This article over at the Foreign Policy website, by Helen Mees, dusts off an argument that I have mentioned here on Samizdata before, (in relation to a comment by the US investor and commentator Peter Schiff) namely, that China, by using its vast foreign exchange reserves to buy Western government debt, thereby pushed down long-term interest rates and encouraged the kind of reckless lending that e...

The Powers That Be over at Bloggingheads have decided to hand Matt Duss and myself the keys to a new, weekly foreign policy show which we've decided to call Foreign Entanglements. Announcement and discussion here:   This is a very interesting opportunity, and Matt and I hope to make the most of it by continuing to include many of the contributors who have long been involved in Blogginghe...

Here’s your starter for ten in our weekend slot where we throw up an idea or thought for debate… The weekend debates have been light on foreign policy so far, so for those foreign policy buffs out there here’s one inspired by our former leader. Over at Ted talks, Paddy Ashdown has been discussing ‘the

Yes indeed, the 'stache is backing Mitt Romney and more importantly, will join Romney's already stellar team of foreign policy and national security advisers. Aside from being our most effective UN ambassador ever and an expert on nuclear weapons and proliferation, Bolton has consistently voiced his disapproval for the sort of state department 'culture' that frequently serves A...

The problem is that it is no joke, is far from funny and is yet one more asinine move being made by the Obama administration that's destined to fail miserably! Presenting the 2012 "Joke of the Year" (although the year is still very young)! "U.S peace talks with Taliban to resume" Has nothing been learned from the attempts made in the past to negotiate with terrorists? What is it about being p...

Frankly, he's almost as clueless about foreign policy as Herman Cain and Ron Paul. Take a look at this, from Saturday's debate: Governor Perry, believe it or not, says he would send U.S. troops back to Iraq. "The idea that we allow the Iranians to come back into Iraq and take over that country, with all of the treasures, both in blood and money, that we have spent in Iraq- because this p...

Foreign policy specialists have been confused about how to categorise the coalition. Is it neoconservative, given its backing for the Libyan rebels? No, says no less a figure than the Prime Minister. Is it realpolitical, given the PM’s willingness to make up with Russia and court China? Most No.10 officials would wince at such a description. So what is it? To answer the question, look no fur...

Pulling our troops out of Iraq was, I suppose, a good political move by President Obama heading into an election year but as far as good foreign policy ... not so much! "A suicide bomber blew himself up next to a large group of Shiite pilgrims walking to the holy city of Karbala on Thursday afternoon, killing at least 48 and wounding more than 81, according to a provincial security chief. The atta...

Obama signs new sanctions against Iran into law from Hawaii while leaving himself wiggle room to lift same sanctions if he so chooses! Once again Iran must be quaking in its boots or in whatever footwear is actually worn there! That country is currently holding war games lasting 10 days in the Strait of Hormuz having warned the world that any new sanctions would be met with them closing this criti...

So says his former aide and campaign coordinator Eric Dondero: It’s his foreign policy that’s the problem; not so much some stupid and whacky things on race and gays he may have said or written in the past. Ron Paul is most assuredly an isolationist. He denies this charge vociferously. But I can tell you straight out, I had countless arguments/discussions with him over his personal vie...