New Internationalism

The New Internationalism project works to end wars and militarism, with a focus on U.S. policy.

“New internationalism” refers to a combination of foreign policies based on international law, human rights, and equality for all. Our approach links the power of global social movements — and sometimes progressive governments and the UN — in fighting against wars, sanctions, occupations, and empire.

The project focuses on education, activism, and advocacy to change U.S. policies away from militarism and towards diplomacy. It also works to democratize and empower the United Nations in its fight for peace and human rights.

In all these arenas, the project works with partner organizations who are organizing, mobilizing, and building movements in the U.S. and globally to challenge militarism and support those fighting for justice in the Middle East and beyond.

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Latest Work

Biden Is Following Trump’s Lead on Israel-Palestine

The US president’s promise to put human rights first doesn’t seem to apply to Israel.

We Need to Broaden Our Conversation About Guns

Looking at gun manufacturing rather than just gun ownership can help break down our status quo red-blue divide.

We Shouldn’t Need an Earthquake to Know Sanctions Don’t Work

Sanctions are an instrument of war, not an alternative to it.

We Need to Cut the Military Budget, But Don’t Trust the Far Right to Do It

There’s an urgent need to stop funding wars and human rights abuses abroad and to free up funding for human needs at home. The Freedom Caucus can’t be counted on for either.

It’s Time for a Ceasefire in Ukraine

A ceasefire in Ukraine has been needed since day one—and it’s more urgent now than ever.

Phyllis Bennis on Democracy Now on Ukraine

Phyllis Bennis, Director of the New Internationalism Project at IPS, spoke on Democracy Now! on October 27, 2022 about the ongoing situation in Ukraine, the human cost of the war, […]

Phyllis Bennis on Katie Halper Show on Ukraine

Phyllis Bennis, Director of the New Internationalism Project at IPS, spoke on the Katie Halper Show about the ongoing situation in Ukraine and what it means to urge diplomacy in […]

Further Comment: It’s Time for Diplomacy

The United States doesn’t have much to say about Ukraine, because it claims Russia is unwilling to talk. It’s up to our movements to demand more.

Phyllis Bennis on Rising Up with Sonali on Biden’s Middle East Trip and the Murder of Shireen Abu Akleh

Phyllis Bennis speaks about Biden’s trip to Israel and Saudi Arabia, and his limited discussion of the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh.

Biden in the Middle East

Phyllis Bennis joined Al Jazeera to discuss the significance and implications of Biden’s trip to the Middle East.

What’s Really Going On with the War in Ukraine?

Phyllis Bennis joins a panel to discuss the peace movement, the Ukraine war, Russia, and NATO.

NATO, Ukraine and the New World Disorder: Against Imperialism East and West

Phyllis Bennis joins an international panel to debunk the Western myths about the Ukraine War and provide a much needed analysis of the alarming global drift to war.

Reseal the Deal with Iran

A renewed JCPOA provides a way to avoid the threat of war that would arise should Iran at some point move toward nuclear capability.

Americans Must Demand a Credible Investigation Into Shireen Abu Akleh’s Killing

If our tax dollars are furnishing the weapons that kill journalists and other innocents, that’s not just an international crime — it’s against U.S. law, too.

Time to End the West’s Xenophobic Double Standard on Refugees

Racism lowers the floor for how all people are treated. But it’s not too late to change.

Say No to a ‘No-Fly Zone’ in Ukraine

Rather than cheering for a potentially catastrophic escalation, there are other options for the United States to help the Ukrainian people.

The Best Way to Help Ukraine Is Diplomacy, Not War and Increased Militarization

Increasing military aid in Ukraine could thwart peace talks between Russia and Ukraine — which appeared to be making progress in the past few days.

Why Binary Thinking on Russia’s Invasion Is a Losing Strategy

The idea that we have to either support military action and sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, or “do nothing,” is a false binary.

Sanctions May Sound “Nonviolent,” But They Quietly Hurt the Most Vulnerable

Economic sanctions are a weapon of war, not an alternative to war.

The Best Way to Help Ukraine is Diplomacy, Not War

Every war eventually ends with diplomacy. The question is how long the killing goes on before the diplomats stop it.