Department of State
269 Articles

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

Cuando la corrupción no tiene rastro de dinero: las sanciones pasan por alto casos cruciales
En Guatemala, se expulsan los últimos defensores contra la corrupción, una tendencia que debería generar tanta preoccupación como el soborno tradicional.

When Corruption Has No Money Trail: Sanctions Overlook Crucial Cases
Guatemala’s last anti-corruption stewards are being forced out, a trend that should raise as many alarms as traditional bribery and graft.

Putin’s Gamble on Ukraine
The US will face many such challenges from Russia and China in the future, so it must learn how to suppress threats like this one.

The Impact on Israel’s National Security of Reopening – or Not – of a US Consulate for Palestinians in Jerusalem
The decision will affect three factors: Israel's relationship with the US, the Palestinian Authority's capacity, and Jerusalem's future.