Publications

fp21 is building a new culture of foreign policy. Explore our publications below.


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Identifying Influence in Geopolitics: China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Blog posts Thomas Scherer Blog posts Thomas Scherer

Identifying Influence in Geopolitics: China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Thomas Scherer: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is China’s $1 trillion (and growing) infrastructure investment program, prompting large counter-investments from U.S. allies. But there’s a huge assumption baked into this financial arms race to exert influence: more investment causes more influence. Is that even true? New research suggests not.

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A Review of ‘Delegated Diplomacy: How Ambassadors Establish Trust in International Relations’
Blog posts, OpEds Ellice Huang Blog posts, OpEds Ellice Huang

A Review of ‘Delegated Diplomacy: How Ambassadors Establish Trust in International Relations’

Dan Spokojny: When presidents and leaders can communicate directly and instantaneously with one another, why bother with diplomats? David Lindsey's new book offers a counterintuitive but compelling answer. This book review examines the compelling argument which demands that we take the role of diplomats more seriously.

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Bridging the Gap to Nowhere?
Blog posts Ellice Huang Blog posts Ellice Huang

Bridging the Gap to Nowhere?

Dan Spokojny: “Bridging the gap” between academics and policymakers is vital for improving US foreign policy. Yet there are some critical design flaws in the bridge that need to be addressed. It's worrying when scholars must hide their methods and evidence when speaking with a policymaker. This risks placing outstanding scholarship on equal footing with opinions, lobbying, and misinformation.

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