Our curated content for the week continues to explore geopolitical developments between China and the United States, especially as they are shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. On this theme, we call the reader's attention to Paul Pillar's piece in Responsible Statecraft. Pillar voices concern that a partisan approach to the pandemic could unnecessarily undermine the legitimacy of our institutions, as well as our ability to deal with China in a measured fashion. This piece is especially interesting to read in conjunction with Ted Galen Carpenter's piece arguing against any attempt by the Biden campaign to "out-hawk" the GOP on the China issue. Readers interested in the Middle East will profit from Matt Purple's article that lays out in stark relief the realities of the region in contrast to the "idealistic" justifications for intervention. Doug Bandow's piece illustrates the persistence of the "regime change" posture in American foreign policy, despite the increased purchase of arguments such as Purple's. Daniel DePetris' piece on Afghanistan withdrawal deal rounds out our coverage of mid-east grand strategy. Essential Reading Paul Pillar, Cato Institute Bottom Line: Since 9/11, the United States has overstated the dangers of terrorist organizations and other “substate” actors. This misperception has hindered U.S. foreign policy for ... In the News Michael T. Klare, Responsible Statecraft Daniel DePetris, NBC News Daniel Benaim and Jake Sullivan, Foreign Affairs Paul Pillar, Responsible Statecraft Daniel DePetris, National Interest Ben Freeman, Responsible Statecraft Doug Bandow, American Conservative James Dorsey, Responsible Statecraft Daniel DePetris, Washington Examiner Alissa J. Rubin & Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times Doug Bandow, Responsible Statecraft Matt Purple, American Conservative Doug Bandow, American Spectator Jessica Lee, Responsible Statecraft Michael Vlahos, American Conservative John Quincy Adams Society We hear from the well-known international relations theorist on how the coronavirus outbreak may impact the balance of power in the international system. Will this lead to a confrontation between the United States and China - or even end China's rise? Are states still the main actors on the international stage? Will the virus end globalization as we know it? Philip Leech-Ngo In “The Hell of Good Intentions,” Professor Stephen Walt argues that since the end of the Cold War, US foreign policy has suffered a string of failures. Who or what is to blame? Cato Daily Podcast Are trade and foreign policy good ways to exact a price from China over COVID-19? Doug Bandow and Simon Lester comment Power Problems Mark Hannah of the Eurasia Group Foundation joins Emma Ashford and Trevor Thrall to talk about how the world views America and American‐style democracy in the age of COVID-19 |