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(L-R) FBI Director Christopher Wray, Director of the National Security Agency Gen. Paul Nakasone, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, and CIA Director William Burns testify during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing concerning worldwide threats, on Capitol Hill March 8, 2023 in Washington, DC. The leaders of the intelligence agencies testified on a wide range of issues, including China, Covid-19 origins, and TikTok. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

To Strengthen US National Security, Diverse Teams Should Be a Given

The field shows important signs of critical gains but also more work to do to elevate women, particularly women of color.
President Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Salman stand next to each other.

A Long-Forgotten Law Could Force the U.S. to Re-Evaluate its Relationship with Saudi Arabia

Section 502B(c) is a potent tool to accelerate congressional oversight of support to countries with concerning human rights records. 
People take part in a demonstration outside Georgia's Parliament in Tbilisi on March 8, 2023 called by Georgian opposition and civil society groups against government plans to introduce controversial "foreign agent" legislation, reminiscent of Russian legislation to pressure critics. The calls came after more than sixty of people were detained and dozens of police officers wounded in violent clashes that broke out in the capital Tbilisi late the day before, amid fears of democratic backsliding in Georgia. Some of the protesters carry a sign that says, "Stop Russia." (Photo by VANO SHLAMOV/AFP via Getty Images)

Backsliding: Georgia’s Crackdown on Civil Society May Be Just a Start

If the Biden administration wants to curb authoritarian trends, it should maintain its heightened attention to civil liberties in Georgia.
Kosovan Albanians walk past a monument that usually spells "Newborn" and has been rearranged to spell "No New BR" for "No New Broken Republic" in Pristina on Feb. 27, 2023. The monument represents a different message each year for Independence Day and this year is painted in the blue and yellow of Kosovo's flag. The European Union and the United States are turning up pressure on Kosovo and Serbia to reach a deal intended to lead to normalized ties between the foes, but critics say the agreement would divide the country ethnically between its ethnic Albanian majority and Serbs. (Photo by ARMEND NIMANI/AFP via Getty Images)

The Fallacy of US and EU Policy in the Western Balkans

Unlike their approach to Ukraine, the partners have largely coddled Russian satellites whose actions increasingly destabilize the region.

Насильницьке переміщення Росією українських цивільних осіб: Громадянське суспільство, підзвітність, справедливість

Ці спільні зусилля є практичним проявом єдності та солідарності міжнародної спільноти, спрямованої…

Russia’s Forcible Transfers of Ukrainian Civilians: How Civil Society Aids Accountability and Justice

A Ukrainian whose organization received the Nobel Peace Prize writes with an exiled Russian democracy activist and a US legal-rights advocate on the challenge of documenting these…
Kazakh police officers carry a protestor

As Secretary Blinken Arrives, Political Prisoners Wait for the `New Kazakhstan’

A political opponent whose husband is jailed says the US enables President Tokayev's repression and buys his empty promises of reform.

The US Needs a Strategy for (Human) Security Cooperation

The result is a frequent perception of enabling rights abuses and atrocities committed by foreign military partners.
A row of black rifles on display for sale against a red background.

U.S. Guns Are Fueling Violence in Central America, Here’s How to Help Stop the Arms Flow

Guns made in the U.S. are exporting death to its neighbors. The Biden administration should increase end-user checks against misuse.
Close-up of a handshake of two politicians after negotiations on a blue background with a US flag

Toward a Values-Based Foreign Policy: Developing an Ethical Checklist

The Biden administration can do more to develop and implement a “values-based” approach to foreign policy.
US Capitol Building against a sunset

Congress Mandates Sweeping Transparency Reforms for International Agreements

"While there are still important gaps in the oversight regime, this legislative enactment represents the most significant transparency reform for international agreements in a…
TOPSHOT - An art mural of slain US-Palestinian correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh is pictured at a section of Israel's separation fence between Jerusalem and the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank on December 6, 2022. - The United States said today it opposed Al Jazeera taking the killing of Palestinian-American reporter Shireen Abu Akleh to the International Criminal Court, renewing objections to investigations involving Israel. Al Jazeera submitted the case of slain journalist Shireen Abu Akleh to the International Criminal Court, saying the veteran reporter was deliberately killed by Israeli forces. (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP) (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Shireen Abu Akleh’s Killing Raises Questions about U.S. Security Assistance to Israel

U.S. officials should ensure the Leahy laws are applied consistently to all countries, including Israel.
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