Foreign Policy & International Affairs

Foreign Policy & International Affairs

Why should we care about the Strait of Hormuz?

In this edition of TPO Explains, we break down the Strait of Hormuz, explaining why the narrow waterway is the world's most important oil chokepoint, why Iran has all but shut it down, and what that means for global markets.

Foreign Policy & International Affairs

Who is the WHO?

In this edition of TPO Explains, we break down the World Health Organization, explaining what the UN's global health agency does, how it differs from the CDC, and why the U.S. withdrew earlier this year.

Foreign Policy & International Affairs

What Is War? (Legally Speaking)

In this edition of TPO Explains, we break down what “war” means legally, explaining how the U.S. formally declares war, why most modern conflicts aren’t officially wars, and the alternatives presidents use to authorize military action.

Foreign Policy & International Affairs

Quickly Explaining “Crude Oil” from Recent Headlines

In this edition of TPO Explains, we break down government shutdowns, explaining why they happen, what services stop or continue, and how Congress ultimately brings them to an end.

Foreign Policy & International Affairs

Explaining the History of the Iranian Regime

In this edition of TPO Explains, we break down how Iran’s government works, explaining the role of the Supreme Leader, the structure of its theocratic system, and how leadership transitions unfold.

Foreign Policy & International Affairs

Greenland 101

In this edition of TPO Explains, we break down Greenland, explaining its political relationship with Denmark, why the island is strategically important, and why the U.S. has long been interested in it.

Foreign Policy & International Affairs

What in the World is International Law?

In this edition of TPO Explains, we break down international law, explaining where global rules come from, what they govern, and how they’re enforced without a single global authority.

Foreign Policy & International Affairs

Israel, Palestine, and Hamas... How’d We Get Here?

In this edition of TPO Explains, we break down the Israel–Palestine conflict, tracing its historical roots, key turning points since 1947, and why the land remains deeply contested today.