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Leaders

List of Leaders articles

Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance appear on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance appear on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Trump/Vance Unilateralist Delusion

The Republican ticket has unified—around a fundamentally unrealistic foreign policy.

A close-up of Trump's face as he speaks into a microphone. There is a bandage on his ear.
A close-up of Trump's face as he speaks into a microphone. There is a bandage on his ear.

Now Trump Is the One With the Age Problem

The former president’s health and mental acuity haven’t received nearly enough scrutiny.

A grid of portraits shows Bill Clinton, his hands on his knees, the face of Benjamin Netanyahu, the members of Pussy Riot, wearing masks, Aung San Suu Kyi in profile, Vladamir Putin, and Michelle Obama.
A grid of portraits shows Bill Clinton, his hands on his knees, the face of Benjamin Netanyahu, the members of Pussy Riot, wearing masks, Aung San Suu Kyi in profile, Vladamir Putin, and Michelle Obama.

How Platon Photographs Power

The British artist and provocateur on the stories behind the world’s most influential people.

An illustration shows President Biden facing toward a spinning blurry globe
An illustration shows President Biden facing toward a spinning blurry globe

Biden’s Legacy Depends on What Happens Next

The U.S. president leaves behind an enviable list of accomplishments after one term. But Trump could destroy a lot of it.

A tight image of Joe Biden from the nose down shows him wearing a tie with Democratic Party donkeys.
A tight image of Joe Biden from the nose down shows him wearing a tie with Democratic Party donkeys.

Biden Is Passing the Torch

Democrats can make this a decisive moment in their own trajectory and that of U.S. democracy.

Attendees at a Trump campaign rally duck in front of a stars and stripes flag.
Attendees at a Trump campaign rally duck in front of a stars and stripes flag.

A Uniquely Perilous Moment in U.S. Politics

After the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, so-called “accelerationists” will look to spark a broader conflagration.

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks onstage before the start of the third day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks onstage before the start of the third day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Trump Is Giving Taiwan the Ukraine Treatment

Trump’s transactional approach to Taiwan sets him apart from the China hawks advising him.

A ripped and warped section from the side of a plane rests in the foreground of a broad expanse of a grassy field against a cloudy sky.
A ripped and warped section from the side of a plane rests in the foreground of a broad expanse of a grassy field against a cloudy sky.

How the West Misunderstood Moscow in Ukraine

Ten years ago, Russia’s first invasion failed to wake up a bamboozled West. The reasons are still relevant today.

Narendra Modi sits at a table with officials behind him and an Indian flag beside him.
Narendra Modi sits at a table with officials behind him and an Indian flag beside him.

Modi’s China Bind

India is becoming more dependent on China economically, but the prime minister’s base demands a hardline approach.

A satirical float shows European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the annual carnival parade in Mainz, Germany, on Feb. 20, 2023.
A satirical float shows European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the annual carnival parade in Mainz, Germany, on Feb. 20, 2023.

For Putin, the EU Is a Bigger Threat Than NATO

The Kremlin fears the EU’s ability to spur deep political change.

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he is rushed offstage during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, blood on his face.
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he is rushed offstage during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, blood on his face.

This Is America, Too

The United States has many wonderful characteristics, but the attempt to kill Donald Trump is a reminder that violence has always been embedded in American culture.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and others listen as U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during the closing ceremony of the NATO summit in Washington.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and others listen as U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during the closing ceremony of the NATO summit in Washington.

Biden Press Conference Overshadowed End of NATO Summit

The president’s remarks on foreign policy became a Rorschach test for allies and experts.

Trump stands with his eyes closed in a suit with a red tie, before a banner that reads "CNN."
Trump stands with his eyes closed in a suit with a red tie, before a banner that reads "CNN."

Biden’s Age Is a Problem. Trump’s Agenda Is a Bigger One.

The media has a duty to examine the president’s fumbles—but not at the expense of the larger picture.

A visitor wlks past a portrait of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, called "Winter," by Ukrainian Ruslan Kutnyak at the Art Expo Ukraine in Kiev on March 9, 2011.
A visitor wlks past a portrait of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, called "Winter," by Ukrainian Ruslan Kutnyak at the Art Expo Ukraine in Kiev on March 9, 2011.

Western Companies Are Now Paying for Russia Sanctions

U.S. and European companies still have billions of dollars in assets in Russia—and Moscow is starting to retaliate.

Joe Biden arrives to speak about Covid-19 vaccines for children, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on June 21, 2022 in Washington.
Joe Biden arrives to speak about Covid-19 vaccines for children, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on June 21, 2022 in Washington.

Biden’s Frailty Doesn’t Endanger America

Why the president’s weakened physical condition doesn’t make the country more vulnerable.

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