What the Hell Is Putin Doing in Syria?
The presence of Russian troops in Syria will discourage other powers from invading.
Explainer
Why the Right Never Liked Substance-Over-Style Boehner
The right of the Republican Party can’t accept that it will never get everything it wants.
Why Japan Is Readying for War Again
Japan’s remilitarization could be the beginning of the end of China’s much-vaunted rise.
Why Israel Won’t Let the West Bank Go
Religious considerations aside, the West Bank gives Israel a security buffer many believe it needs.
Territorial Changes Shaped Polish Society
A century after it regained its independence, Poland is still divided between east and west.
Geography Renders Poland Vulnerable to Foreign Plots
In the absence of clear natural borders, Poland is vulnerable when its neighbors are strong.
Why Italy Is So Slow to Reform
Bureaucrats and local officials are slow to implement the changes politicians enact in Rome.
Oceania Has Always Been at War with Eurasia
Why geography condemns Russia, an insecure land power, to be at odds with America.
Why the West Shies Away from Fighting Islamic State
The Islamists do not pose much of a threat to the West and should be defeated by other Muslims.
Why India Still Can’t Let Go of Its Cold War Friend
Close relations with Russia are imperative if India is to offset Chinese influence in its neighborhood.
Four Traditions Inform American Foreign Policy
American foreign policy is successfully shaped by the competition of four schools for influence.
Why the Dutch Can’t Let Go of Black Pete
The Dutch draw a line in the sand against the erosion of their national culture.
Why Russia Can’t Accept the Status Quo in Ukraine
Freezing the War in Donbas would allow Ukraine to get its house in order and deepen its ties with the West.
Balancing Against Bigger Neighbors: Dutch Foreign Policy
From neutrality to Atlanticism, the Dutch have aimed to balance against their bigger neighbors.
Longing for Consensus: The Dutch Mentality
Coalition-building has been ingrained in the Dutch national character since before independence.