Noted recall: The goal is to describe, in just a few words, what the article is about. Additionally, if I think the article is particularly note-worthy (good or bad), I will comment on that. Compare this to a small sticky note, something to jog your memory about the contents of an article. Of course, if I miss the point of an article, or fail to find anything remarkable, that is entirely the fault of the reviewer.
Available at: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/issues/2019/98/3
This Time Is Different - Daniel W. Drezner
(read 2019/05/29)
Article about the decline of America as a global leader. Points out this has been happening for a while, just exacerbated under Trump. One of the key elements pointed out is lack of public interest in foreign policy, and cites the end of the draft in 1973 as an important turning points.
The End of Hubris - Stephen M. Walt
(read 2019/05/29)
Another similar article (I'm probably going to start referring to this as the "standard" article), decline of US as a global leader, need to focus less on the middle east and more on countering the rise of China. This one seemed better articulated than the other variants.
The Longest Wars - George Packer
(read 2019/05/30)
This is an excerpt/adaption of a biography of Richard Holbrooke (this was really captivating writing). He was deployed to Vietnam but ended up doing policy work under the Secretary of State. Continued his career in the State Department under democratic presidents, most recently Obama. He advised Clinton about Afghanistan. The article focuses on the similarities between Afghanistan and Vietnam, both on the warfront, and in trying to make Washington understand the unwinnable nature of the war, which Holbrooke wrote about extensively.
Hard Truths in Syria - Brett McGurk
(read 2019/06/02)
Overview of US position in Syria. The complicated relationships between Iran, Iraq, Syria, Russia, Israel, the US, Turkey (this seems like a good resource, I will probably reference this in the future). How US presence has prevented Turkey and Russia and Iran territory increases in Syria. The effects of Trump suddenly declaring, with no prior planning, that US troops would withdrawal immediately.
The Lost Art of American Diplomacy - William J. Burns
(read 2019/06/04)
I liked this, a shallow article about the importance of diplomacy, and the decline of American diplomacy since the end of the cold war. Some criticisms of the current State Department, and some recommendations.
The New German Question - Robert Kagan
(read 2019/06/04)
Contrast from the previous, deep article on German history since 1870. Germany's role as a world leader in that time period. Germany's reluctance to be a regional leader today; that is, still heavily influenced by 1940-1990 period and very cautious, and this was contrasted against Japan as a regional leader and recent nationalistic urges. Some remarks on how Trump administration is undermining EU liberalism. Some remarks on the haphazardness of history, that democratic countries tend to reinforce democratic norms, cautious warnings that peaceful democracy may not be permanent.
Killer Apps - Paul Scharre
(read 2019/06/05)
This is a solid article on machine learning. Touches on recent research, stays accurate. Discusses military and civilian uses for machine learning, some potential future applications.
All the King's Consultants - Calvert W. Jones
(read 2019/06/05)
Detailed article on consultants in autocratic regimes, report on some research and interviews. (Closest I've seen to a journal quality article in the magazine). Ethical concerns, how tools for good can also be used for bad. How advisors become more cautious over time, willing to say less.