James Carden

James W. Carden is a contributing writer for foreign affairs at The Nation. He served as a policy adviser to the Special Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and the Office of Russia Affairs at the US State Department.

Nikki Haley Iran

Trump Is Leading the US Into a War of Choice Against Iran Trump Is Leading the US Into a War of Choice Against Iran

The Trump administration is taking its cue from both Bush administrations by lying its way into a third unnecessary war in the Persian Gulf.

Sep 8, 2017 / James Carden

Pence in Montenegro

Have Neocons Hijacked Trump’s Foreign Policy? Have Neocons Hijacked Trump’s Foreign Policy?

War hawks are wrestling with “America First” nationalists for control of the administration’s international agenda. After a series of remarks by Mike Pence, one camp seem...

Aug 9, 2017 / James Carden

Kissinger Merkel GMF

Our Russia Fixation Is Devolving Into an Assault on Political Discourse Our Russia Fixation Is Devolving Into an Assault on Political Discourse

A new project by the German Marshall Fund claims to track the influence of foreign propaganda—but warps reality to accommodate an alarming new Russophobia.

Aug 7, 2017 / James Carden

Smoke rises after airstrikes on Aleppo's Castello road, Syria June 2, 2016.

Was Trump Wrong to End the CIA’s Train-and-Equip Program in Syria? Was Trump Wrong to End the CIA’s Train-and-Equip Program in Syria?

Why the rush to condemn Trump’s only smart decision since taking office?

Jul 26, 2017 / James Carden

Donald Trump in the White House

Is Trump Planning to Upend the Iranian Nuclear Accord? Is Trump Planning to Upend the Iranian Nuclear Accord?

Trump has certified that Iran is in compliance with the terms of the international nuclear agreement—but he doesn’t seem happy about it.

Jul 19, 2017 / James Carden

New Study: The Communities Most Affected by War Turned to Trump in 2016

New Study: The Communities Most Affected by War Turned to Trump in 2016 New Study: The Communities Most Affected by War Turned to Trump in 2016

He promised to put this forgotten part of America first—but he’s done little so far.

Jul 13, 2017 / James Carden

Trump and Putin side-by-side

A Fateful Encounter: On Today’s Meeting Between Presidents Trump and Putin A Fateful Encounter: On Today’s Meeting Between Presidents Trump and Putin

The summit offers a chance to mitigate a crisis.

Jul 7, 2017 / James Carden

Donald Trump Delivers Statement

Trump and His Generals Are Playing a Dangerous Game in Syria Trump and His Generals Are Playing a Dangerous Game in Syria

The recent events in Syria represent a remarkable break from the policy candidate Trump campaigned on last year.

Jun 21, 2017 / James Carden

Trump in Saudi Arabia

What Explains Trump’s Sharp About-Face on Saudi Arabia? What Explains Trump’s Sharp About-Face on Saudi Arabia?

It has more than a little to do with the power of the Saudi lobby—as well as the administration’s deep hostility toward Iran.

May 22, 2017 / James Carden

Trump and Lavrov

Did Trump Commit a Crime in Sharing Intelligence With Moscow? Did Trump Commit a Crime in Sharing Intelligence With Moscow?

The idea that these leaks to the Post by “current and former U.S. officials” are in the service of US national security interests strains credulity. They manifestly are not.

May 17, 2017 / James Carden

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