Constituent politics in the United States often has a major impact on foreign policy. The ballot box can send a signal in a more direct and, at times, cutting way than any academic debate on foreign policy at a Washington think tank. As any Congressional staffer knows, vocal advocacy by constituents on behalf of … Continue reading Korea and Virginia: The Canary in the Coal Mine?
North Korea
Why Not India? Just Look at a Map!
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second state visit to Washington in two years, according to the Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/06/06/the-impressively-awkward-hugs-and-handshakes-of-indias-narendra-modi/), occurred last month (June 7-8) with the usual Washington pledges to upgrade the relationship with the world's most populous democracy. I have pondered for a long-time why the U.S. has not vigorously pursued closer ties with a country … Continue reading Why Not India? Just Look at a Map!
Kim Jong Un, Donald Trump, and Mussolini: Bromance
The NK News website, to which I contribute articles, carried a news headline on May 31st which one would think would give pause to even the staunchest Trump supporter: "North Korean editorial supports Donald Trump." (https://www.nknews.org/2016/05/north-korean-editorial-supports-donald-trump/) Yes, the man who killed his own uncle, who regularly tortures and executes his own people, who has threatened to nuke America, … Continue reading Kim Jong Un, Donald Trump, and Mussolini: Bromance
Halpin's Asia Takeout 