LSE Comment

In this section you can read recent expert commentary from LSE academics on important issues around American Politics and Policy. This section also contains reviews of recent books by LSE academics and book reviews from LSE staff and alumni.

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    Biden’s messy Afghanistan withdrawal has increased the need to deliver on his domestic agenda

Biden’s messy Afghanistan withdrawal has increased the need to deliver on his domestic agenda

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After nearly two decades of boots on the ground, last month American forces left Afghanistan, with the Taliban retaking the country much more quickly than had been anticipated by the administration of President Biden. In this Q&A, LSE Phelan US Centre Director Professor Peter Trubowitz looks at the withdrawal from Afghanistan in the context of a US strategic adjustment […]

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    The IPCC report is a grim reminder that the US will not be spared the extreme effects of climate change

The IPCC report is a grim reminder that the US will not be spared the extreme effects of climate change

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This week the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the first part of its 6th assessment report on climate change, confirming that global temperatures have risen due to emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities. Bob Ward reflects on the report, and the Biden administration’s response to it, highlighting its conclusions that climate change means that the US […]

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    A summer of unease and uncertainty for New York City’s housing politics

A summer of unease and uncertainty for New York City’s housing politics

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In many cases the COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated existing inequalities and threats experienced by those in low income communities. Reporting from New York City, Glyn Robbins looks at the city’s politics of homelessness and eviction in light of the pandemic. He writes that despite local measures like the city’s extended eviction ban, leadership on housing policy ultimately needs to […]

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    To return the US to the global stage, Biden must first strengthen the country’s domestic foundations.

To return the US to the global stage, Biden must first strengthen the country’s domestic foundations.

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After four years of “America First” policies under Donald Trump, President Biden has pledged to return the US to a position of leadership on the world stage. Charles A. Kupchan and Peter Trubowitz write that to accomplish this, Biden will first need to rebuild popular support for internationalism at home through programs to support US workers affected by trade, […]

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    Building Back Better: Biden has taken some first steps towards a less inhumane and biased criminal justice system.  

Building Back Better: Biden has taken some first steps towards a less inhumane and biased criminal justice system.  

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With the end of the first 100 days of the Biden Administration, what progress has been made in reforming America’s criminal justice policy? As part of our Building Back Better series, Nicola Lacey writes that President Biden is moving to fulfil his election campaign promises with a range of criminal justice reforms including drug sentencing reform, robust gun controls, […]

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    Biden’s foreign policy will likely focus on rebuilding bridges with allies, pressing China, and ensuring international relationships benefit Americans again.  

Biden’s foreign policy will likely focus on rebuilding bridges with allies, pressing China, and ensuring international relationships benefit Americans again.  

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As Joe Biden enters the White House as the 46th President of the United States, he faces a number of significant challenges, including tackling COVID-19 and undoing Donald Trump’s divisive legacy both at home and abroad. LSE US Centre Director Professor Peter Trubowitz writes on Biden’s likely foreign policy priorities: rebuilding strategic, economic and political ties with traditional allies; […]

What’s next after President Trump’s second impeachment.

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On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives voted to impeach President Trump under the charge of “incitement of insurrection” following last week’s Capitol invasion by Trump’s supporters. In this Q&A, LSE US Centre Director Professor Peter Trubowitz writes that what happens next depends on how soon Speaker Nancy Pelosi sends impeachment papers to the Senate, whether Senate Majority Leader […]

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    The US Capitol insurrection shows we need to take conspiracy and distrust seriously

The US Capitol insurrection shows we need to take conspiracy and distrust seriously

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Ariel Perkins examines the complex mix of forces behind scenes of insurrection at the heart of US democracy.

As dust settles from the scenes of insurrection that unfolded at the US Capitol Building last Wednesday, one of the prevailing takeaways for domestic commentators is the failure of national security in light of the publicized intentions of the insurrectionist mob. What should […]

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    Pursuing impeachment is the best option for the country right now

Pursuing impeachment is the best option for the country right now

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Last week saw an insurrection at the US Capitol which has been linked to President Trump’s aggressive rhetoric around the 2020 election result. In this Q&A, LSE US Centre Director Professor Peter Trubowitz writes that the best option for the country is for Democrats is to pursue President Trump’s impeachment with an allied goal of convincing Republicans to agree […]

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    What US policymakers can learn from how the EU tackles poverty among single-parent families  

What US policymakers can learn from how the EU tackles poverty among single-parent families  

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Nearly a quarter of children in the US live in a single-parent family, and a substantial number of these families experience in-work and unemployment-related poverty. Amanda Sheely and Laurie Maldonado look at what lessons US policymakers can learn from the European Union to improve the lives of single parents, such as supporting them back into employment where possible and introducing policies which support the roles of both parents.

The situation of single […]

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