United States tensions with both China and Russia have become increasingly prominent, dangerous, and central to US foreign policy. It is no surprise that conflict with these two countries is once again providing a rationale for extravagant military spending. Earlier this month, both houses of Congress passed a National Defense Authorization Bill for $770 billion.

Some past and recent useful articles offering a critical perspective:

US Conflict with Russia:

Anatol Lieven, “Tragedy of the Victor: America and the End of the Soviet Union.” Responsible Statecraft, December 27, 2021

Anatol Lieven, “Did This Week's US-NATO_Russia Meetings Push US Closer to War?” Responsible Statecraft, January 13, 2022

Katrina Vanden Heuvel, “What a Sensible Ukraine Policy Would Look Like.” Washington Post, January 4, 2022

National Security Archive, “NATO Expansion – The Budapest Blow Up 1994” (documents) National Security Archive, November 24, 2021

Stephen Wertheim, “Sorry Liberals but You Really Shouldn’t Love NATO.” Washington Post, June 14, 2021

Joseph Baratta, “How We Can Avoid a New Cold War with Russia.” Responsible Statecraft, December 7, 2021

US Conflict with China

Michael Klare, “None Dare Call it Encirclement: Washington Tightens the Noose Around China.” January 23, 2021.

Peter Beinart, “BidenThinks He Can Have it Both Ways on China. He’s Wrong.” New York Times, November 18, 2021,

Charles Freeman, “The Growing Peril of War with China over Taiwan.” Responsible Statecraft, December 22, 2021

Noam Chomsky, “US-China Cooperation Is Essential to Avert a New Cold War.” Truthout, December 22, 2021

Joe Gerson, “Alternatives to the Pentagon's China Nightmares.” Common Dreams, November 6, 2021