Rajan Menon

Rajan Menon is the Anne and Bernard Spitzer Professor of International Relations at the City College of New York and the director of the grand strategy program at Defense Priorities.

Russian soldiers on Red Square

We Still Don’t Know Why Russia Invaded Ukraine We Still Don’t Know Why Russia Invaded Ukraine

From the beginning, the war has thoroughly confounded military mavens and experts on Russia and Ukraine.

Mar 30, 2023 / Rajan Menon

People seated around a horseshoe shaped table watch an on-screen address from Ukraine's president

The “International Community” Is an Ineffectual Fantasy The “International Community” Is an Ineffectual Fantasy

World leaders invoke it. We're lead to believe it will act on our behalf. Does it even exist?

Nov 16, 2022 / Rajan Menon

Outside Kyiv, Ukraine, locals stand atop and examine a destroyed Russian tank.

Calls for a Diplomatic Settlement in Ukraine Are Misplaced Calls for a Diplomatic Settlement in Ukraine Are Misplaced

There is not a shred of evidence that suggests Moscow and Kyiv are ready to begin real negotiations.

Jul 28, 2022 / Rajan Menon

Charred schoolwork after a Russian bomb attack in Kyiv

How Will the War in Ukraine End? How Will the War in Ukraine End?

If you’re betting on a democratic Russia anytime soon, you’d better hope peacefully.

Jun 29, 2022 / Rajan Menon

The Economic Shock Waves From the War in Ukraine Will Impact Us All

The Economic Shock Waves From the War in Ukraine Will Impact Us All The Economic Shock Waves From the War in Ukraine Will Impact Us All

Poor people in wealthy countries will feel the impact, but those in the poorest ones will suffer so much more.

May 6, 2022 / Rajan Menon

The Strategic Blunder That Led to Today’s Conflict in Ukraine

The Strategic Blunder That Led to Today’s Conflict in Ukraine The Strategic Blunder That Led to Today’s Conflict in Ukraine

There was a world out there for the planet’s sole superpower to lead, and the US wasn’t about to waste time on introspection.

Feb 10, 2022 / Rajan Menon

Flint Water Pipeline

It’s No Surprise Our Water Infrastructure Is So Bad It’s No Surprise Our Water Infrastructure Is So Bad

You’d think the wealthiest country in the world could supply its own population with drinkable water. But you’d be wrong.

Nov 17, 2021 / Rajan Menon

What Can We Learn From the War in Afghanistan?

What Can We Learn From the War in Afghanistan? What Can We Learn From the War in Afghanistan?

Four lessons worth considering.

Sep 16, 2021 / Rajan Menon

Taliban Afghanistan

Kabul Has Fallen. Now What? Kabul Has Fallen. Now What?

With the collapse of the US-backed government, Washington must chart a new course—but it won’t be easy.

Aug 16, 2021 / Editorial / Rajan Menon

Vaccines India

Wealthy Countries Have Left the Rest of the World Behind Wealthy Countries Have Left the Rest of the World Behind

Vaccine nationalism bought wealthy countries a return to normalcy, while leaving the Global South with devastating surges.

Jun 22, 2021 / Rajan Menon

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