Recent Publications on U.S. Foreign Policy

Quarterly Byline Report: Michael Walsh

The first quarter of 2025 was characterized by significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy. That not only led to new fault lines for geopolitical friction. It also led to noticeable shifts in regional balances of power. Over the course of the quarter, my publications tended to focus on issues involving defense, diplomacy, and intelligence. Here is the break down.

---

Defense

• Israel & Turkey

  • “When Israel and Turkey go to war.” Asia Times, Jan 20
    → Explores rising military tensions between Israel and Turkey, implications for U.S. defense posture and regional security.

---

Diplomacy

• South Africa

  • “Trump administration might put AU and South Africa’s G20 membership into play.” Mail & Guardian, Mar 31
    → Analyzes how Trump Administration might leverage G20 participation to try to isolate South Africa and the African Union diplomatically.

  • “Ramaphosa article begs US ship with Israeli arms.” Times of Israel, Mar 28
    → Discusses diplomatic fallout over South African decision on Israeli arms shipments.

  • “The State Department should give Congress the information it needs for sanctions requests.” Hudson Institute, Feb 11
    → Criticizes bureaucratic delays in providing actionable data to U.S. Congress.

  • “Will the US Congress pull the Magnitsky sanctions trigger on South Africa?” Mail & Guardian, Jan 27
    → Discusses the Magnitsky sanctions debate within the U.S Congress.

  • “Winter is coming: South African elites may face sanctions in first year of Trump administration.” Sunday Times, Jan 20
    → Warns of potential push for U.S. sanctions for South African officials.

• Spain

  • “New Federal Maritime Commission inquiry could rock Pillars of Hercules in US-Spain relations.” Mail & Guardian, Mar 21
    → Highlights maritime regulatory risks involving countries situated alongside Strait of Gibraltar.

  • “Sánchez debe tener cuidado: las represalias de Trump podrían adoptar muchas formas.” El Independiente, Feb 14
    → Warns Spanish leadership of potential retaliatory moves by the Trump administration.

  • “Salvar la asociación estratégica entre España y EEUU requiere que Sánchez y Trump piensen de forma innovadora.” El Independiente, Feb 3
    → Advocates for creative diplomacy to rescue a weakening U.S.-Spain alliance.

  • “US and Spain careening toward a strategic breakdown.” Asia Times, Jan 22
    → Outlines new concerns in U.S.-Spain relations.

• Pacific Island Countries

  • “Is US diplomatic recognition of Cook Islands and Niue in question?” The Post, Feb 17
    → Notes questions about Trump administration reconsideration of diplomatic recognition of Cook Islands and Niue.

  • “New Congress should pull the trigger on Magnitsky sanction requests for Pacific island countries.” Pacific Island Times, Jan 19
    → Argues for use of sanctions to counter perceived corruption in Pacific governance.

---

Intelligence

• United States

  • “Confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard must not become a witch hunt.” Pacific Island Times, Jan 27
    → Advises U.S. Congress to focus on objective criteria in determination of suitability of Tulsi Gabbard.

---