Eunomia

Eunomia by Daniel Larison is a daily blog focused on criticizing U.S. foreign policy decisions, particularly under the Biden administration. It discusses the repercussions of military interventions, the misinterpretation of national security interests, and advocates for a non-interventionist approach and ending economic wars.

U.S. Foreign Policy Military Intervention Economic Sanctions Middle East Affairs Humanitarian Crises International Relations Non-Interventionism Global Security

The hottest Substack posts of Eunomia

And their main takeaways

The U.S. Has Never Been 'Dragged' Into the Middle East

864 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24

The U.S. has always chosen to involve itself in Middle East conflicts.
There is no vital interest requiring extensive U.S. military involvement in the region.
The notion of the U.S. being 'dragged' into the Middle East is a myth that shields leaders from accountability.

The Costs of Biden's Backing for the War in Gaza Keep Increasing

628 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Conflict Middle East Military Diplomacy Foreign Relations

Backing the war in Gaza is putting U.S. troops at greater risk.
The U.S. should withdraw troops from Iraq and Syria and end support for the war in Gaza.
Retaliation and escalating conflicts could lead to a larger war in the region.

Biden's Dangerous Yemen Blunder

825 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Military Intervention

Military intervention in Yemen may escalate into a wider regional conflict.
Airstrikes may not effectively deter Houthi attacks and could increase risks to commercial shipping.
Focus on ending the war in Gaza as a way to address the conflict with the Houthis in Yemen.

Biden's Dangerous Yemen Blunder Is Already Backfiring

727 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Yemen Military Action Conflict Sanctions

Attacking the Houthis in Yemen with threats and airstrikes is not stopping attacks on shipping and may escalate the situation.
The U.S. designation of the Houthis as terrorists could further empower them politically and increase their popularity.
The U.S. often relies on force and sanctions in international issues, but addressing the war in Gaza may be a more effective solution.

Halting UNRWA Funding Is Malicious Collective Punishment

589 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Humanitarian Aid Israel United States International Law

Western governments halting UNRWA funding is seen as cruel collective punishment
The decision to cut off funding will lead to more suffering and death in Gaza
The actions of Western donor governments in stopping aid for UNRWA are viewed as complicity in the atrocity famine in Gaza

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The U.S. Is Choosing Escalation and a Wider War

727 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics War Conflict Foreign Policy International relations

There is always a choice when it comes to using force.
Escalating the situation is an overreaction given the limited costs incurred from Houthi attacks thus far.
The U.S. is fueling an atrocious war while overreacting to interruptions in commerce, which may lead to wider conflict.

Re-Designating the Houthis Is a Major Error

668 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Conflict Humanitarian Crisis Middle East Diplomacy

The Biden administration's decision to re-designate the Houthis as terrorist group is causing harm to the people of Yemen.
The re-designation undermines efforts to prevent famine in Yemen and could strengthen the Houthis' power.
Re-listing the Houthis as terrorists risks reigniting conflict and will have severe consequences for innocent Yemenis.

Biden's 'Sustained Campaign' in Yemen Is Illegal and Pointless

569 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Military Action Foreign Policy

The Biden administration's military campaign in Yemen is illegal and unauthorized by Congress.
There is skepticism that the campaign will achieve its goals, making it a pointless endeavor.
The decision to continue the strikes is driven by ideology rather than national interest, reflecting larger issues in U.S. foreign policy.

The Backlash Against Biden on Gaza Is Growing

609 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Administration Opposition Conflict Protest

Growing dissent and opposition within Biden's administration and party due to unchanged U.S. policy on Gaza
Criticism towards Biden for neglecting Palestinian victims in statements, showing a one-sided view in the conflict
Calls for a ceasefire in Gaza to ensure the release of hostages, highlighting the impact of U.S. support for the war

Haley's Deranged Foreign Policy Worldview

432 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Iran International Law

Nikki Haley's foreign policy views are as extreme as Trump's.
Haley's hawkishness could lead to detrimental consequences like war with Iran.
Her stance on foreign policy aligns with other militarists in Congress.

The People of Gaza Are Being Starved to Death

550 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Humanitarian Crisis Middle East International Aid

There is a man-made famine in Gaza causing mass starvation and disease.
The UN warns that the situation in Gaza is a major humanitarian catastrophe requiring urgent action.
Ceasefire alone won't be enough to stop the crisis; a significant relief effort is needed to prevent further loss of life.

The Hegemonists' Irrational Fear

569 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Security Leadership Imperialism Global order

The U.S. has nothing to lose by stepping back from excessive global involvement.
America can be secure without trying to dominate the world.
The U.S. should shed irrational fears that drive its foreign policy decisions.

Foreign Policy Is a Serious Liability for Biden

373 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Biden Middle East Experience Performance

Biden's poor foreign policy performance is a challenge due to his supporters emphasizing his experience.
The president's handling of the war in Gaza questions the value of Biden's decades of experience.
Biden's foreign policy has been criticized for outdated understanding and poor execution.

The U.S. and Its Allies Have Earned Their Bad Reputation

314 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24

🌍 World Politics Responsibility Interventionism Foreign Policy

Major Western governments claim power and wealth privileges but avoid responsibility when things go wrong.
The U.S. was hyper-interventionist in the 1990s, despite claims of being on a 'holiday from history'.
The U.S. and its allies have earned a bad reputation due to their actions and choices.

The Cynicism of Biden's 'Defense' of Democracy

314 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24

🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Foreign Policy Democracy Autocracy

The 'democracy vs. autocracy' framing divides the world into opposing blocs.
Biden uses 'defending democracy' as a rhetorical tool while maintaining a status quo.
Biden's foreign policy promotes militaristic actions under the guise of supporting democracy.

China Isn't Going to Bail Out Biden

353 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics U.S. Relations China Iran War International relations

China is not going to bail out Biden.
The U.S. is asking China for something they couldn't deliver even if they wanted to try.
The administration turning to China for help shows an odd decision considering their stance on Chinese power.

'Quietly Working' Doesn't Work

452 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Conflicts International relations

'Quietly working' strategy of Biden towards Gaza issue is not credible.
Biden is not effectively leveraging his power to influence Israel in the Gaza conflict.
The president's dishonesty on his efforts adds insult to the situation.

Trump the Arms Dealer

353 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government oversight

Trump enthusiastically supported selling weapons to anyone, regardless of their intended use
During his presidency, Trump made deals with Saudi Arabia and the UAE instead of cutting off weapons sales
Trump criticized others for supporting wars for profit, but he did the same thing while in office

The Genocide in Gaza and Its Enablers

334 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Genocide International relations Human Rights Foreign Policy Diplomacy

Biden's response to the war in Gaza shows the consequences of giving another state unlimited support.
Many Democrats believe that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, yet Western governments are hesitant to act on this evidence.
Public confidence in Biden's ability to handle international crises is low, especially after his support for Israel during the Gaza conflict.

Don't Intervene in Yemen

432 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Foreign Policy Government Military

Attacking the Houthis in Yemen would be a risky and counterproductive move.
Supporting the Yemeni government may not be a wise decision due to its lack of legitimacy and internal divisions.
The focus should be on ending the war in Gaza and not escalating conflicts in Yemen.

The Atrocity Famine in Gaza Keeps Getting Worse

294 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Humanitarian Crisis Israel-Palestine conflict International Aid Human Rights US Foreign Policy

There is no major international effort underway to prevent the worsening atrocity famine in Gaza.
The conditions in Gaza, including lack of food and water, are dire and leading to mass suffering.
Immediate ceasefire and full restoration of humanitarian aid are urgently needed to prevent further deaths from hunger and disease in Gaza.

Biden's Obsession with a Bad Normalization Deal Won't Die

373 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Middle East Normalization International relations

Biden administration continues to pursue a misguided policy in the Middle East.
Pushing for Saudi-Israeli normalization is considered bad for U.S. interests.
There is little credibility left for the U.S. to broker any deal.

The Old Lies About Iran and Nuclear Weapons Just Won't Die

255 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24

🌍 World Politics Iran Nuclear Weapons Middle East War

Iran does not have the capability to make a nuclear bomb within days.
Even if Iran decided to pursue nuclear weapons, it would take them about two years to develop them.
Threatening Iran could actually push them towards developing nuclear weapons as a deterrent.

Biden's AUMF Lie

235 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Conflict

President Biden is claiming that the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs justify ordering attacks in Iraq and Syria, but this is not accurate.
Biden's official policy includes repealing the Iraq AUMF, and skepticism is raised regarding justifying recent strikes under the 2001 AUMF.
Past attempts to use outdated AUMFs for military actions have been widely criticized as unjustified and not applicable.

The U.S. Can't Avert War by Waging War

235 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24

🌍 World Politics Conflicts Military Actions

Waging sustained bombing campaigns in multiple countries leads to prolonged conflict.
The U.S. is already involved in regional conflict and is contributing to its continuation.
Choosing war does not prevent war.

Blinken Is Failing the Test

353 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Foreign Policy

The idea of Blinken providing a reassuring projection of American leadership is not credible.
Morale in the State Department is low under Blinken compared to previous administrations.
State Department experts are being ignored as Biden and Blinken drive U.S. policy in a negative direction.

What Would Trump's Future Foreign Policy Look Like?

294 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy

Continuity in U.S. foreign policy under a second Trump administration should not be seen as positive.
Trump's foreign policy record was mostly characterized by continuity with existing policies.
Despite being labeled a 'disruptor,' Trump's foreign policy was not drastically different from traditional Republican stances.

The Kenyan-Led Intervention in Haiti Hits a Roadblock

255 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Intervention Haiti Government

Kenya's High Court stopped the ill-advised Kenyan-led intervention in Haiti.
Sending a force with a checkered human rights record wouldn't have helped Haiti.
It's unlikely the proposed mission in Haiti will proceed with Kenyan participation.

Another Illegal War Is in the Offing

216 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Actions

The Constitution requires Congressional approval for the president to use U.S. forces in military campaigns.
The U.S. is planning an unauthorized military campaign in Iraq and Syria.
Congressional response to the news has been lacking, with some members criticizing the proposed campaign.

The Phantom of 'Neo-Isolationism'

196 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24

🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy International relations Global Power

Some hawks and interventionists claim the U.S. is hesitant to lead globally.
The U.S. is currently involved in multiple foreign wars and imposing sanctions on several countries.
The narrative of 'neo-isolationism' is not a true reflection of U.S. actions in the world.

The Yemen Strikes Are Mindless Do-Somethingism in Action

275 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Yemen Military Action Conflict Middle East Foreign Policy

There's always a choice when deciding whether to use force or not, and usually, there are better options than resorting to force.
The U.S. won't likely compel Houthi compliance through force; attacking Iranian targets would worsen the conflict.
Taking military action that you expect will make things worse is both stupid and wrong.

Mattis Secretly Advised the UAE on the War on Yemen

176 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24

🌍 World Politics Conflict

Jim Mattis advised the UAE on the Yemen war while being paid.
Mattis did not publicly disclose his consulting job for the UAE.
His advisory role was more significant than previously understood.

Trump's Ridiculous Foreign Policy Evasions

196 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy

Trump uses vague statements to avoid answering specific foreign policy questions.
His preferred strategy is to dodge questions by making vacuous claims.
One example is how he evades answering about ordering an attack on Iran.

Taiwan and the Cult of Resolve

216 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics International relations Military Aid

U.S. decisions in one area do not necessarily mean giving up on others.
Maintaining reputation should be a priority over improving capabilities.
Supporting a government in one place doesn't necessarily indicate willingness to do the same in another place.

Biden's Cluster Munitions Blunder

884 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23

🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Military International Law Allies

Cluster munitions are inherently indiscriminate and pose a threat to civilians long after a war ends.
Providing cluster munitions to Ukraine may lead to more harm than good, as they can maim and kill civilians and soldiers.
Exporting cluster munitions contradicts previous condemnations of their use, creating political problems and potential hypocrisy.

DeSantis and America's Intervention Addiction

491 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Intervention Presidential Campaigns

Many republicans are addicted to military intervention, as shown by growing enthusiasm for a military option in Mexico.
Aggressive policies like military interventions in Mexico are likely to backfire and harm relationships with other countries.
Proposals for military action in Mexico are concerning and should not be dismissed as mere campaign tactics.

DeSantis' Warped Understanding of the Monroe Doctrine

530 implied HN points • 30 May 23

🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Latin America Imperialism Independence Diplomacy

Monroe Doctrine originally promoted noninterventionism in Latin America.
DeSantis misinterprets the Monroe Doctrine as a tool to counter China's influence.
U.S. should focus on cooperation with Latin American neighbors rather than trying to dictate their relationships.

Republicans Rally Behind the Stupidest Possible War

589 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Republicans Interventionism Militarism Foreign Policy

Attacking drug cartels with military force is not a solution and would make things worse.
Using military action in the drug war ignores underlying causes and would not address drug trade demand.
Support for reckless military interventions reveals a lack of consistent opposition in the Republican Party.

Haley's Neo-Imperialism and 'Chinese Influence'

471 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23

🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy International Affairs Latin America Sovereignty

Neighboring countries in the Americas are not owned by the United States.
Labeling Chinese engagement in the Americas as infiltration is not helpful.
The US should respect sovereignty of other countries to build better relations.

End the Senseless Economic War on Venezuela

432 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23

🌍 World Politics Sanctions Foreign Relations Human Rights Policy

House Democrats are urging the Biden administration to ease sanctions on Venezuela to alleviate economic crisis.
Critics argue that continuing economic hardship on an entire population is immoral and unworthy.
There is growing recognition of the undeniable failure and cruelty of the current Venezuela policy.