Political philosophy Articles

The Good Autocrat

A stark contrast exists between the tyrannical rulers of the Middle East and the benign despots of East Asia. The precepts of Enlightenment thought dictate freedom for all, but Confucian leaders offer a heretical alternative to Western ideals.

Finding Forster

The antiliberal defenders of civilization—resisting the Ground Zero mosque—are wrong. Liberalism still offers the best hope for combating extremism.

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.

Teuton the Introvert

Germany was once the most powerful nation on the Continent. Now it is spiraling toward mediocrity.

The Bell Tolls for NATO

NATO is in a struggle for its life, and Afghanistan just may deliver the fatal blow.

Perestroika Cubana

Rather than using the Chinese model of gradualism, the Castro brothers should look to Eastern Europe for cues.

Learning to Appreciate France

The United States can’t bring the democratic nations of the world together—why should we expect it to lead the way for everyone else?

Mid-Life Crisis?

The OSCE is not a relic of the Cold War. Instead, it may be the only body that can tackle problems across Eurasia.

Ahead of the Curve: The TNI Archives

Six-party talks over North Korea’s nuclear weapons program are set to resume this Thursday on the heels of failed talks in December and Kim Jong-il’s provocative nuclear test in October. TNI takes a look back at other crucial junctures in A

Lines in the Sand

A nation-state’s borders are not sacrosanct. Failed states should be fragmented into more governable parts.

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May 26, 2012