United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 2019
Ownership
Responsible Statecraft is the in-house online magazine of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a Washington, D.C. foreign-policy think tank founded in late 2019. It is not an independent company but a publishing arm wholly controlled by the Quincy Institute, whose co-founders include Trita Parsi, Stephen Wertheim, Eli Clifton, Suzanne DiMaggio and Andrew Bacevich. Editorial direction reflects the institute's advocacy mission of military restraint.
Funding
Financed entirely through the Quincy Institute's donor base rather than commercial revenue. Notable funders have included the Open Society Foundations, the Charles Koch Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. The institute states it refuses money from foreign governments.
Affiliation & stance
It promotes the Quincy Institute's 'restraint' school of foreign policy and is editorially answerable to that advocacy organization, not to a commercial newsroom. Because it is owned and funded by an issue-advocacy think tank with a defined policy agenda rather than being a commercially or independently run outlet, it is classified DEPENDENT (the site's existing guess is correct).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 73
73/100
Factual
61/100
Objective
73
Articles
73
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
In Latin America, the road to Trump's heart goes through Israel
The article discusses the shifting diplomatic relationships between several Latin American countries and Israel, particularly highlighting the growing alignment with Israel amid increased support for the Trump administration. Following initial criticism of Israel's actions during the Gaza conflict, countries like Venezuela, Colombia, Chile, and Honduras have recently moved to restore or establish closer ties with Israel. These shifts are attributed to strategic considerations aimed at gaining favor with the U.S., especially under Trump's policies. Analysts suggest that while various factors influence these decisions, the primary motivation is aligning with U.S. interests. The article notes that Colombia, which previously had strong security ties with Israel before the left-wing government of Gustavo Petro, is now seeking renewed cooperation with Israel and the U.S. to address issues like narcoterrorism.
Israel is sponsoring ads on Ted Cruz's podcast. Is that legal?
The Israeli government is running advertisements on Sen. Ted Cruz's podcast, 'Verdict with Ted Cruz,' which raises concerns about potential indirect campaign funding from a foreign country. iHeartMedia, which syndicates the show, has donated over $1.7 million in digital revenue to Cruz's super PAC, Truth and Courage PAC, under a licensing deal. While the FEC dismissed a complaint against Cruz, arguing he didn't directly receive or control the funds, the Israeli 'I am Israel' campaign promotes religious tourism through ads featuring Cruz's co-host, Ben Ferguson. These ads encourage Christian visitors to explore biblical sites without disclosing that Visit Israel is a government-backed entity. Legal experts suggest this could exploit loopholes in campaign finance laws, as foreign contributions are prohibited unless they are explicitly directed to a candidate or PAC.
More troops reporting unwanted sexual contact, but numbers still fall, Pentagon says
A recent Pentagon report indicates that more U.S. troops are reporting unwanted sexual contact to authorities, although the overall prevalence of such incidents has continued to decline. According to the report, 33% of active-duty personnel who experienced unwanted sexual contact in fiscal year 2025 reported it, up from 25% in fiscal year 2023. The data comes from confidential surveys conducted every two years and official reports submitted to authorities. While the rate of reported sexual contact increased, the overall incidence of such incidents decreased, with rates falling for both men and women. The report highlights ongoing efforts to improve transparency and support for victims, noting that increased reporting reflects growing confidence in the system. However, the report notes that these figures represent only the early period of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s tenure, during which he has taken actions including firing top female leaders.
An independent Europe means no more US rooster in the henhouse
The article discusses NATO's adaptation to a potential reduction in U.S. dominance within the alliance, noting that European nations are increasing their defense spending and seeking greater autonomy. Secretary-General Mark Rutte explains that Europeans are filling the void left by the U.S.'s inability to guarantee security commitments. The piece highlights concerns among American policymakers about losing influence as Europe becomes more self-reliant, potentially creating a counterbalance to U.S. power. It references Fareed Zakaria's warning that increased European military spending could reduce dependence on the U.S. The article also notes challenges in coordinating European military efforts and the resurgence of Germany as a military force. Additionally, it points out historical European reluctance to defend neighboring countries, as seen in a 2020 Pew Research Center survey, and criticizes European economic concessions made under pressure from the Trump administration.
Stepan Bandera is haunting the Ukraine War and Polish elections
Relations between Ukraine and Poland have become strained due to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to honor the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and their armed wing, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), during World War II. This includes naming a military unit after the 'Heroes of the UPA' and re-intering the remains of OUN leader Andriy Melnyk with military honors. In response, Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked an award recognizing Polish-Ukrainian friendship that had been given to Zelensky. The issue has broader implications for Polish support for Ukraine's war effort, particularly among the nationalist-right opposition, who prioritize Poland's own defense over aiding Ukraine. The controversy also plays into upcoming Polish parliamentary elections, where the nationalist-right aims to challenge the current centrist-left government. The conflict centers around historical grievances, including the Volhynia massacres, where UPA forces killed tens of thousands of Poles.
'Orcas' with likely inside info win big on Trump Jr.-funded Polymarket
An investigation by the Anti-Corruption Data Collective suggests that 152 highly successful Polymarket wallets, nicknamed 'Orcas,' may have engaged in insider trading using confidential military information related to U.S. defense operations, including the June 2025 attacks on Iran. These wallets achieved a 97.2% success rate and collectively won $8 million. The platform, which is connected to Donald Trump Jr., who serves as an advisor, has attracted investment from his venture capital firm, 1789 Capital. Additionally, Trump family members, including Eric Trump, have financial ties to defense-related companies like Powerus and Xtend, which have secured military contracts. Concerns over insider trading on Polymarket have grown, highlighted by cases such as Master Sgt. Gannon Ken Van Dyke, who allegedly profited over $400,000 by betting on a covert operation against Venezuela's leader. The White House has issued warnings against using nonpublic government information for betting, while some lawmakers have taken steps to prohibit insider trading on prediction markets.
USS Abraham Lincoln leaving Middle East after 9-month deployment
The USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. aircraft carrier, is departing the Middle East after a nine-month deployment, with its crew returning home. The ship's extended mission, initially intended to last six months, was prolonged due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, increasing the workload for sailors and Marines. Concerns have been raised by family members regarding deteriorating mental health, poor sanitation, and food shortages aboard the vessel. These issues were highlighted in reports by Military Times and Stars and Stripes, prompting discussions on Capitol Hill. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and former President Donald Trump dismissed these concerns, with Trump claiming the deployment duration was insufficient. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao criticized media coverage as 'dishonest.' Admiral Brad Cooper, from U.S. Central Command, acknowledged the challenges of deployment but did not confirm specific problems. The Navy stated it has not observed an increase in suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts among crew members and is investigating an August incident where a sailor fell overboard. Families of service members expressed relief at the prospect of reunification.
As Baghdad tries to please Trump, Iran tells Iraqi militias not to disarm
Iran's Quds Force commander, Esmail Qaani, secretly visited Baghdad and urged Iraqi militias to retain their weapons rather than surrender them to the government. This comes as the Iraqi government, under intense U.S. pressure, sets a September 30 deadline for militias outside state control to disarm, coinciding with the planned withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who aligns more with the U.S., has sought to build a political relationship rather than a military one with Iran. Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack has blocked several cabinet appointments, including those linked to former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, whom President Trump previously criticized for contributing to instability. Al-Zaidi has proposed legislation to bring all weapons under government control, which could lead to terrorism charges for non-compliance. However, passing such legislation in a parliament dominated by the very factions targeted by the law remains uncertain.
Yemen’s drone war: Rivals flex growing aerial muscle
In Yemen's ongoing decade-long conflict, the Houthi armed group recently used one-way attack drones to strike government military camps and gatherings, resulting in numerous casualties among government soldiers. The internationally recognized Yemeni government responded by deploying remotely operated drones to target Houthi fighters on the front lines, marking a shift in the balance of aerial power. This development indicates the increasing use of drones in the conflict, with government forces showcasing footage of drones tracking targets, delivering bombs, and damaging enemy positions. Experts suggest that while the government lacks the same strategic reach as the Houthis, their use of reusable, remotely piloted drones could provide a tactical advantage along static front lines. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have long relied on drones as a key element of their asymmetric warfare strategy, allowing them to conduct surveillance and strikes on distant targets.
Rolling Stone hits hysterical note suggesting Putin NATO attack nigh
The article critiques a narrative that suggests former President Donald Trump's actions weakened NATO, thereby emboldening Vladimir Putin to consider attacking the alliance. It references a Rolling Stone report by journalist Mac William Bishop, which argues that Trump's criticism of NATO and perceived contempt for allies created conditions favorable to Russian aggression. The piece challenges this perspective by highlighting that NATO officials and experts do not see significant changes in the threat level compared to past tensions. It also notes that while limited Russian incursions are discussed as a potential scenario, they remain low likelihood events. The article emphasizes the need for balanced analysis rather than attributing current tensions solely to Trump's policies.
The Mecca Pact could be an opportunity for Iran
The Mecca Pact, a mutual defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, represents a significant shift in the Middle East's geopolitical landscape following recent regional tensions. While officially described as defensive, the pact's implications for the balance of power remain unclear, depending on how its members define threats and how other nations like Iran and Israel respond. Although the pact emerged during heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, it does not appear explicitly aimed at Iran. Iran has shown cautious optimism, noting that any framework addressing regional realities and identifying threats accurately could contribute to stability. The pact's inclusion of 'all brotherly countries' opens the door for potential Iranian participation, particularly given shared historical and cultural ties with Turkey and Pakistan.
US cries foul as Israel bombs Turkey-linked airbase in Syria
On August 18, 2026, Israel conducted airstrikes against the Abu al-Duhur Airbase in Syria, which Turkish officials had been assisting in renovation. The attack damaged an airstrip and storage facilities but resulted in no casualties. The move drew condemnation from U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack, who criticized the strike as an 'unnecessary escalation' undermining regional stability. Barrack noted Syria's preference for de-escalation with Israel, highlighting growing U.S. frustration with Israel's preemptive military actions. This incident reflects broader tensions between Israel and Turkey in Syria, where Turkey supports the new Syrian government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, while Israel views Turkish influence as a threat. The U.S., under Trump, has sought closer ties with Syria, whereas Israel remains cautious, fearing Turkish expansion could mirror Iranian influence.
Did Fidel Castro's decades-long defiance doom Cuba?
The article examines Fidel Castro's impact on Cuba's foreign policy and its relationship with the United States, focusing on how his leadership transformed Cuba from a U.S.-dependent nation to an influential actor in global affairs. It highlights Castro's rejection of U.S. dominance, his strategic alignment with the Soviet Union while maintaining Cuba's political independence, and his role in supporting anti-apartheid movements in Africa. The piece notes that Castro's policies allowed Cuba to assert itself internationally despite its limited resources, earning recognition from figures like Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama. However, it also acknowledges the internal authoritarianism within Cuba, where Castro maintained strict control over dissent.