All Foreign Policy
Nikki Haley, known for a lead-from-in-front style, exiting UN postNikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, was in sync with President Trump on some issues, but out in front 鈥� perhaps too far聽鈥� on others. At the White House, that wasn't appreciated.
Venezuela crisis: In Latin America, tough Trump rhetoric increasingly in vogueWaves of refugees do more than strain resources in host countries. They also raise concerns of an angrier and more extreme form of politics that could undermine democracy.
Reporter's notebook: Watching as the world watches TrumpWhen the Monitor's chief diplomatic correspondent encounters Donald Trump, it's often in the presence of diplomats and foreign press, giving him insight into how the president plays to others.
At UN, a less restrained Trump expected to double down on America FirstIs President Trump withdrawing the US from its role as world leader? Not all agree. What is clear is his disinterest in the global order his predecessors built 鈥� and his increased confidence in his stance.
Why both Iran and US have taken hits from nuclear deal withdrawalOn the world stage, the use of brute strength is value-neutral only in rare instances. More often it catalyzes opposition, resentment, or active resistance. Yet it is still used.聽
Challenge to US sovereignty? In polls public accepts constraints on power.To engage in world affairs multilaterally, are Americans willing to give up any sovereignty? For many years, polls have indicated that they are, putting the public consistently at odds with political leaders.
Is Trump's rewrite of NAFTA hurting a partnership?President Trump has long characterized NAFTA as "the worst trade deal ever." But it was also envisioned as a political partnership that enhanced regional stability.
Palestinian refugees: Can Trump 鈥榙isruption鈥� alone solve complex issue?Efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian dispute have been stymied so long that the Trump philosophy of 鈥渄isruption鈥� would seem to be a perfect fit. But the complexity and emotion of the Palestinian refugee issue may require a step further.
What sanctions on Turkey say about Trump's brand of diplomacyTurkey's economy was already reeling when President Trump imposed toughened sanctions in a dispute over the detention and trial of an American pastor. The president's choice of such action is both unusual and telling, analysts say.
Why US talks with the Taliban are suddenly on the tableIs it as simple as the existence of a common enemy, ISIS? Some see a more complex motive: a US foreign-policy bureaucracy, wary of an uninterested and unpredictable president, trying to maintain a commitment to Afghanistan.
First LookWhite House assembles Middle East policy team to rollout peace planPresident Trump's Middle East policy team is soon to roll out, headed by聽Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt. The team will be responsible for Mr. Trump's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, a delicate diplomatic venture that would need to unite a divided Middle East.
Can Pompeo, appearing in Asia, carry off role of trusted seller?Is the United States a trustworthy partner or a retreating power? That question is on the minds of many in Asia as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo touts the evolving US policy toward China and the region.
After the summit: No new cold war, but no warming of ties eitherPresident Trump's remarks in Helsinki created a political firestorm at home. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the summit sent strong signals about the future of US-Russia ties and Moscow's behavior.
First LookAfter walk-back, Trump defends summit performanceAfter being strongly criticized for questioning US intelligence findings of Russian meddling, President Trump delivered a rare admission of error, but later defended his overall performance.聽
First LookIn tactical shift, US open to direct talks with TalibanThe US had previously only been open to talks with the Taliban if they included the Afghan government. The goal of any future discussion would be to encourage negotiations between the Afghan government and the militant group, US officials said.聽
How strong a Europe does US want? In Trump era, that's still the issue.In Trump's interactions with NATO allies, the blunt talk, often-poor chemistry, and awkward optics grab headlines. But the underlying dichotomy of US policy goals in Europe has a familiar ring.
First LookTrump claims NATO allies will up spendingFrench President Emmanuel Macron聽quickly disputed President Trump's claim made during a surprise pivot in which he declared the alliance a "fine-tuned machine" but Mr. Trump did not give details on the agreement.聽
NATO: Does old squabble over costs mask US shift away from Europe?US presidents have long wrestled with the question, Is NATO worth it? A consensus might be: Yes, though Europe should pay more. But leaders there are concerned that something more fundamental is at play.
Backdrop for Putin summit: A pattern of Trump disrespecting allies?European officials looking back at the contentious Group of Seven summit and Trump's cozy follow-up in Singapore wonder what his NATO-Putin program means for US-European relations.
First LookUS wants North Korea denuclearized in a year, but concerns remainNational Security Adviser John Bolton said Sunday the United States has a plan for the dismantling of North Korea's nuclear program. But the timeline comes amid reports the North Koreans are lying about committing to full denuclearization.