
Michael Mandelbaum is Christian A. Herter Professor Emeritus of American Foreign Policy at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a member of the editorial board of American Purpose. He is the author of many books on foreign policy, including most recently The Rise and Fall of Peace on Earth (2019).

Decisive Battles, Past and Present
The ongoing battle between Ukraine and Russia in Ukraine’s Donbas region recalls three great battles in the history of the United States.

The Bankers Who Changed the World
Venture capital violates the norms of conventional banking and in so doing has helped to create Google, Facebook, Apple, and other giant, world-transforming businesses.

Vartan Gregorian
Today at Carnegie Hall, a special program celebrates the remarkable life and work of educator and academic impresario Vartan Gregorian, who died a year ago. We’re reposting Michael Mandelbaum’s tribute.

Ukraine: The Return of the Cold War
The Cold War was not always cold, and the war in Ukraine repeats some of the patterns of that era.

The Meaning of Presidents’ Day
George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are worth remembering—now more than ever

We Had Other Options
Michael Mandelbaum replies to Francis Fukuyama and Bruce Weinrod on NATO expansion.

Anatomy of a Blunder
NATO expansion redivided Europe, isolated Ukraine, and enabled Vladimir Putin.