Tired of Being a Satellite: Ukraine’s Shifting Orbit in the Post-Soviet Space
Europe / Foreign Policy / Politics

Tired of Being a Satellite: Ukraine’s Shifting Orbit in the Post-Soviet Space

On Tuesday September 16, Ukraine’s parliament ratified an association agreement with the European Union. The European Parliament in Strasbourg, France approved the deal on the same day, solidifying the prospect of free trade between the former Soviet state and the EU’s 28 members. While on the surface the accord appears a decisive step towards the … Continue reading

Is It Time to Lift the Cuba Embargo?
Foreign Policy / Latin America / Politics / Sanctions

Is It Time to Lift the Cuba Embargo?

Appearing before the Council on Foreign Relations last month, Hilary Clinton took a decisive stance opposite that of the administration as she called for an end to the half-century old U.S embargo against Cuba. “The embargo is Castro’s best friend. It provides Castro an excuse for everything,” Clinton stated, arguing that the embargo now serves … Continue reading

An Incomplete Pivot?
Central Asia / China / Energy / Foreign Policy

An Incomplete Pivot?

Obama’s “pivot” towards East Asia is, by most accounts, a strategy meant to reassure American allies in the region and to warily contain China. However, in choosing to focus on the Pacific, the administration is perhaps overlooking the importance of energy security to achieving its strategic aims. China has been moving aggressively in this regard, … Continue reading

Charge It or Lose It: TSA Bans Uncharged Devices from Flights to the US
America / Europe / Foreign Policy / Gov. Officials / National Security / Technology

Charge It or Lose It: TSA Bans Uncharged Devices from Flights to the US

Travelers everywhere, we need to add yet another thing to our international travel checklist: charge your mobile devices. While likely already part of a flier’s to-do list, it is now far more imperative; earlier this month, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), part of the US Department of Homeland Security, announced that powerless devices will not … Continue reading

Why Is The EU Running Off With Our Chianti And Parmesan?
Culture / Economy / Europe / Foreign Policy / Regulation

Why Is The EU Running Off With Our Chianti And Parmesan?

Ladies and gentlemen, our champagne and charcuterie are in danger. Bubbling to the forefront of the upcoming round of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations is the controversial U.S. usage of regional European names for food and drinks manufactured by U.S. companies. Many EU members demand that U.S. wine, spirits and food companies … Continue reading

Obama’s Foreign Policy Ratings Dwindling
Foreign Policy / Gov. Officials / Middle East / National Security / Presidency

Obama’s Foreign Policy Ratings Dwindling

As of June 18th, President Obama’s foreign policy approval rating stands at a dismal 38%, a new low for the President. Shortly following the Bengdahl exchange, a measure that caused President Obama’s foreign policy approval ratings to fall to a staggering 41%, President Obama is faced with “renewed violence in Iraq.” Undoubtedly, the Bergdahl Exchange … Continue reading