Responsible Statecraft

Responsible Statecraft is a publication that offers analysis, opinions, and news focused on creating a constructive vision for U.S. foreign policy. It emphasizes the importance of humility, diplomatic efforts, and careful military engagement. Additionally, Responsible Statecraft examines the concepts, ideologies, and interests that have led the U.S. into unproductive and ongoing conflicts, ultimately making the world less safe.

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Short, sharp shock? Trump's idea of quick victory is illusory

5 days ago | responsiblestatecraft.org | Adam Weinstein

With the decision to bomb three of Iran’s nuclear sites, President Trump has put the United States on a reckless path that risks another Middle East war — precisely the kind he repeatedly promised to avoid. Even if the strikes achieved short-term tactical success, they have turned a challenge that could have been managed diplomatically into a military crisis.
Tulsi said Iran not building nukes. One Senator after another ignored her.

1 week ago | responsiblestatecraft.org | Branko Marcetic

The U.S. intelligence agencies’ Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) is billed as an opportunity “for the American people to receive an unvarnished and unbiased account of the real and present dangers that our nation faces.” That’s according to Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark), chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, who personally presided over a public hearing this year to hear its conclusions.
Trump’s demand for Iran's surrender will only guarantee war

1 week ago | responsiblestatecraft.org | Trita Parsi

Something happened yesterday, and Trump is now determined to take the country to a war of choice. He can change his mind at the last minute, as he did in 2019, but short of that, there will be war. It is important to understand that capitulation is most likely not an option for Iran for a variety of reasons. First, Trump's conduct in the past 10 days has destroyed any confidence Tehran has in him and his desire for a peaceful outcome.
US-UK issuing rare warnings, evacuations in the Middle East

2 weeks ago | responsiblestatecraft.org | Kelley Vlahos

Setting everyone on edge and grasping for insight, the Trump Administration issued evacuation orders for non-essential personnel at the U.S. embassy in Iraq, and its diplomatic facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait on WednesdaySecretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also reportedly told FOX News that there would be voluntary departure for dependents of military personnel serving in the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of operations across the Middle East.
Despite war, Moscow is booming

2 weeks ago | responsiblestatecraft.org | Mark Episkopos

Russia is no stranger to costly, grinding wars. Soviet authorities made a point of allowing the performing arts to continue during the 872-day battle for Leningrad during World War II, widely considered the bloodiest siege in history. Thousands of displaced and starving locals flocked to the Mariinsky, Komissarzhevskaya, and other theaters to the unrelenting hum of shelling and air raid sirens.
Can shared enrichment break the US-Iran nuclear deadlock?

3 weeks ago | responsiblestatecraft.org | Ted Snider

In a sign of hope for diplomacy over war, the U.S. and Iran began engaging in serious, high level negotiations over Iran’s civilian nuclear program in April for the first time since President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal seven years ago.
Another one bites the dust: Iran hawks disappearing from admin

3 weeks ago | responsiblestatecraft.org | Kelley Vlahos

Word is that Israel is getting a bit nervous as one after the other, Iran hawks are being shuffled out of key foreign policy and national security positions in the White House. Meanwhile, "America First" realists continue to be in ascent. According to news in the last 24 hours, Eric Trager, who was heading the Middle East and North Africa portfolios for the National Security Council, has been removed from his position. Trager, who is the former Esther K.
Gutting military testing office may be the deadliest move yet

3 weeks ago | responsiblestatecraft.org | Dan Grazier

With the stroke of a pen, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has gutted the Pentagon’s weapon testing office. His order is intended to “eliminate any non-statutory or redundant functions” by reducing the office to 30 civilian employees and 15 assigned military personnel. The order also terminates contractor support for the testing office. The ostensible reason for the change is to save $300 million at a time when billions are being added to the defense budget.
Iran struggling for relevance in post-Assad Syria

1 month ago | responsiblestatecraft.org | Giorgio Cafiero

Of all powers in the Middle East, none did as much as Iran to help President Bashar al-Assad weather the Syrian civil war. When Assad’s regime fell in late 2024 to a coalition of rebel groups led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Tehran lost its closest Arab ally, constituting a major crisis and humiliating setback for Iran.
Former Israeli official on NSC let go in weekend purge

1 month ago | responsiblestatecraft.org | Kelley Vlahos

Former Israeli official Merav Ceren, who caused a stir when she was appointed in April to head of the Israel and Iran desk at Trump's National Security Council has lost her position in a agency-wide purge that left "scores" political appointees and career officials cleaning out their desks on Friday.