Doug Bandow

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a terrible crime. Not that such behavior is unusual in a world riven by conflict. In a little-covered war a quarter century ago an estimated 5.4 million people died in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The international community, such as it is, barely noticed. Nor can the plenitude of sanctimonious … Continue reading “How Does the Russo-Ukraine War End? Prudence, Not Passion, Should Guide Washington”

Mitt Romney narrowly missed being elected president in 2012. So sure was he of victory that he reportedly spent a million dollars on fireworks to celebrate. Oops. Americans were lucky. A majority were prescient in rejecting his candidacy, just as they did Sen. John McCain’s bid four years before. McCain was dangerously unbalanced, ready to … Continue reading “Pushing Nuclear War: Mitt Romney Reminds Americans That He Was Unfit To Be President”

The Washington foreign policy elite, aka the Blob, hates nothing more than dissent from the conventional wisdom that the US must always do more, ever more, in the world. Those who disagree are treated as fools or traitors. Every Friday the Washington Post engages in its weekly act of journalistic masturbation, when one of its … Continue reading “The Washington Blob: Its Blind Arrogance May Lead to War with Russia”

Chris Bryant, the British MP who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Russia, appears to be either a fool or knave. He confuses banning Russian tennis players from Wimbledon with defeating Moscow in war. And demagogues anyone who questions punishing people who have done nothing other than be born in Russia. Russia’s attack on Ukraine … Continue reading “Demagoguery Won’t Stop Moscow’s Aggression: West Should Stop Sacrificing Principles in Ukraine’s Name”

The war between Russia and Ukraine continues to dominate media headlines and Washington’s attention. But an even bigger black swan event could be occurring. COVID-19 has breached North Korea’s border defenses, forcing every city in the country into lockdown. Although the Omicron variant is more infectious, it also is milder, which has allowed the US … Continue reading “While Ukraine Dominates the News, North Korea Could Become the Next Great Crisis”

Originally appeared at the American Institute for Economic Research. Perhaps the most persistent foreign policy mantra in Washington, voiced by Republicans and Democrats alike, is the importance of American “leadership.” Without US “leadership” the rest of the world is lost. But with Washington’s taking the lead, the rest of the world, friends and foes alike, … Continue reading “Washington Needs To Play Better With Others: Relearning the Art of Diplomacy”

Even New York Times columnist Tom Friedman is getting worried about America sliding into war with Russia. The problem is not the ends, which he shares with the Biden administration. Rather, it is the means. Despite President Biden’s assurance that Washington would not send troops to Ukraine, US involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian war has steadily … Continue reading “Americans Don’t Want War With Russia”

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss seems intent on promoting grand designs beyond her nation’s abilities. Last month she proclaimed the need for "a global NATO." She dismissed what she decried as "the false choice between Euro-Atlantic security and Indo-Pacific security. In the modern world we need both." The transatlantic alliance "must have a global outlook, … Continue reading “Make NATO a Pacific Power? British Government Comes Up With Another Dumb Idea”

Pity President Joe Biden. His spendthrift fiscal policies spurred an inflationary wave. His sanctions against Russia roiled energy markets, already suffering from long-standing restrictions on the sale of Iranian and Venezuelan oil. When he went, hat-in-hand, to the oppressive Saudi monarchy the king refused to take his call. The Emiratis treated him no better. Even … Continue reading “US Should Stop Playing the Supplicant to Saudi Arabia”

President Joe Biden continues to spend with wild abandon. His latest plan to ensure Uncle Sam’s coming bankruptcy is to propose $33 billion "in security, economic, and humanitarian aid" for Ukraine. Why the US? Americans have spent nearly eight decades protecting Europe. European governments, after shamelessly leeching off US taxpayers for the entire Cold War … Continue reading “Europe, Not America, Should Keep Ukraine Afloat”