“Nations with allies thrive, and those without wither,” wrote James Mattis in Call Sign Chaos, making headlines with his implicit criticism of Trump administration policy. As we continue to claw our way through 2020, his thinly veiled warning rings truer than ever. Amid one of the most trying periods since World War II, the United States has rarely been more isolated.
Three years of ill-conceived policies have strained ties with friends and foes alike: defunding and disregarding international institutions, imposing tariffs on partner nations, and withdrawing from landmark multilateral achievements like the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate change agreement. [Read more]