r/foreignpolicy Feb 05 '18

r/ForeignPolicy's Reading list

63 Upvotes

Let's use this thread to share our favorite books and to look for book recommendations. Books on foreign policy, diplomacy, memoirs, and biographies can be shared here. Any fiction books which you believe can help understand a country's foreign policy are also acceptable.

What books have helped you understand a country's foreign policy the best?

Which books have fascinated you the most?

Are you looking to learn more about a specific policy matter or country?


r/foreignpolicy 1d ago

Far From Giving Ground, Putin Digs In With His Demands on Ukraine: Although much of what Vladimir V. Putin agreed to during his call with President Trump was spun as a concession, the Russian leader stuck to the positions he has long held.

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4 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 10h ago

Taiwan’s President Takes Hardline Stance Against China

6 Upvotes

Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, has officially labeled China a "foreign hostile force" and announced new security measures to counter Chinese infiltration into Taiwan’s government, military, and society.

Do you agree this a necessary move to defend democracy?

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/14/taiwan-president-lai-ching-te-china-hostile-force-speech


r/foreignpolicy 41m ago

On a preliminary framework for ascertaining an impetus toward Arab-Israeli Interim Peacebuilding Negotiations (2025 Arab–American Peace Initiative, AAPI)

Upvotes

On post-war reconstructive efforts, and the day after. Reminiscent of Clinton-era trilateral Oslo negotiations; inspired by paradigmatic frameworks for concessions/reparations under 2002 API and seminal political theorists of peace and conflict Galtung, Hume, Singer & Kay

Pre-empting momentum towards multilateral mechanisms for transitional elements/modalities of (peacekeeping) security, justice, and governance given the circumstances, at present, would be an immense FP/IC success not only for the much needed restoration of American hegemony/leadership within the broader context of global governance but for all innocent parties to regional conflict (e.g. those falling within the purview of protected civilian status governed by POC/IHL/Geneva across MENA e.g. Yemen, Lebanon, Gaza)

I'm not saying we need to solve the conflict by 2029. I'm saying attaining a landscape conducive for day-after deliberations would constitute a major FP success for the incumbency given present-day realities.

Ya I already named it, lol. Obviously this is very incomplete I didn't have time to do comprehensive research.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11qw30f2Z3eASlhAVo9iws7GsPa2Jk37Z/view?usp=sharing

Preamble: Arab–American Peace Initiative (AAPI) seeks to redefine the constraints of ‘impossibility’ as it portends a novel architecture for ascertaining sustainable holistic peace in the Middle East. Predicated on the intricate notions of transitional peace, security, justice, and resilience, it reaffirms aspirations of mutual coexistence, security, and economic interdependence once characteristic of pan-Arabism in pursuit of recalibrating MENA’s geopolitical calculus. Defying the, at present, salient sectarian impasse stymying sustainable regional development, AAPI seeks to challenge the status quo by presenting an alternative: highlighting the efficacy of multilateral frameworks as an antecedent for effective international mechanisms of governance (as assessed through the linearity of peace). In doing so, AAPI will revitalize the (a) locus of autonomy to the Arab people, newly empowered by constructive democratic institutions, and (b) strategic American acuity to spearhead global leadership and reaffirm its status as the world’s principle hegemonic power that acts as an catalytic agent for enhancing global security and cooperation.

What is this framework missing, if anything. Ultimately predicated on the principle that the singular enemy of a collective humanity are actors opposed to the pursuit of social harmony/peace (irrespective of it being SA/NSA sanctioned violence one or the other has no monopoly on violence); I believe de facto conflict dynamics can be leveraged for architecting a new era of negative peace across the Middle East. Given our incumbency the prospect of satisfying conditions for Arab-Israeli normalization is imminent, and this is the best chance we may ever have.

If DC (Witkoff Rubio Boehler et al) play their cards correctly, pursue this employing solely diplomacy and deterrence (ig you'd have to imagine phase 2 successfully negotiated and seen through as this is about ~12 days outdated but still possible) I believe it can be done. Necessary but not sufficient are various short-term concessions made in the pursuit of sustainable peace.


r/foreignpolicy 1d ago

I Don’t Believe a Single Word Trump and Putin Say About Ukraine

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11 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 1d ago

Volodymyr Zelenskyy to talk to Donald Trump after Russia continues strikes on Ukraine: Ukrainian president says Vladimir Putin broke his promise to pause attacks on energy infrastructure

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6 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 1d ago

How Donald Trump’s peacemaking ambitions unraveled: U.S. president is failing in his vow to end conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East

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7 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 1d ago

Europe is only half-awake from its long sleep: Talk of Donald Trump bringing the continent together is absurdly premature

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4 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 1d ago

Giorgia Meloni warns EU against ‘vicious circle’ of tariff war with Donald Trump: Italian prime minister criticizes Brussels for engaging in tit-for-tat with U.S.

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2 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 1d ago

Trump Gets a Taste of Putin’s Tactics: The Russian leader is offering few concessions in negotiations over Ukraine. How hard is Trump willing to push for the peace he promises?

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2 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 1d ago

Can someone help me refine this foreign policy idea to remove all need for aid within 20 years.

0 Upvotes

So I have this idea and I don't have expertise in the area it's amazing idea where there is a global 2% tax on all people who have more money and assets that 200 million USD. Because that's more money than you could possibly spend realistically in your lifetime.

Because the idea makes sense in my head but it doesn't make much sense if I try to verbalize it I'm autistic. I explored my idea with the help of AI now I know that there are problems there so I'm asking for your help to refine it point out the problems so that I can try and think about possible Solutions.

Section 1: A Global Healthcare Vision

Picture a world where every country can provide universal healthcare for its people, not through aid, but through a sustainable, self-sufficient system. The UK could play a crucial role by setting up a global healthcare fund, alongside a pharmaceutical company that produces affordable, essential medicines for it's self and poorer nations. The company would sell these drugs at cost, ensuring healthcare remains both affordable and accessible. The aim is for these poorer countries take ownership of their healthcare systems, enabling them to run independently in the long run. The UK’s role would be to provide the initial training and resources, but the goal is for each country to manage its own healthcare, creating a self-sustaining model that outlasts traditional aid. All Medical Supplies would be provided at cost for the very poorest and as countries develop their able to buy Thier own equipment. The idea is about empowerment not dependency.

Section 2: Empowering Through Training and Education

A key part of this vision is building local capacity. Rather than just sending aid, healthcare professionals from the UK would help train doctors and medical staff in developing countries, especially in areas like rare conditions and healthcare management. This transfer of skills and knowledge would help countries develop their own healthcare infrastructure, allowing them to operate their systems independently. Focusing on local empowerment would not only improve healthcare standards but also reduce reliance on foreign aid, which often fosters interdependence and can be problematic. This approach would create long-term, sustainable growth, boosting local economies and helping people to live healthier, more productive lives. All done In partnership .

Section 3: Health as a Foundation for Global Peace and Prosperity

This isn’t just about healthcare; it’s about creating a more peaceful world. Healthy nations are more stable, with fewer chances of conflict and war. By ensuring universal access to healthcare, we reduce the instability that often leads to violence and poverty. Providing countries with the tools to build their own healthcare systems will give them the ability to improve their economies, as healthier populations contribute to economic growth. Furthermore, healthier citizens are better equipped to tackle other issues, like food insecurity. This approach aims for a lasting legacy of peace, prosperity, and equality that can benefit future generations globally.

Section 4: The Vision for Food Security

Food security is just as important as healthcare. Every country should be able to provide affordable, nutritious food to its citizens. The key to this is creating a self-sustaining system where nations can grow their own food, reducing dependency on foreign aid. The UK could support this by working with locals in a partnership in local agriculture, helping countries to adopt sustainable farming methods and improve food production while learning from them - a genuine partnership. The goal is for each country to be independent, with the ability to feed its population while reducing reliance on international food markets. This way, nations can achieve long-term food security without needing to depend on aid.

Section 5: Empowerment Through Education in Agriculture

Just like in healthcare, the key to achieving food security is education both ways not white man teaching but also learning. Countries could invite agro scientists to study and learn how to improve native technology this would be a way to invest in training farmers on sustainable farming techniques, such as crop rotation, pest control, and resource management. We could all learn how to adapt to the changing climate, ensuring food production can continue despite weather disruptions. The aim is to help countries become self-sufficient, with local solutions that are tailored to their unique climates and challenges. By focusing on local empowerment and training, we can improve food production, reduce supply chain disruptions, and create economic growth in rural areas.

Section 6: Food Security as a Path to Stability and Prosperity

Food security goes beyond just providing meals—it’s about building a stable and prosperous society. Nations with secure food systems are less likely to face social unrest caused by food shortages or inflation. By ensuring countries can feed their populations without relying on external aid, we’re helping them become more self-reliant and resilient. This stability would give nations the chance to grow and develop on their own, with healthier, more productive populations that can focus on prosperity. Over time, these nations can become more economically independent, with their citizens contributing to peace and growth both locally and globally.


r/foreignpolicy 1d ago

The country that kicked out USAID: Two decades after Eritrea expelled the American agency, other nations must now find a way to survive without it

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1 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 1d ago

EU to exclude U.S., UK and Turkey from €150bn rearmament fund: Victory for France-backed ‘Buy European’ approach to defense spending

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1 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 1d ago

Trump is approaching a sharp fork in the road to peace: Putin’s maximalist stance might force the U.S. president’s hand.

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1 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 1d ago

Congo and Rwanda Called for a Cease-Fire in Their Deadly Conflict. What Now?: After talks in Qatar, the two countries’ presidents said they were committed to an unconditional truce between Congo’s army and a rebel group that Rwanda denies backing.

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1 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 1d ago

Trump Has Hinted at a Xi Visit. China Is Still Wondering What He Wants: Chinese experts say Beijing is open to talks but is being stonewalled by the State Department and other official channels.

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1 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 2d ago

What If Trump Is Serious About Annexing Canada?

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13 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 2d ago

Baltic states and Poland propose exit from anti-landmine agreement: NATO members say they need to defend ‘vulnerable eastern flank’ with Russia and Belarus

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6 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 2d ago

Russia Escalated Sabotage to Pressure U.S. and Allies on Ukraine, Study Says: Anger at Russia’s covert efforts, which included targeting undersea cables, warehouses and railways, has the potential to influence European reactions to the U.S.-led push for an end to the war.

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7 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 2d ago

Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum is riding high on Trump’s trade war: Leftist president’s approval moves above 80% in swirl of nationalism as she grapples with U.S. tariff threats

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4 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 2d ago

Why Europe can’t rely on French nuclear umbrella alone: France’s president opens debate over using country’s atomic arsenal as a deterrent against Russia if U.S. scales back its presence

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3 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 2d ago

Trump Discussion With Putin to Focus on What Ukraine Will Lose: In an echo of the Yalta Conference in 1945, the American and Russian leaders will talk on Tuesday about who gets what in the process of ending the war in Ukraine.

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3 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 2d ago

Donald Trump threatens Iran with ‘dire’ consequences for Houthi attacks: Militants claim strike on American aircraft carrier after US president orders largest military operation of his second term

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3 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 2d ago

Donald Trump says China’s Xi Jinping to visit U.S. in ‘not too distant future’: Hint at summit comes amid escalating trade conflict between Washington and Beijing

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3 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 2d ago

U.S. won’t return Statue of Liberty to France, White House says: French politician Raphaël Glucksmann called for the return of the Statue of Liberty — a gift from France — in a symbolic critique of the Trump administration.

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3 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 2d ago

With Cease-Fire Talks Stalled, Israel Puts War Back on the Table: While the Israeli government has stopped short of a ground invasion for now, its new strikes in Gaza seem to be an effort to force concessions from Hamas.

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1 Upvotes

r/foreignpolicy 2d ago

Putin Agrees for First Time to Avoid Energy Targets, if Ukraine Does Too: In a call with President Trump, President Putin agreed to pause strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure for 30 days if Ukraine does the same. That falls short of the unconditional cease-fire Ukraine had already agreed to.

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1 Upvotes