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The Water's Edge

James M. Lindsay analyzes the politics shaping U.S. foreign policy and the sustainability of American power.

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The U.S. Capitol on January 16, 2025.
The U.S. Capitol on January 16, 2025. REUTERS/Marko Djurica
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Transition 2025: U.S. Foreign Policy on the Eve of Disruption

by James M. Lindsay January 17, 2025

Each Friday, I examine what is happening with President-elect Donald Trump’s transition to the White House. This week: Donald Trump has vowed to remake U.S. foreign policy and has assembled a team that will help him do it.  

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Featured

Foreign Policy

Ten Most Significant World Events in 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, here are the ten most notable world events of the year. 

Article by James M. Lindsay December 23, 2024 The Water's Edge

Elections and Voting

Ten Elections to Watch in 2025
Numerous countries will hold elections in 2025. Here are ten to watch.

Article by James M. Lindsay December 10, 2024 The Water's Edge

United States

Ten Anniversaries to Note in 2025

As 2024 comes to a close, here are ten notable historical anniversaries to mark in 2025. 

Post by James M. Lindsay December 3, 2024 The Water's Edge

U.S. Foreign Policy Program

The President's Inbox Episodes by Topic (2023-2024)

Each episode of The President's Inbox from 2023 and 2024 organized by topic.  

Article by James M. Lindsay January 6, 2025 The Water's Edge

United States

Transition 2025: Did Trump Win an “Unprecedented and Powerful Mandate”?

Each Friday, I examine what is happening with President-elect Donald Trump’s transition to the White House. This week: Donald Trump’s victory was closer, and his mandate less impressive, than Election Night reports suggested.  

Post by James M. Lindsay November 22, 2024 The Water's Edge

United States

Election 2024: How to Respond to the Axis of Autocracies
Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This week: Increased cooperation among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea will present the next president with tough choices.

Post by James M. Lindsay October 25, 2024 The Water's Edge

United States

Election 2024: Is the United States Ready to Confront the Axis of Autocracies?
Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This week: Rising cooperation among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea will likely test whoever takes office on Inauguration Day.

Post by James M. Lindsay October 18, 2024 The Water's Edge

Global

The President's Inbox Episodes by Topic

A comprehensive list of each episode of The President's Inbox organized by topic. 

Post by James M. Lindsay March 4, 2021 The Water's Edge

U.S. Foreign Policy

TWE Book and Film Recommendations
Looking for something to read or watch? Here is a list of all the books and films recommended on The Water’s Edge.

Post by James M. Lindsay November 10, 2021 The Water's Edge

United States

TWE History-Related Blogs and Videos
A list of all blog posts and videos reflecting on historical events from The Water's Edge. 

Post by James M. Lindsay December 1, 2021 The Water's Edge

United States

TWE Remembers: Learning More About the Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban missile crisis brought the United States and the Soviet Union closer to nuclear war than any other event during the Cold War. President John F. Kennedy put the odds of war at “somewhere bet…

Post by James M. Lindsay October 16, 2012 The Water's Edge

United States

The History of the Cold War in 40 Quotes
On Monday, I posted my nominees for ten Cold War histories worth reading. But many people don’t have the time or patience to plow through comprehensive histories. So for TWE readers looking to save t…

Post by James M. Lindsay November 7, 2014 The Water's Edge

Vietnam

The Vietnam War in Forty Quotes
Last month, I did a series of posts commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of U.S. combat troops in Vietnam on March 8, 1965. Today marks another significant date in the Vietnam War: t…

Post by James M. Lindsay April 30, 2015 The Water's Edge

United States
Remembering the Best (and Worst) Presidential Inaugural Addresses
With Inauguration Day on Monday, here are the seven best inaugural addresses.   
Post by James M. Lindsay January 17, 2025 The Water's Edge
United States
Twelve Things You Probably Do Not Know About Presidential Inaugurations
As Donald Trump prepares to take office for the second time, here are twelve lesser-known facts about Inauguration Day.  
Post by James M. Lindsay January 16, 2025 The Water's Edge
United States
Transition 2025: A Report the Incoming Trump Administration Should Read
Each Friday, I examine what is happening with President-elect Donald Trump’s transition to the White House. This week: The Center for Preventive Action at CFR surveyed the potential crises Trump could face in his first year.
Post by James M. Lindsay January 10, 2025 The Water's Edge
  • U.S. Foreign Policy Program
    The President's Inbox Episodes by Topic (2023-2024)
    Each episode of The President's Inbox from 2023 and 2024 organized by topic.  
    Article by James M. Lindsay January 6, 2025 The Water's Edge
  • United States
    Transition 2025: What Will Donald Trump Do About Iran?
    Each Friday, I examine what is happening with President-elect Donald Trump’s transition to the White House. This week: The forty-seventh president wants a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program and faces a big decision if he cannot get it.
    Post by James M. Lindsay January 3, 2025 The Water's Edge
  • United States
    Transition 2025: Donald Trump Sets His Sights on Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal
    Each Friday, I examine what is happening with President-elect Donald Trump’s transition to the White House. This week: Trump’s talk of reclaiming the Panama Canal, acquiring Greenland, and incorporating Canada undermines U.S. interests.
    Post by James M. Lindsay December 27, 2024 The Water's Edge
  • Foreign Policy
    Ten Most Significant World Events in 2024
    As 2024 comes to a close, here are the ten most notable world events of the year. 
    Article by James M. Lindsay December 23, 2024 The Water's Edge
  • United States
    Transition 2025: Another Government Shutdown Looms
    Each Friday, I examine what is happening with President-elect Donald Trump’s transition to the White House. This week: Donald Trump helped scuttle a deal to keep the U.S. government open but exposed the limits of his influence.
    Post by James M. Lindsay December 20, 2024 The Water's Edge
  • United States
    Happy Birthday to the U.S. Space Force!
    The U.S. Space Force marks the completion of its fifth year as it seeks to secure U.S. interests in space. 
    Post by James M. Lindsay December 20, 2024 The Water's Edge
  • United States
    The 2024 Election by the Numbers
    With the Electoral College votes now cast, here is a recap of how Americans voted in 2024.
    Article by James M. Lindsay December 18, 2024 The Water's Edge