Defense

James Mattis Has Somehow Stayed on Trump's Good Side

While the president has railed against other Cabinet officials, the defense secretary has avoided his wrath—so far.

Management

Their Final Disagreement: How Trump Fired Tillerson

The White House’s timeline of when the secretary of state was told differs from the State Department’s.

Oversight

How Did Rex Tillerson Manage to Keep His Job?

His survival is a testament not only to his ability to ignore the machinations that dominate Washington, but also to the president’s penchant for political drama.

Defense

Trump Barely Has Anyone to Talk to North Korea

There are few U.S. officials who have ever met a North Korean representative.

Defense

What If Trump's North Korea Bluster Actually Worked?

Kim Jong Un's offer of talks with the United States is accompanied by questions about his intentions.

Management

The Ethics of Donald Trump Jr.'s India Adventure

The president’s son is selling luxury condos and making a foreign-policy speech.

Defense

Peace Through Bombings: The U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan

The goal of negotiating with the Taliban is at odds with President Trump’s statements.

Defense

Trump Wants a Military Parade — So What?

Displays of weaponry in Washington are rare, unlike in other capitals.

Management

The State Department Just Lost Its Most Experienced Leader

Tom Shannon’s departure leaves just one career ambassador at the beleaguered agency.

Defense

Why Do People Refer to a Non-Existent 'Nuclear Button'?

It’s, in fact, a briefcase—but that’s little consolation if you’re faced with annihilation.

Oversight

Trump to Announce the U.S. Is Moving Its Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem

Administration says it is bowing to 'simple truth' on Jerusalem, but move may be more complicated.

Management

Rex Tillerson’s Slow-Motion Exit

The latest report about the secretary of state’s possible ouster undermines his credibility as America’s top diplomat.

Defense

North Korea Ends Its Pause in Missile Tests

Along with speculation it was signaling a desire for talks

Defense

Trump's Policy on Terrorism Suspects Looks Like Obama's

A captured Benghazi suspect is reportedly being brought to the U.S., which means he will be tried in a civilian court.

Management

Trump's New Refugee Policy Targets These 11 Countries

The administration won't say who's on it, but The Atlantic has obtained a list.

Management

Are Trump's Tweets Undercutting U.S. Diplomacy?

Beyond apparent policy disagreements between the president and Rex Tillerson, the State Department struggles to absorb mixed signals.

Defense

Trump's Undermining of Rex Tillerson

The president’s latest tweets question the value of U.S. diplomacy with North Korea.

Defense

Trump Threatens to 'Totally Destroy North Korea'

The president also hinted at the UN General Assembly that the U.S. might quit the Iran nuclear agreement.

Management

Why Keep State Department Special Envoys?

The secretary of state’s plan to eliminate or merge several high-profile positions has many supporters.