| This week's curated content continues its focus on the grand strategy implications of the incoming Biden presidency. Doug Bandow's piece calls upon Biden to pivot to a "humbler" foreign policy. Biden's foreign policy will of course depend on whom he hires to implement it. Jack Detsch writes about how restraint-oriented progressives are attempting to influence Biden's personnel decisions. Robert Wright, on the other hand, laments foreign policy "idealists" around Biden with a penchant for military engagement. Apart from personnel, it is also crucial to understand what Biden's policies are with respect to particular regions, and the forces shaping those policies. Daniel DePetris offers advice to Biden on how to correct course with Iran, while Mitchell Plitnick explores how Biden might deal with Israel. Institutions will also play a role in shaping foreign policy during Biden's presidency, and readers interested in NATO will benefit from Gil Barndollar's piece speculating on a new role for that institution in countering China. Finally, given the tendency of domestic politics to affect foreign policy, Daniel Larison's piece on the future of conservative foreign policy helps to shed light on the political terrain in which Biden will be crafting his foreign policy agenda. Original Posts Richard Hanania, RealClearPublicAffairs In mid-November, 15 Asia-Pacific countries, representing a third of global economic output, announced the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The deal ... Essential Reading Heidi Peltier, Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs Bottom line: The privatization and commercialization of foreign policy objectives through military contractors has led to increased government costs because contractors lack competit... In the News Daniel DePetris, Responsible Statecraft Andrew Bacevich, Responsible Statecraft Matt Purple, American Conservative Jack Detsch, Foreign Policy Daniel DePetris, Defense News Joseph Cirincione, American Prospect Doug Bandow, American Conservative Jacob Silverman, New Republic Robert Wright, Washington Post Daniel DePetris, Newsweek Mitchell Plitnick, Responsible Statecraft Bonnie Kristian, Defense One Daniel Larison, American Conservative Gil Barndollar, National Interest Mark Perry, Foreign Policy Empire Has No Clothes This week on Empire Has No Clothes, we talked with Barbara Slavin of the Atlantic Council about Iran and whether Joe Biden can ease our tensions with Tehran. Kelley, Dan, and I also discussed the latest defense authorization bill and all the terrible provisions therein. Net Assessment Melanie, Chris, and Zack wrap up 2020 by reviewing developments over the last year and debating what might happen in 2021. They disagree over the wisdom of Lloyd Austin’s nomination for secretary of defense, and discuss which of Donald Trump’s foreign policy decisions were the best and worst over the last year. Empire Has No Clothes Matt, Kelley, and Dan speak with William Astore, retired lieutenant colonel (USAF), who teaches history at the Pennsylvania College of Technology. We discuss the Lloyd Austin appointment as Joe Biden's defense secretary, America’s endless wars, the missing antiwar movement, and the need for greater public engagement with foreign policy. | 
