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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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A USAF B-52H Stratofortress bomber flies over Farnborough International Airshow, in Farnborough, Britain, on July 24, 2024.
A USAF B-52H Stratofortress bomber flies over Farnborough International Airshow, in Farnborough, Britain, on July 24, 2024. REUTERS/Toby Melville
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Happy 77th Birthday to the United States Air Force

by James M. Lindsay September 18, 2024

The United States Air Force marks seventy-seven years of service today.  Read More

Featured

2023 in Review

Ten World Figures Who Died in 2023
Ten people who passed away this year who shaped world affairs for better or worse.

Blog Post by James M. Lindsay December 29, 2023 The Water's Edge

United States

Remembering Ten Americans Who Died in 2023
As 2023 comes to a close, here are ten Americans we lost this year who made a mark in foreign policy. 

Blog Post by James M. Lindsay December 28, 2023 The Water's Edge

United States

Ten Elections to Watch in 2024
Dozens of countries, constituting half the world’s population, will hold elections in 2024. Here are ten to watch.

Blog Post by James M. Lindsay December 21, 2023 The Water's Edge

Climate Change

Ten Most Significant World Events in 2023
As 2023 comes to a close, here are the top ten most notable world events of the year.

Blog Post by James M. Lindsay December 8, 2023 The Water's Edge

United States

Ten Anniversaries to Note in 2024
As 2023 comes to a close, here are ten notable historical anniversaries to mark in 2024.

Blog Post by James M. Lindsay December 1, 2023 The Water's Edge

Global

The President's Inbox Episodes by Topic

A comprehensive list of each episode of The President's Inbox organized by topic. 

Blog Post by James M. Lindsay March 4, 2021 The Water's Edge

U.S. Foreign Policy

TWE Book and Film Recommendations
Looking for something to read or watch? Here is a list of all the books and films recommended on The Water’s Edge.

Blog Post by James M. Lindsay November 10, 2021 The Water's Edge

United States

TWE History-Related Blogs and Videos
A list of all blog posts and videos reflecting on historical events from The Water's Edge. 

Blog Post by James M. Lindsay December 1, 2021 The Water's Edge

United States

TWE Remembers: Learning More About the Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban missile crisis brought the United States and the Soviet Union closer to nuclear war than any other event during the Cold War. President John F. Kennedy put the odds of war at “somewhere bet…

Blog Post by James M. Lindsay October 16, 2012 The Water's Edge

United States

The History of the Cold War in 40 Quotes
On Monday, I posted my nominees for ten Cold War histories worth reading. But many people don’t have the time or patience to plow through comprehensive histories. So for TWE readers looking to save t…

Blog Post by James M. Lindsay November 7, 2014 The Water's Edge

Vietnam

The Vietnam War in Forty Quotes
Last month, I did a series of posts commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of U.S. combat troops in Vietnam on March 8, 1965. Today marks another significant date in the Vietnam War: t…

Blog Post by James M. Lindsay April 30, 2015 The Water's Edge

Election 2024
Election 2024: Will Joe Biden Exit the Presidential Race?
Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: Joe Biden faces renewed pressure from Democratic lawmakers and donors to let someone else run against Donald Trump.
Blog Post by James M. Lindsay July 19, 2024 The Water's Edge
Election 2024
Meet JD Vance, Republican Vice-Presidential Candidate
The Ohio senator is Donald Trump’s choice as his running mate for the 2024 presidential election.
Blog Post by James M. Lindsay July 16, 2024 The Water's Edge
Election 2024
Election 2024: The Republican National Convention Begins on Monday
Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: Republicans are gathering in Milwaukee next week optimistic about their chances in November.  
Blog Post by James M. Lindsay July 12, 2024 The Water's Edge
  • Election 2024
    Election 2024: Joe Biden’s Disastrous Debate
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: President Joe Biden lost his debate to former President Donald Trump and perhaps much more.
    Blog Post by James M. Lindsay June 28, 2024 The Water's Edge
  • Election 2024
    Election 2024: Will Next Week’s Debate Shake Up the Presidential Race?
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: Both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump hope that next Thursday’s debate will tip the election in their favor.
    Blog Post by James M. Lindsay June 21, 2024 The Water's Edge
  • Election 2024
    Election 2024: Will Washington Address Its Debt and Deficit Problem?
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: The United States may come to rue its failure to get its fiscal house in order. 
    Blog Post by James M. Lindsay June 14, 2024 The Water's Edge
  • Election 2024
    Election 2024: Joe Biden Makes the Case for Allies and Alliances
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: President Joe Biden spoke with Time magazine about the importance of alliances to U.S. security.
    Blog Post by James M. Lindsay June 7, 2024 The Water's Edge
  • Election 2024
    Election 2024: Does Donald Trump’s Conviction Doom His Chances to Become President Again?
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: Trump’s conviction on thirty-four felony counts takes the U.S. presidential election into uncharted waters.
    Blog Post by James M. Lindsay May 31, 2024 The Water's Edge
  • Election 2024
    Election 2024: Is the United States Looking at a New Nuclear Arms Race?
    Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: The demise of arms control agreements and the rise of geopolitical competition are a dangerous mix.
    Blog Post by James M. Lindsay May 24, 2024 The Water's Edge
  • United States
    Remembering a Fallen Hero on Memorial Day
    The story of an American who died in service to his country.
    Blog Post by James M. Lindsay May 24, 2024 The Water's Edge