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 128
73/100
Factual
64/100
Objective
128
Articles
128
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
Will Trump's efforts to boost Bolsonaro blow up in his face?
Brazilian voters are set to choose between left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro, a more moderate figure compared to his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently imprisoned for an attempted coup. The election is closely contested, with both candidates likely to fall short of securing a majority in the first round, leading to a runoff on October 25. Recent polling suggests a very narrow lead for Bolsonaro in such a scenario. Meanwhile, concerns have arisen regarding U.S. involvement in the election, particularly through former President Donald Trump’s informal support for Bolsonaro. Trump has maintained personal ties with the Bolsonaro family and has supported measures such as imposing tariffs on Brazilian imports and designating certain Brazilian criminal groups as terrorist organizations, actions that some argue aim to influence the outcome of the election in favor of Bolsonaro.
Dramatic footage shows alleged narco boat erupt in fireball during US military strike
The U.S. military conducted a lethal strike on a vessel in the Caribbean suspected of being involved in narco-trafficking, resulting in the deaths of four individuals aboard. The U.S. Southern Command stated the vessel was operating along known drug trafficking routes and shared dramatic footage showing the boat engulfed in flames after the attack. The military did not provide evidence supporting the claim of the vessel’s involvement in narcotics smuggling. Since September 2025, such strikes have resulted in over 235 deaths, with the Pentagon refusing to disclose the identities of those killed or confirm the presence of drugs on board. Critics, including members of Congress and human rights organizations, have condemned these actions as extrajudicial killings and raised concerns about lack of due process. The Trump administration has faced scrutiny over these operations, while the Pentagon seeks to expand such military actions into several Latin American countries through agreements with allied nations.
Can Kurds in Iraq unite as US troops withdraw from the country?
On September 21, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq completed the unification and reorganization of its Peshmerga paramilitary forces under the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs (MoPA). This marks the first time since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that the Kurdish armed forces have attempted to unify under a single command structure, overcoming longstanding divisions between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). The timing of the unification, just nine days before the final U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq, has raised questions about its strategic significance. While there is no evidence that the U.S. orchestrated the move as part of its withdrawal strategy, analysts suggest that a unified Peshmerga could play a critical role in maintaining regional stability by countering Iranian-backed militias and potential ISIS resurgence. The U.S. continues to support Peshmerga reforms as part of broader efforts to contain Iran and prevent the return of ISIS, shifting toward advisory roles rather than direct military involvement.
Increase in Hormuz oil traffic is papering over a darker reality
The article discusses the apparent increase in oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been portrayed as a success by the Trump administration. However, experts argue that this narrative masks ongoing challenges such as rising shipping costs, persistent Iranian attacks on vessels, and the economic strain on global markets. The situation highlights the continued reliance on U.S. military presence in the region to secure oil supplies, despite the high cost and uncertainty of sustaining such efforts. Analysts suggest that the current state resembles a 'limbo' where neither Iran nor the U.S. can fully control the strait, raising questions about the sustainability and fairness of prolonged military involvement. Pro-war advocates celebrate the increased traffic, while critics argue the situation remains precarious and detrimental to American taxpayers.
Is China Trump's only hope for ending the Iran war?
The article discusses the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, highlighting the potential for catastrophic outcomes including the use of tactical nuclear weapons. It suggests that the situation has become so dire that even China, typically non-interventionist, has shown willingness to mediate. The piece critiques former President Donald Trump's approach, noting his initial miscalculations and subsequent threat of all-out war, which he has not yet executed due to various deterrents. The article speculates that Trump might pursue aggressive measures post-election if diplomatic solutions fail.
Red scare: Solid GOP districts reeling from war, price backlash
As the U.S.-Iran war enters its seventh month, Governor Greg Abbott declared a statewide disaster in Texas due to soaring diesel prices and a worsening fuel shortage. National diesel prices have risen sharply, reaching $6.45 per gallon compared to $3.76 in late February. Several states have implemented measures to alleviate rising fuel costs, while the war's economic impact is increasingly affecting voter sentiment ahead of midterms. Republican strategists note that the war is undermining support for GOP candidates, particularly in traditionally conservative states like Texas, where Governor Abbott faces challenges from Democratic state representative Gina Hinojosa. Polls show shifting trends in key battleground states, with some previously safe Republican seats now considered toss-ups. Analysts suggest that rural voters, a core base for the GOP, are disproportionately affected by higher fuel costs due to their reliance on transportation-heavy industries.
Is Bibi cruising for a bruising by trolling Erdogan over Syria?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a UN speech, accusing him of seeking to control Syria and threatening Israel. This follows Israeli airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur Airbase in Syria, which Israel claims could be used by Turkey to establish a military presence. Turkey and Syria deny the allegations, while U.S. envoy Tom Barrack stated U.S. intelligence did not support the claim. Military analysts suggest that even if Turkey intended to use the base, turning it into a fully operational military facility would take months, not weeks. The incident has heightened tensions between Israel and Turkey, raising concerns about potential military escalation.
They aren't in uniform, but these US companies are fighting for Ukraine
The article discusses the involvement of U.S. tech companies in supporting Ukraine during the ongoing conflict with Russia. Microsoft has extended its technology and cybersecurity support to Ukraine until 2027, helping maintain essential digital services. PayPal cut off Russian accounts after the invasion in 2022. Palantir provided free services to Ukraine and developed AI tools for battlefield intelligence and drone swarm control, significantly boosting its market value. Elon Musk's Starlink satellite system enables Ukrainian communication and targeting capabilities, though Musk opposes its use for deep strikes into Russia. Despite initial resistance, Starlink has become critical for Ukraine's military operations, leading to financial commitments from the U.S. and Poland. Microsoft's early detection of cyber threats and intervention in the conflict highlight the growing role of private sector tech firms in modern warfare.
Reignited violence in Ethiopia threatens to engulf the entire region
Ethiopia is facing renewed violence as rebel groups, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Fano National Movement, form a coalition to challenge the federal government led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. Fighting has intensified in the northern Tigray region, with rebels capturing key locations like airports, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to suspend services. The Ethiopian military has since recaptured some areas, but the conflict highlights deepening regional tensions. The TPLF claims the federal government violated the Pretoria Agreement, while the Fano seeks greater autonomy from the central government. Human rights concerns have emerged due to alleged civilian casualties from drone strikes, and U.S. policymakers are increasingly scrutinizing the situation.
Gen. Burhan digs in as Trump's visa-for-ceasefire scheme blows up
General Abdel Fattah Burhan, leader of Sudan's armed forces, refused a U.S. visa offer tied to a proposed 90-day ceasefire, rejecting external interference in Sudan's internal conflict. The U.S. under former President Donald Trump had previously supported Burhan's position, calling the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) a 'constitutional institution' that needed preservation. However, over the past year, U.S. policy toward Sudan has shifted, increasingly targeting Burhan and the SAF through sanctions and allegations of chemical weapon use. Despite these pressures, the SAF has gained significant battlefield momentum, reclaiming key territories including the capital, Khartoum, and advancing toward Darfur, the RSF's stronghold. The conflict, which began in April 2023 between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has caused mass displacement and famine, with both sides accused of atrocities, though the RSF faces greater scrutiny for potential genocide. Recent reports suggest the SAF may be close to achieving a decisive military victory.
Goodnight Baghdad: US troops leave Iraq after 23 years
The article reflects on the author's personal experiences during two U.S. military deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, highlighting the long-term impact of the Iraq War. The author expresses confusion and disillusionment over the prolonged U.S. presence in Iraq, which lasted 23 years, and questions the purpose of the conflict. They mention the loss of nearly 5,000 American soldiers and hundreds of thousands of casualties among allies and civilians. The piece emphasizes the emotional toll on families and raises broader concerns about the effectiveness and ethical implications of military interventions. The author concludes by advocating for learning from the war's mistakes and applying those lessons to future policies.
Venezuela blowback may have a long fuse. It always does.
The article draws historical parallels between U.S. interventions in Nicaragua during the 1920s and current concerns about Venezuela under interim President Delcy Rodriguez. It references Augusto Cesar Sandino, who led an insurgency against American occupation in Nicaragua, and highlights how U.S. involvement in the region eventually led to long-term instability, including the rise of the Sandinista regime later led by Daniel Ortega. The piece notes that while fears of a communist threat in Central America were significant in the past, exemplified by films like 'Red Dawn', many of those concerns were overstated. The article suggests that contemporary anxieties about Venezuela might similarly be exaggerated, though it acknowledges that any threats should be viewed as a consequence of prior U.S. interventions.
Record number vote to raise hell over settler violence in West Bank
A bipartisan group of senators attempted to pass a resolution urging the State Department to investigate human rights violations and violence against Americans in the West Bank. Every Senate Democrat except Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) supported the measure, while only Republican Sen. Rand Paul crossed party lines to back it. The resolution ultimately failed with a 47-51 vote. The effort came amid concerns over the deaths of nine American citizens due to settler violence or Israeli security actions since 2022, with critics arguing that the Trump administration has not adequately addressed these issues. The proposed legislation would have required a report on such abuses but would not have mandated immediate policy changes.