Department of State
290 Articles

US Government’s $300 Million for West Africa — How to Make it Count
To turn the tide in democracies under stress, the US needs to balances near-term increases in stability with aid for democratic governance.

Not Reassuring: NSM-20 and the Limits of Law-of-War Assurances in the Transfer of U.S. Arms
Analysis of how Biden's National Security Memorandum (NSM-20) may operate in regulating the transfer of U.S. arms amid concerns of international humanitarian law violations.

A Welcome US Course Adjustment – But Now the Western Balkans Needs a Full Policy Recalibration
Recent warnings to Bosnian separatists and other obstructionists are helpful, but deeper changes are needed. The upcoming Biden-Scholz meeting is a chance.

Shaming without Naming: The Limits of Anonymous U.S. Visa Sanctions for Accountability
The Biden administration needs to use visa sanctions more transparently if they are to have a serious political impact.

Congress Must Strengthen Oversight on Intelligence Sharing and Civilian Harm
Congress must do more to track how intelligence sharing with allies and partners contributes to civilian harm.

National Security at the United Nations This Week (Jan. 8-12)
The latest on the intersection of national security, human rights, and the rule of law at the United Nations.

National Security at the United Nations This Week (Dec. 4-Dec. 8)
The latest in our weekly series on UN developments at the intersection of national security, human rights, and the rule of law.

The Biden Administration Should Continue Rebuffing NSO Group’s Latest Lobbying Efforts.
The NSO Group's efforts to curry favor and evade accountability in the United States must fail due to its role in global human rights abuses.

Law and Policy Guide to US Arms Transfers to Israel
A guide to the humanitarian law conditions on U.S. arms sales and security assistance to Israel.

Key Takeaways from September 28 House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing on AUMF Reform
The HFAC hearing clarified the shallowness of the Biden administration’s conception of AUMF reform, divisions between the political branches and within the House, and the risks…

The Ongoing National Security Threats Posed by Senator Bob Menendez
Two former intelligence officers assess the counterintelligence concerns raised by the DOJ allegations against Senator Bob Menendez.

Pivoting to Prevention: How the Biden Administration Can Accelerate Implementation of the Atrocity Prevention Agenda
The U.S. can more effectively anticipate and halt atrocities worldwide through prioritizing atrocity prevention and leveraging tools.