Partly) Wrong about Realism

Realists may still exist in the academy, but in Washington they are few and far between.

Henry Farrell Should Know Better

Why Farrell's caricature of realist thought is incomplete, incorrect and downright silly.

The (Perpetually) False Promise of International Institutions

It's game, set and match for realism in the latest showdown with the liberals.

Books & Reviews

Institutional Imperialism

John Ikenberry's latest—Liberal Leviathan—offers a relentless mantra on the merits of the global liberal order while painting over the inherent tension between U.S. power and multilateral cooperation.

The Willing Misinterpreter

Despite Goldhagen's extraordinary claims, he himself concedes in his unwittingly revealing afterword that he is not presenting much in the way of original research.

The Laws of War

Stopping torture and changing the policies of the Bush administration may not be enough. With a whole new type of terrorist bred from extraordinary rendition and torture, the last eight years may well prove inescapable.

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June 20, 2013