Are America and China Condemned to Repeat History?
The evolving relationship between the United States and China is assessed against the backdrop of historical great-power dynamics marked by cycles of rivalry and limited cooperation. Economic interdependence, strategic competition, and divergent geopolitical interests continue to shape bilateral relations, raising the question of whether structural tensions will lock both powers into recurring patterns of confrontation or allow for a more stable equilibrium.

Why Capitalism Persists
The trajectory of the global order is examined against the backdrop of a crisis in liberal democracies and the gradual erosion of the post–Cold War system. The focus lies on why capitalism continues to persist as the dominant economic model despite geopolitical upheaval, growing systemic criticism, and declining trust in institutions.

In Ausgabe 006/2026 von Foreign Affairs

Ukraine and the New Way of War
For almost four years, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has defied all expectations. Instead of a short war that would be devastating for Kyiv, a long and costly conflict has ensued for both sides. Ukraine is defending its territory, renewing its warfare, and mobilizing the US, Europe, and others much more strongly than expected. Russia has fallen short of expectations militarily, but has been able to renew its armed forces, improve its tactics, and sustain its economy.

Europe’s Next Hegemon
Germany is rapidly expanding its military power and is set to become Europe's strongest conventional army by 2030. The author warns that without close integration into European structures, German dominance could trigger old rivalries, counter-coalitions (especially France and Poland), and a division of Europe—which would be particularly dangerous if the AfD, with its revanchist agenda, were to gain power.

In Ausgabe 004/2026 von Foreign Affairs

The Price of American Authoritarianism
After Trump’s 2024 reelection, much of the U.S. establishment remained calm, trusting democratic resilience after his first term and January 6. Yet The Price of American Authoritarianism raises a warning: democratic decline has real costs, and the open question is what forces—institutions, norms, civic action—can still reverse it.

The Illiberal International
Authoritarian cooperation is reshaping the global order. After the Cold War, a U.S.-led system spread liberal democracy unevenly. Today, momentum has shifted: authoritarian and illiberal governments, antisystem parties, and supportive private actors coordinate across borders, share narratives, and provide material backing, accelerating global democratic decline.

In Ausgabe 002/2026 von Foreign Affairs

In Ausgabe 012/2025 von Foreign Affairs