Department of State
285 Articles
Ralph Bunche and the Birth of UN Peacekeeping
It was in large part Bunche who truly launched peacekeeping as a tool of stability, one that often proved critical in the essential, revolutionary, but at times violent, postwar…
Is Colombia Trapped in “War Mode?” In Wake of Truth Commission, New Leftist Government Recalibrates US Ties
Strengthening rule of law and democracy will require re-engineering the joint policies of the US and Colombian governments.
As Turkey Backs Azerbaijan’s Recent Strikes on Armenian Towns, Where Are Russia, the EU, and the US?
For many reasons, including being the first US president to declare the WWI-era massacre of Armenians a genocide, Biden has cards to play.
Serbia’s Move to Cancel EuroPride Shows How Vučić Plays Off West Against Russia and His Base
Unrestrained and under pressure from his far-right base, his anti-Western and anti-human rights decisions will only become more extreme.
Myanmar Junta’s Execution of Activists Casts Harsh Light on Lack of U.S. Sanctions on Oil and Gas
The world awoke on July 25th to news that Myanmar’s military junta had executed four democracy activists following a sham judicial process, the first death sentences carried…
The Biden Administration’s China Policy: An Inventory of Actions to Address the Challenge
An overview shows a hardline approach partially inherited from Trump merged with an emphasis on working with allies and partners.
The “Leahy Laws” and U.S. Assistance to Ukraine
For practical and principled reasons, human rights compliance will continue to be paramount for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression.
How To Fix the Broken Position of U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa
The second successive early departure from the role highlights the need for reform.
With West Africa and Priority Countries Set, Potentially Game-Changing Global Fragility Act Still Faces Hurdles
Congress and the Biden administration still must move on funding and authorities to jump start the already delayed 10-year program.
Haitians Have Built Consensus on a Democratic Way Forward. Why Is an Undemocratic Leader Still in Office?
The Biden administration faces another inflection point in its support for a leader opposed by a civil society-led alliance.
Senate Hearing on Sudan: Is the US Ready for a Needed Reset?
US policy, including sanctions, should reflect the new reality on the ground and the Biden administration's stated commitment to democracy.
As Putin Lines Ukraine Border with Russian Troops, Is There a China Factor?
Even without the oft-discussed scenario of a simultaneous Chinese attack on Taiwan, Putin at least needs Xi's support for a new Ukraine invasion