Doug Bandow

Attempting to apply historical lessons to current events typically is problematic. Circumstances change dramatically; almost any moment in time in 1914 looks radically different from any one in 2020. The rise of a dictator and onset of a war may be examples of dangerous trends to be avoided, but rarely are similar enough to current … Continue reading “Washington Should Remember the Past and Avoid a World War I Redux”

With Joe Biden leading in the polls and Republicans in trouble in the Senate, progressives are hoping for the sort of political revolution that Lyndon Johnson’s 1964 landslide over Barry Goldwater delivered. Biden has raced left, abandoning many of the positions which gave him his moderate reputation. If victorious, the aging, oft befuddled candidate seems … Continue reading “Imagine a President Joe Biden: What Would be a Progressive Foreign Policy?”

The world is filled with many oppressive tyrants, determined to rule irrespective of the desires of their peoples. Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Salman, or MbS as the crown prince is known, is one. Shockingly, he enjoys Washington’s full protection. President Donald Trump’s warped belief that Riyadh is a key ally has caused the Trump administration … Continue reading “Saudi Arabia’s Royal Dictatorship Threatens American Interests and Values”

Should the U.S. be ready to go to war with Russia over Ukraine? NATO’s answer is yes. At least, leaders of the transatlantic alliance continue to encourage Kiev’s ambition to join NATO, thereby becoming yet another costly Washington defense dependent. US policymakers should remember that alliances are supposed to be a means to the end, … Continue reading “Defend America, Not Ukraine: Treat Kiev as a Friend Rather Than an Ally”

As if viewing gambling at Rick’s Café Americain in Casablanca, Washington policymakers are shocked, shocked to discover that China, too, can apply economic pressure. Complained the Heritage Foundation’s James Carafano: "the Chinese Communist government slapped sanctions on members of Congress as well as a U.S. ambassador. This action is intended to send the world a … Continue reading “The Trump Administration’s Economic War on the World: Hitting Adversaries, Punishing Innocents, Angering Allies”

The People’s Republic of China is evolving into a great power. Its military spending ranks second behind America. The People’s Liberation Army is acquiring formidable capabilities. President Xi Jinping, Chairman of the Central Military Commission and de facto PLA commander-in-chief, has demonstrated that he is willing to use China’s military. This has spurred demands in … Continue reading “War Is Not an Option: China’s Growing Military Strength Threatens America’s Influence, Not Survival”

Three decades ago Iraq’s Saddam Hussein invaded neighboring Kuwait. It was no contest. Hussein was vastly more ruthless than Kuwait’s emir. Iraq’s military was significantly larger than Kuwait’s armed forces. Hussein declared his conquest to be Iraq’s 19th province. However, President George H.W. Bush decided that Iraq’s aggression would not stand. The following February the … Continue reading “America’s 30-Year War Against Iraq: Bring the Troops Home”

The U.S. is the most militarized and warlike nation on earth. Most Americans don’t think of their nation that way. Indeed, stating this fact often generates anger and outrage. However, what other state has gone to war so often since the Cold War ended? Certainly not the countries most likely to be on the Right’s … Continue reading “When Should the US Go to War?”

As the Trump administration pushes the U.S. toward a new Cold War with China, it has become conventional wisdom that America’s opening to the People’s Republic of China "failed." Trading with the PRC and bringing it into the World Trade Organization were supposed to turn the communist state into a liberal democracy. Since that didn’t … Continue reading “Engagement With China Was a Success: Trade Helped Transform a Totalitarian State”

The sun never sets on the American Empire, which is no less extensive than the British Empire. What makes Washington’s imperial domain unique is that it regularly expands without conquest. Now members of the ever-hawkish Republican Party want make Taiwan an official defense client, with Washington promising to defend the island from the People’s Republic … Continue reading “Ready to Go to War? Republicans Beat the War Drums Over Taiwan”