Vital Interests
This is the archive page for Vital Interests, which is no longer actively sending. Once each week, Thomas Joscelyn, who is sought out by the nation’s top foreign policy and national security policymakers, sent a deeply researched but highly readable analysis of American power on the world stage.
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Why Is China Blocking a WHO Delegation From Visiting Wuhan?
It might be time to revisit the lab-leak theory.
Al-Qaeda’s Endless Jihad in East Africa
The Department of Justice recently charged a Shabaab operative with plotting a 9/11-style hijacking.
The Chinese Communist Party’s Human Hack of Western Companies
There may be a frightening number of potential CCP loyalists in Western companies and consulates around the globe.
Joe Biden’s Curious Defense of Gen. Lloyd Austin
In The Atlantic, the president-elect touts his nominee's handling of the Iraq withdrawal and is notably silent on China.
Trump’s Wish to End the ‘Endless Wars’ Denies Reality
ISIS isn't dead, al-Qaeda is not a ‘shadow of its former self,’ and the Taliban is not our counterterrorism partner.
Biden Need Only Look to Australia to See What to Expect From China
The CCP has increased its rhetorical attacks on Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government in recent weeks.
No, It’s Not Surprising That Abu Muhammad al-Masri Was Living in Iran
The Islamic Republic and al-Qaeda have a long history of cooperation.
America’s Biggest Adversaries Have Been Mostly Silent on Biden’s Election
China and Russia are waiting and seeing, but the Taliban has acknowledged the president-elect.
The Emerging Sino-Russian Alliance
How the 'great powers' are reconfiguring their partnerships for a new era. Plus, why it matters that al-Qaeda’s media chief was killed in Taliban country.
One Term of ‘Maximum Pressure’ on North Korea
A new book from H.R. McMaster offers a look back at Trump's attempted containment and wooing of Kim Jong-un.
The Real Danger in Trump Touting a Baseless Bin Laden Conspiracy Theory
It obscures that Iran and al-Qaeda sometimes do work together.
The Failures of Operation Enduring Freedom
The chief aim in late 2001 should have been the swift destruction of al-Qaeda. That didn’t happen.
Xi vs. Trump at the United Nations
Read between the lines to see how Xi wants to use international institutions to protect China’s tyranny.
No, There is No ‘End in Sight’ to the Battle Against Al-Qaeda
The terror group has grown its base since 9/11.
Trump’s ‘They Want to Do Nothing But Fight Wars’ Smear Was Nasty—And Inaccurate
Contrary to the president’s claim, the Pentagon wants out of the 9/11 wars.