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Foreign Policy in Focus

Foreign Policy in Focus is a “Think Tank Without Walls” connecting the research and action of more than 600 scholars, advocates, and activists seeking to make the United States a more responsible global partner. It is a project of the Institute for Policy Studies. FPIF publishes timely commentaries on U.S. foreign policy, sharp analyses of global issues, and on-the-ground dispatches from around the world. We also are interested in pieces that explore the intersection of foreign policy and culture, and on dispatches from social movements involved in foreign policy.

Israel/ Palestine
The Freedom Flotilla: Bravely Breaking the Siege Against Gaza

The Freedom Flotilla: Bravely Breaking the Siege Against Gaza

Foreign Policy in Focus

A dozen unarmed activists are standing up against one of the world’s most powerful militaries. By Margaret Knapke ( Foreign Policy in Focus ) – Many people, armed only with moral and political convictions, would be too intimidated to confront an army or navy directly. But not all. Twelve nonviolent human-rights activists with the international […]

Climate Crisis
Two Visions Collide on Ocean Use: Nationalist Raptors and Multilateral Environmentalists

Two Visions Collide on Ocean Use: Nationalist Raptors and Multilateral Environmentalists

Foreign Policy in Focus

The ocean holds the answer. By Shafraz Rasheed | May 27, 2025 ( Foreign Policy in Focus) – The rise of nationalist leaders epitomized by Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, cuts to UN climate funding, and dismissal of multilateralism as “globalist” interference has sparked a pivotal question: Can international cooperation survive in an era […]

Israel/ Palestine
Siege Politics: Netanyahu’s Crisis-Driven Grip on Power

Siege Politics: Netanyahu’s Crisis-Driven Grip on Power

Foreign Policy in Focus

Even mild criticism produces splenetic reactions from the Israeli leader. By Imran Khalid | ( Foreign Policy in Focus ) – By now, it should surprise no one that Benjamin Netanyahu prefers the echo chamber of his own making to the international chorus demanding accountability. The Israeli prime minister, clinging to office as tenaciously as […]

Uncategorized
Trump and Bukele: The Few Repressing the Many

Trump and Bukele: The Few Repressing the Many

Foreign Policy in Focus

The two authoritarian leaders are joining hands to assault human rights and democratic norms. By Margaret Knapke | ( Foreign Policy in Focus ) – On March 15, President Trump’s rendition of immigrants to a notorious prison in El Salvador stunned the world. They include 23 alleged members of MS-13 and 238 Venezuelans allegedly belonging […]

Iran
Is a U.S.-Iran Nuclear Deal Coming Soon?

Is a U.S.-Iran Nuclear Deal Coming Soon?

Foreign Policy in Focus

Trump promises a deal by mid-June, but many obstacles remain. By Tarique Niazi The second round of Iran-U.S. talks on April 19 successfully concluded in Italy. The Omani embassy in Rome hosted the talks, which went on twice as long as those held in Oman on April 12. Most importantly, Iran and the United States […]

China
China Displaces the U.S. as Global Leader in Research, with 9 of top 10 Institutions

China Displaces the U.S. as Global Leader in Research, with 9 of top 10 Institutions

Foreign Policy in Focus

Nine of the world’s top 10 research institutions are now Chinese. By Imran Khalid ( Foreign Policy in Focus) – In the last decade, a profound shift has taken place in global academia that has fundamentally altered the hierarchy of scientific research. China, once considered a peripheral player in cutting-edge science, has now ascended to […]

Israel/ Palestine
Gaza’s Water Infrastructure, deliberately destroyed by Israel, Desperately needs to be Rebuilt

Gaza’s Water Infrastructure, deliberately destroyed by Israel, Desperately needs to be Rebuilt

Foreign Policy in Focus

Thousands of Palestinians have died because of Israeli efforts to choke off Gaza’s water supply. Immediate aid — and long-term infrastructure repairs — are essential to save lives.  By Niku Jafarnia | ( Foreign Policy in Focus ) – The current ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas does not include provisions that will aid in […]

Hizbullah
Iran’s Axis Crumbles as Hezbollah Falters and Assad Falls.

Iran’s Axis Crumbles as Hezbollah Falters and Assad Falls.

Foreign Policy in Focus

Iran faces a sobering recalibration of its regional ambitions

Syria
The Turkish Role in Assad's Downfall: By supporting the rebels who overthrew the Syrian leader has Ankara bitten off more than it can chew?

The Turkish Role in Assad’s Downfall: By supporting the rebels who overthrew the Syrian leader has Ankara bitten off more than it can chew?

Foreign Policy in Focus

By Philip Balboni | ( Foreign Policy in Focus ) – After tenaciously holding on to power for more than a decade of war, the government of Bashar al-Assad crumbled in two weeks of limited fighting. Overwhelmed by a surprise blitzkrieg assault, the Syrian army seemed to melt away in the face of a surprisingly […]

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