What Does an “America-First” Foreign Policy Actually Mean?

by William Astore What does an “America-first” foreign policy look like under President Donald Trump? As a start, forget the ancient label of “isolationism.”  With the end of Trump’s first 100 days approaching, it looks more like a military-first policy… Continue Reading

In Afghanistan, America’s Biggest Foe Is Self-Deception

by William Astore America’s war in Afghanistan is now in its 16th year, the longest foreign war in our history.  The phrase “no end in sight” barely covers the situation.  Prospects of victory — if victory is defined as eliminating… Continue Reading

Weapons, Warriors, and Fear as the New Order in America

by William Astore I came of age during America’s Cold War with the Soviet Union, witnessing its denouement while serving in the U.S. military. In those days, the USSR led the world’s weapons trade, providing arms to the Warsaw Pact… Continue Reading

Too Many Generals Spoil the Democracy

by William J. Astore America has always had a love affair with its generals. It started at the founding of the republic with George Washington and continued with (among others) Andrew Jackson, Zachary Taylor, Ulysses S. Grant, and Dwight D.… Continue Reading

Military Dissent Is Not an Oxymoron

by William Astore The United States is now engaged in perpetual war with victory nowhere in sight.  Iraq is chaotic and scarred. So, too, is Libya. Syria barely exists. After 15 years, “progress” in Afghanistan has proven eminently reversible as… Continue Reading