Is America’s Fourth Estate in Foreclosure?

The modern American usage of the term “fourth estate” refers to the press as a free power, and even as a watchdog over the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the US government. Today, however, it is the watchdog that needs watching.

A Serious Moral Failure at Yad Vashem

The public discourse on the issue of replacing the director of Yad Vashem indicates that the institution no longer presents the Holocaust as a unique phenomenon and the most horrible enactment of antisemitism to have ever occurred, but as a crime against humanity that could occur in any society whose values are not liberal, including Israel. Yad Vashem, which was designed to perpetuate the memory of the Holocaust and its victims, now trumpets the values of European liberalism—the very values that paved the way to a crime like no other in world history.

Yad Vashem at a Crossroads

Neither the man nor his kippah are the basis for the opposition to the appointment of Brig. Gen. (res.) and former minister Effi Eitam as chairman of Yad Vashem. At issue is the place of the Holocaust in both contemporary Jewish identity and Israel’s historical narrative.

The US and Israel Prepare for Iranian Revenge

Moments before Donald Trump leaves the White House, Iran may try to avenge the killing of Qassem Soleimani and Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. The Gulf States are prepared, and they expect American protection.

Sri Lanka’s Trading Policy Options in the Era of COVID-19

The unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more critical for small island nations like Sri Lanka to balance their commerce policies with their interdependency on neighboring Asia-Pacific nations.

Pakistan Struggles to Regain Its Footing in a Changing Muslim World

Increasing strains between Pakistan and its traditional Arab allies, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are about more than the Gulf States’ opportunistic targeting of India’s far more lucrative market. At the heart of the tensions, and potentially complicating Pakistan’s economic recovery, is India’s ability to help the Gulf States hedge their bets amid uncertainty about the continued US commitment to regional security.

Achievements in 2020 in the Battle Against Antisemitism

The number of antisemitic incidents worldwide increased in 2020, but the past year also saw some notable positive developments in the battle against this hatred. The most important resulted from Trump policies, including the stopping of American financing of the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA. The US also announced that it considers the anti-Israel BDS movement antisemitic. Another major development was the publication of the British Equality and Human Rights Commission report on antisemitism within the Labour Party.

Israel’s “West Point” Increasingly Shapes the IDF Ground Forces

The Israel Defense Forces’ Tactical Command College (TCC), the Israeli equivalent of the West Point military academy, is increasingly shaping the professional cadre of the Israeli military’s ground forces and leaving its mark on future military leaders.

Biden and Russia: Pressure, But Not Too Much

As the world awaits Joe Biden’s inauguration as president of the US, Washington’s relations with China are under primary scrutiny. However, ties with Russia are no less important, as the two states have numerous differences across Eurasia. Washington will have to apply a careful balance of pressure on Russia to keep it from growing closer to China, and Biden possesses the statesmanship and experience to accomplish this. US-Russia relations under Biden should be strikingly different from what they were during the Trump administration.

Will RCEP Change the Game in Asia?

In a move that could represent another step in Washington’s decline and China’s hegemonic ascent in Asia, 15 state ministers signed the RCEP free trade agreement on November 15, 2020. The question weighing on policymakers across Asia, Europe, and the US is whether the RCEP economic bloc will change the global economic balance of power.

Perspectives Papers