FOREIGN POLICY

FEBRUARY 9. 2026

The Real Risk After New START Isn’t Arms Racing

Without the treaty, nuclear forces will become hard to verify and harder to trust.

How Long Will Japan Be a One-Woman Show?

Despite a landslide victory, questions remain over the prime minister’s popularity and her fiscal plans.

Who Killed the Liberal International Order?

A contested idea has seen many alleged deaths.

Why Missile Defense Now Raises the Risk of War

The delusion of invulnerability tempts leaders to take risks.

Xi Jinping Can Never Trust His Own Military

China’s leader has created a system of permanent insecurity.

The United States’ 250th Birthday Has Become a Test for the Nation

How to present history was also a roiling debate during the bicentennial.

FEBRUARY 8. 2026

Will Geopolitics Overshadow the Milan Cortina Olympics?

What to know as the Winter Games kick off.

FEBRUARY 6. 2026

U. S. -Iran Talks Make Little Headway

The top U. S. military commander in the Middle East joined the negotiations for the first time.

U. S. -Iran Indirect Nuclear Talks Fail to Make Significant Progress

The top U. S. military commander in the Middle East joined the negotiations for the first time.

How the British Empire Chose Canada Over Guadeloupe

London won the spoils of war from France—and lost the United States.

The Enormous Business of the Super Bowl

How the economics of football shape American culture.

‘Melania’ Is a Lousy Film but Forever Part of U. S. History

It’s less “Triumph of the Will, ” more Jackie Kennedy’s landmark TV special.

A Pair of Inventive Novels on Migration

Plus, more international fiction releases in February.

Venezuela Reformed Its Oil Law. Now What?

Caracas is trying desperately to boost investment in its oil patch, but it may be disappointed.