The Coming Battles Over American Foreign Policy: A Conversation With Kori Schake and Thomas Wright

The midterm election results signal an intensifying debate over the future of American foreign policy, particularly regarding the lasting impact of the Trump administration. While executive discretion limits congressional influence, potential bipartisan cooperation exists on specific issues like export controls and continued support for Ukraine. However, significant fissures remain within both parties regarding the role of the United States in the world, the management of alliances, and the necessity of rebuilding domestic institutions. Experts Kori Schake and Tom Wright highlight that while allies are hedging against American unreliability, they lack viable alternatives to U.S. power. The strategic environment through 2029 remains volatile, driven by munitions deficits, the need for industrial policy, and the challenge of balancing assertive economic statecraft with the preservation of critical global alliances.