This week's curated content continues its special focus on both the grand strategy implications of a Joe Biden presidency, and the implications of Donald Trump's decisions between now and Inauguration Day. With Trump's announcement that troop numbers will be reduced to 2,500, the topic of Afghanistan withdrawal is on every restrainer's mind. William Ruger and Rajan Menon came out with a forceful piece in support of withdrawal. Daniel DePetris' piece provides additional political support for withdrawal, countering critics who suggest it is "rushed" after nearly two decades of quagmire. Finally, we have a piece by Bonnie Kristian arguing that a reduction to 2,500 troops is not enough, and that anything less than a full withdrawal is not acceptable. Of course, troop withdrawals are not only relevant to Afghanistan. Daniel Larison makes the case for a general drawback in our military engagement in the Middle East. John Cookson makes the same case for withdrawal of American troops stationed in Europe. And Daniel Immerwahr argues that America should reject the self-conception of being the world's "policeman." Turning our attention to Biden, we recommend to our readers Brandon Valeriano and Eric Gomez's piece on Biden as a restrainer by circumstance, not design. Of course, the biggest question relating to Biden's foreign policy is his intended approach with China. Bonnie Kristian again bucks campaign rhetoric and suggests that Biden may in fact be tougher on China than even Trump. Whatever the case, Biden must understand the geopolitical context he is entering, and readers would do well to conclude with another piece by Doug Bandow, reminding Biden that the world is quite different from the one that existed when Biden was VP. Essential Reading H-Diplo Bottom line: This symposium review of "The Age of Illusions: How America Squandered Its Cold War Victory" by Andrew Bacevich generally agrees with the author's thesis that American f... In the News Geoff LaMear, USA Today James Webb, Daily Caller Amber Athey, Responsible Statecraft Doug Bandow, National Interest Jacob Silverman, New Republic Willis Krumholz, Townhall Kelley Beaucar Vlahos, Responsible Statecraft Doug Bandow, American Conservative Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker Kate Kizer, Responsible Statecraft Geoff LaMear, National Interest Scott Shackford, Reason John Richard Cookson, The Hill Ivan Eland, Responsible Statecraft Bonnie Kristian, American Conservative Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft The idea of “American exceptionalism” — and the worldwide military dominance that often comes with it — has long been seen as an untouchable third rail in U.S. politics. But recent polls from the Eurasia Group Foundation and the Chicago Council show that Americans, especially younger Americans, are increasingly skeptical of the idea that America is exceptional or needs to police the world. Radio National Breakfast John Glaser joins to discuss Trump's plans for an early withdrawal of US troops from Iraq and Afghanistan and the incoming Biden administration officials' wait for vital security and defense briefings Empire Has No Clothes Matt, Kelley, and Daniel speak to Justin Logan of the Center for the Study of Statesmanship. He discusses why the Middle East isn't that important and whether anyone has the faintest idea what to do about China. We also talk about the final days of Donald Trump's presidency, troop withdrawals and a possible bombing of Iran Frank Morano Show Daniel Davis explains why Trump's withdrawal from Afghanistan is not only a good idea, it doesn't go far enough: full withdrawal is most needed Power Problems How will President‐elect Biden change US foreign policy? John Glaser talks to Emma Ashford of the Atlantic Council about the transition from Trump to Biden. Gulf International Forum Dr. Annelle Sheline explains how should President-elect Joe Biden address U.S. arms sales to the UAE and Saudi Arabia in addition to the war in Yemen. War on the Rocks Podcast Rebecca Lissner, Mira Rapp-Hooper, and Stephen Wertheim join Doyle Hodges to share their views on American foreign policy and international order. Gulf International Forum Dr. Annelle Sheline, Research Fellow in the Middle East Program at the Quincy Institute explains how should President-elect Joe Biden address U.S.-Iran relations. |