John Feffer is director of Foreign Policy In Focus at the Institute for Policy Studies.

He is the author, most recently, of Aftershock: A Journey into Eastern Europe’s Broken Dreams (Zed Books). He is also the author of the dystopian novel Splinterlands (Dispatch Books) and its soon-to-be-released sequel Frostlands. He is the author of several other books, and his articles have appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, USAToday, Los Angeles Review of Books, Salon, and many other publications.

He has been an Open Society fellow, a PanTech fellow in Korean Studies at Stanford University, a Herbert W. Scoville fellow, a writing fellow at Provisions Library in Washington, DC, and a writer in residence at Blue Mountain Center and the Wurlitzer Foundation.

He is a former associate editor of World Policy Journal. He has worked as an international affairs representative in Eastern Europe and East Asia for the American Friends Service Committee. He has studied in England and Russia, lived in Poland and Japan, and traveled widely throughout Europe and Asia.

John has been widely interviewed in print, on radio, and TV.

Learn more about him on his website.

Latest

The Crusade Against Press Freedom

The latest attacks on journalists and news organizations by corrupt populists are contributing to a global rollback of fundamental rights.

Understanding Why Colombians Voted Against Peace

Should we rethink the way voters weigh in directly on matters of national security and international relations?

Reinventing the Calligraphic Tradition

This Iranian graphic artist puts a new spin on calligraphy in an effort to bring Persian culture to the rest of the world.

When States Dream, Is Syria Their Nightmare?

Syria is emerging as a metaphor for the fragmentation and chaos that the modern world barely contains.

We’ve Used Up Our One-Time-Only Economic Boost From Fossil Fuels

It’s high time to come up with a new model of economic growth and innovation that works for all of us.

Are We Near the End of NATO?

Problems with Turkey, Eastern Europe, and Donald Trump could tear the rickety alliance apart at the seams.

Our Current Political Order is on the Verge of Collapse

The rise of Trump-esque politicians all over the world is a result of cultural, economic, and political backlashes that are helping these illiberal populists win.

Why a “Trumpxit” May Be Harder Than it Looks

Looking for a place to escape from President Trump? You’re running out of options.

Keep Elites Accountable, But Don’t Dumb the Issues Down

Complex global challenges require committed activists who stand on principle as well as experts on the inside who can play the political game.

The Trump Doctrine: Talk Loudly and Carry the Biggest Stick Possible

Trump’s foreign policy isn’t an alternative to U.S. empire. It’s just a cruder rendition of it.

Russia’s DNC Hack is Just the Tip of the Tundra

Some see Putin’s Russia as a counterweight to U.S. global meddling. But Moscow is increasingly mimicking Washington’s worst behavior.

China’s Future is at a Crossroads

China must decide if it wants to secure “great power” status in the security realm or focus on regional economic growth for a sustainable future.

Would Americans Ever Back a U.S. Military Coup?

The attempted military coup in Turkey and the possibility of a President Trump may have more Americans considering the military option.

How This Became the Era of the Gunman

The war abroad and the war at home are both fueled by a fear of encroaching chaos — and it’s hard to miss the racist subtext.

The UK’s Brexit Hangover

Many “no” voters are experiencing buyer’s remorse, but this could be the wake up call the leadership in Brussels needs to make the EU a more responsive institution.

The Most Important Election of Your Life isn’t This Year

Donald Trump’s campaign has highlighted a division between “America A” and “America B,” but a much more ominous political force could emerge in 2020.

Does the Brexit Vote Mark the End of Internationalism?

Far-right nationalists and neoliberal capitalists will survive the demise of institutions like the EU. What about the rest of us?

How Should We Name the Attack in Orlando?

It’s tempting to use a harsh epithet like “terrorism” to describe the actions in Orlando, but it may ultimately be counterproductive. “Mass hate crime” may be more accurate.

A Failed State in Latin America?

There’s still hope for the “pink tide” that swept aside Latin America’s right-wing dictators. But in Venezuela, Chavismo is on its last legs.

Donald Trump: Joker’s Wild

Donald Trump should lose in November. But when you add a joker to the game, it throws off the odds.

Project Director and Associate Fellow

Epicenter, Foreign Policy in Focus

    Asia/Pacific, Military/Peace, NATO, North Korea, Northeast Asia, South Korea

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