“America First” and the global order. In an op-ed in the New York Times, Robert Kagan argues that isolationism and protectionism were popular among many Americans before Donald Trump arrived on the political scene. In a new episode of the Brookings Cafeteria podcast, Kagan and E.J. Dionne discuss America’s evolving but essential role in the liberal world order, drawing on the former's new book “The Jungle Grows Back.”

Trump and human rights. In an episode of the Brookings 5 on 45 podcast, Ted Piccone argues that some governments could use President Trump's focus on sovereignty during his U.N. speech as a shield to avoid being prosecuted for human rights abuses internationally.

The U.S.-Russia relationship. Amid a flurry of Russia-related foreign policy activity in Washington, Alina Polyakova and Filippos Letsas provide a continually updated timeline of major events in U.S.-Russia relations during the Trump presidency.

Crime in Mexico. Vanda Felbab-Brown writes that when Andrés Manuel López Obrador takes office as Mexico’s president in December, he will need to focus on developing a detailed strategy for a transition to civilian policing and the rule of law, in order to combat criminal violence.

Civilian leadership of the military. The growing divide between civilians and military personnel since 9/11 has led to persuasive, persistent, and unrealistic myths that have eroded faith in civilian leadership of U.S. defense policy, argue Mara Karlin and Alice Hund Friend.

Democracy across Africa. At a recent Brookings event, Senator Chris Coons of Delaware discussed what the United States can do to better support democratic development across the continent of Africa. Adam Twardowski summarizes the proceedings.

U.S.-China relations. Amid growing calls for the United States to abandon cooperation with China, Jeffrey Bader argues that engagement with Beijing continues to serve the U.S. national interest.

Election interference by China. Ryan Hass writes that President Trump's recent accusation of Chinese interference in the U.S. electoral process could lead to a significant downturn in relations that will erode the White House's leverage to influence Beijing.

Indian and Chinese foreign policy. In an episode of the Brookings Intersections podcast, Rush Doshi and Dhruva Jaishankar discuss the shifting balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, as Indian and Chinese regional influence expand.

The Maldives' election. Bruce Riedel writes that the recent election in the Maldives may have ousted an authoritarian leader favored by China and Saudi Arabia, but it is too soon to count out the losing party, which has a history of shady political dealings.

Japan and trade. Mireya Solís writes that Japan's response to the Trump administration's managed trade tactics and its push for bilateral trade negotiations will test its mettle as a leader of free trade.

Japanese air security. In a new paper, Masataka Oguro highlights the growing number of aerial intrusions into Japanese airspace, especially from China, and explains how Japan can adapt its policies to enhance its air security.

Tunisian inheritance law. Sharan Grewal highlights the politics behind Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi's effort to grant women equal rights to inheritance.

Saudi politics. Bruce Riedel writes that amid a brutal stalemate in its intervention in the Yemeni civil war, Saudi Arabia is facing its greatest political instability in five decades.

The limits of punishment: Transitional justice and violent extremism
Friday, October 5 at 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM EDT