Proving that fiscal policy is deeply political, the US Congress has only a few days left to reach a budgeting agreement or face a government shutdown on Oct. 1. Congress’ inability to pass any major budgets for the forthcoming fiscal year reflects deep divisions within the Republican Party.

Last year, the US significantly increased the number of people and entities under sanctions. Sanctions serve as a politically popular tool that is applied with growing precision, but do they actually achieve their intended purpose?

Two years after the US and its allies withdrew from Afghanistan, partisan political views in Washington have hardened, while foreign policy experts are starting more comprehensive reviews of the entire war.

This summer, US President Joe Biden and his advisers have started promoting “Bidenomics” as a key message in his reelection campaign. It is unclear if the concept will gain traction among voters; if it does, it presents both opportunity and risk for Biden.

The UN Security Council last week failed to reach an agreement to keep open the Bab Al-Hawa border crossing that allows international aid to reach northwest Syria. In addition to dire humanitarian consequences, the development also has geopolitical implications.

A recent survey of 23 countries found that a majority of people polled had a favorable view of the US. This finding suggests that US soft power — non-coercive influence, such as cultural and economic appeal — remains strong.