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Great Powers

Commentary

The (Almost) Triumph of Offshore Balancing

The fact of U.S. decline is undeniable. A new grand strategy is in order.

The Perils of Militarized Diplomacy

As American power wanes, Washington is running out of ways to influence small European democracies.

Attacks on McFaul Reveal Bigger Reset Issues

Russian media insults directed at the new U.S. ambassador send a message about lingering problems in the U.S.-Russia relationship.

Essays

Night Thoughts on Europe

Europe’s problems go far beyond deflating currency and rising debt. It suffers from a lack of will, a crisis of confidence—and a serious identity problem. The once-great superpower has already fallen. Centuries of predominance slip away.

The End of the American Era

Two lost wars. Eroding infrastructure. A crippled economy. The time when the United States could create and lead a political, economic and security order in virtually every part of the world is over. The cure? A new American strategy.

Debating a Democratic China

Experts opine on how democracy would change China's foreign-policy priorities.

Hegemony with Chinese Characteristics

At its core, ideology fuels the epic struggle between Washington and Beijing. Deeply insecure about its own legitimacy, the Communist Party seeks the subordination of its regional neighbors to appease the nationalist wing of its body politic.

Imperial by Design

Like his two most recent predecessors, President Obama is embarking on a disastrous foreign policy bent on global domination.

The Importance of Being Winston

The British Bulldog's unique ability to win Stalin's respect and trust in August 1942 proved that great national leadership matters.

Blogs

China in the Persian Gulf

U.S. pressure on Iran is backfiring. China is making sure of it.

Books & Reviews

Schemes That Set the Desert on Fire

After WWI, Britain and France made the Arab world the object of history, not its subject. James Barr’s new book shows that the Middle East was born crazy. Later misunderstandings and manipulations were laid atop well-worn grooves.

The Contradictions of George Kennan

George Kennan presents a study in paradox. With penetrating scholarship, John Lewis Gaddis explores Kennan’s complex psychology and provides an intellectual history of the Cold War in his comprehensive and wonderfully written biography.

Report and Retort: Man of Steel, Re-forged

Geoffrey Roberts, the author of Stalin's Wars, responds to Andrew J. Bacevich's review of the book in the September/October issue of The National Interest.

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February 4, 2012