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The Water's Edge

James M. Lindsay analyzes the politics shaping U.S. foreign policy and the sustainability of American power.

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Donald Trump holds a signed executive order on cryptocurrencies in the Oval Office on January 23, 2025.
Donald Trump holds a signed executive order on cryptocurrencies in the Oval Office on January 23, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Donald Trump’s Disruptive First Days

Donald Trump has moved quickly to implement his foreign policy agenda. More changes are coming.

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United States
Transition 2025: U.S. Foreign Policy on the Eve of Disruption
Each Friday, I examine what is happening with President-elect Donald Trump’s transition to the White House. This week: Donald Trump has vowed to remake U.S. foreign policy and has assembled a team that will help him do it.  
United States
Remembering the Best (and Worst) Presidential Inaugural Addresses
With Inauguration Day on Monday, here are the seven best inaugural addresses.   
United States
Twelve Things You Probably Do Not Know About Presidential Inaugurations
As Donald Trump prepares to take office for the second time, here are twelve lesser-known facts about Inauguration Day.  
  • United States
    Transition 2025: A Report the Incoming Trump Administration Should Read
    Each Friday, I examine what is happening with President-elect Donald Trump’s transition to the White House. This week: The Center for Preventive Action at CFR surveyed the potential crises Trump could face in his first year.
  • U.S. Foreign Policy Program
    The President's Inbox Episodes by Topic (2023-2024)
    Each episode of The President's Inbox from 2023 and 2024 organized by topic.  
  • United States
    Transition 2025: What Will Donald Trump Do About Iran?
    Each Friday, I examine what is happening with President-elect Donald Trump’s transition to the White House. This week: The forty-seventh president wants a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program and faces a big decision if he cannot get it.
  • United States
    Transition 2025: Donald Trump Sets His Sights on Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal
    Each Friday, I examine what is happening with President-elect Donald Trump’s transition to the White House. This week: Trump’s talk of reclaiming the Panama Canal, acquiring Greenland, and incorporating Canada undermines U.S. interests.
  • Foreign Policy
    Ten Most Significant World Events in 2024
    As 2024 comes to a close, here are the ten most notable world events of the year. 
  • United States
    Transition 2025: Another Government Shutdown Looms
    Each Friday, I examine what is happening with President-elect Donald Trump’s transition to the White House. This week: Donald Trump helped scuttle a deal to keep the U.S. government open but exposed the limits of his influence.
  • United States
    Happy Birthday to the U.S. Space Force!
    The U.S. Space Force marks the completion of its fifth year as it seeks to secure U.S. interests in space.