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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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British-operated oil tanker Marlin Lunda on fire in the Red Sea after missile attack by Houthi Yemen forces, January 26, 2024.
British-operated oil tanker Marlin Lunda on fire in the Red Sea after missile attack by Houthi Yemen forces, January 26, 2024. REUTERS

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.

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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.
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Election 2024: Which Party Will Control Congress?
Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This week: The competition for control of the House and Senate looks to be as close as the race for the White House.
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Happy 249th Birthday, U.S. Navy!
The U.S. Navy marks 249 years of service. 
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    Election 2024: Where the Election Stands One Month Before Election Day
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This week: With polls showing a neck-and-neck race, both presidential campaigns are looking to turn out their supporters.
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    Election 2024: Are Americans Ready for Another Close Presidential Election?
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This week: Election 2024 could produce another controversial and chaotic outcome that intensifies rather than closes the country’s divisions.
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    Election 2024: Donald Trump Has Vowed to Raise Tariffs. Can He?
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This week: Congress is empowered to set tariff policy, but it has delegated much of its authority to the president.
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    Happy 77th Birthday to the United States Air Force
    The United States Air Force marks seventy-seven years of service today. 
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    Election 2024: Did the Harris-Trump Debate Reset the Presidential Race?
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: History suggests that any bump Kamala Harris gets from the debate will be fleeting.
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    Election 2024: The United States Has a Debt Problem
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: Whoever wins in November could find their policy plans stymied by a mounting national debt.
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    Election 2024: Kamala Harris and Tim Walz Sit Down With CNN
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: The Democratic presidential nominee wasn’t asked about the biggest issues she would face as president.