The Enemy We've Been Waiting For

Vladimir Putin could be the perfect gift to an American president desperately in need of a foe.

The 2 Percent Doctrine

Is the European Central Bank ready to start tackling the continent’s inflation problem?

An actuary looks at the Future of War (no. 22) -- and sees a nuclear war looming there

Spies, Swaps, and Sins of Omission

Five ways to tell the Middle East peace process is in big trouble.

Would You Die for That Country?

Why the United States needs to think twice before calling Ukraine an ally.

The Ukes and Their Nukes

Why the Bomb wouldn't have helped Kiev protect Crimea from Russia.

How to Avoid a Naval War With China

In the contested waters of Asia, it's difficult to understand Beijing's intentions.

Cass Sunstein Is Sleeping on the Couch Tonight

Tupac in the Kremlin

How the martyred king of gangsta rap, a bisexual LSD-touting beat poet, and a reclusive alcoholic painter inspire a Moscow apparatchik.

Learning to Live with a Cold Peace

Senior U.S. officials are deeply troubled by Russia's annexation of Crimea, but self-interest may drive both sides to freeze this crisis before it gets too hot.

Married to the Ukrainian Mob

Meet Dmytro Firtash, the shady billionaire at the heart of Russia’s energy stranglehold over Kiev.

#AfricaTrending

From FIFA to Magnum ice cream to Nairobi’s traffic, a glimpse at what Africans talk about on Twitter.

Don't Poke the Russian Bear

Putin is a bully but he’s not insane, and escalating a conflict with Moscow can only make things worse.

Winthrop's Warning

How politicians and pundits misread “city on a hill” and butcher the real meaning of American exceptionalism.

Pot, Meet Kettle

While Washington was bashing Russia at the U.N. for violating international law, it was facing similar criticisms of its own legal record.

The Missing Piece in Ensuring Afghanistan’s Peace

Much has gone right in Afghanistan. It’s more secure, stable, and even optimistic. But there's one final tweak needed before America says goodbye.

Blind Spot

Why do convictions for the world’s worst crimes neglect survivors of rape?

Mapping Violence and Protests in Nigeria

How Big Data can find the big story.

Exporting Climate Skepticism

Some of the most advanced countries in the world are increasingly rejecting climate change. But where did they get this idea? America, it seems.

Problems Persist at Fukushima

250,000 tons of radioactive soil is sitting in plastic bags around the nuclear plant -- and Japan doesn't know what to do with it.

Inside Egypt's Salafis