Richard Nixon

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in a Fox News interview, assured Americans that all gold at Fort Knox is present and accounted for, citing staff visits and Treasury audits. However, he reminded viewers that the U.S. dollar has been a fiat currency since President Nixon ended the gold standard in 1971, meaning it is no longer backed by gold or silver. Bessent noted the U.S. holds over $1 trillion in gold reserves, the largest in the world, and confirmed the U.S. is receiving gold from Venezuela. The article highlights the erosion of the dollar's purchasing power since 1971, with $100 in 2026 equaling just $12.25 in 1971 value, and notes that central banks globally have been buying record amounts of gold annually.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 01:15 PM UTC

The article traces the 50-year evolution of the Harpoon anti-ship missile, originally designed in the 1960s to kill surfaced submarines (whales in Navy slang). After the 1967 sinking of the Israeli destroyer Eilat by Soviet Styx missiles, the US Navy repurposed the Harpoon as its first ship-killing missile. It became the Western world's most widely fielded anti-ship weapon, with nearly 6,000 delivered to 30 nations. In July 2026, two significant events occurred: Taiwan stood up its new Littoral Combat Command centered on hundreds of truck-mounted Harpoons, and the US Navy delivered the final missiles of Lot 91, closing classic Block II production while a new updated variant begins production. The article argues the missile's success stems from its flexibility (air, surface, submarine launch) and continuous evolution, and notes its unexpected revival after being written off in the 2010s, demonstrated by Ukrainian truck crews using it effectively in the Black Sea.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 03:52 PM UTC

This Op-Ed by Juan Cole analyzes a hypothetical global energy crisis triggered by an illegal war on Iran launched by Israel and the US in February 2026. In response, Iran blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, removing 11-13% of global petroleum supply and causing severe fuel shortages and price spikes worldwide. The crisis disproportionately affects Asia and Europe, with countries like the Philippines declaring national emergencies, South Korea facing economic cataclysm, and Bangladesh suffering refinery closures and power outages. Even the US and Europe face significant disruptions, with airlines cutting flights and consumers paying record prices. The author argues this event marks a watershed moment, akin to the 'twilight of petroleum,' forcing a rapid but painful shift away from fossil fuels. The article draws parallels to the 1970s oil crises but emphasizes the unique severity and potential long-term structural changes in the global economy, including stagflation. It highlights the geopolitical repercussions, such as diplomatic tensions between South Korea and Israel, and underscores the vulnerability of nations heavily reliant on Hormuz transit routes.

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This opinion piece analyzes the historical pattern where Pakistan regains strategic relevance with the United States whenever Washington seeks to improve relations with Beijing. The article draws parallels between the current geopolitical landscape in 2026, marked by President Donald Trump's state visit to China and renewed ties with Islamabad, and the 1970s era when General Yahya Khan facilitated secret US-China diplomacy. It highlights how Pakistan leverages its position amid global upheavals, such as the Gulf conflict and the war in Ukraine, to secure economic and military benefits, including a recent $1 billion IMF relief package. The author argues that Islamabad exploits Western fears of nuclear instability and Islamist radicalism to maintain its importance. Despite controversies regarding its internal politics and mediation capabilities, Pakistan remains a critical player in US strategic calculations vis-à-vis China, mirroring the dynamics of the Cold War era where military aid was exchanged for diplomatic access.

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This article analyzes the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, contrasting it with the 1976 bicentennial celebrations. While both events involve commercialization and political maneuvering, the author argues that Donald Trump is uniquely centering himself in the semiquincentennial narrative. Trump reassembled the controversial 1776 Commission in 2025 to promote a specific historical vision aligned with his personal brand, even attempting to synchronize a UFC match with his 80th birthday. In contrast, historian Marc Stein’s work on the 1976 bicentennial reveals how that era’s celebrations, despite Nixon-era political exploitation and corruption, also spurred inclusive civic engagement. Marginalized communities and activists used the bicentennial to challenge societal norms and demand reforms, transforming the event into a platform for democratic participation. The article suggests that rather than rejecting the Trump-infused spectacle, Americans should engage with the anniversary to create their own meaningful interpretations, echoing the activist spirit of the past. It highlights how commemorations can serve as catalysts for broader social projects and historical reexamination, urging citizens to reclaim the national birthday from purely partisan or self-serving agendas.

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US President Donald Trump’s recent summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing has renewed focus on the historical trajectory of high-level diplomatic engagements between the two nations. The article reviews key presidential visits that have defined US-China relations, starting with Richard Nixon’s landmark 1972 trip that ended decades of isolation and paved the way for formal ties. It highlights subsequent visits marked by varying degrees of cooperation and tension, including George H.W. Bush’s 1989 visit amidst political unrest, Bill Clinton’s 1998 human rights debates, and George W. Bush’s 2008 Olympic attendance. The analysis also covers Barack Obama’s 2016 trip, noted for strategic friction and protocol issues, and Trump’s own 2017 visit, which featured warm personal rapport but preceded significant trade disputes. Trump’s latest visit is characterized as subdued, reflecting ongoing efforts to stabilize a relationship that oscillates between competition and cooperation. This historical perspective underscores the complexity of one of the world’s most critical bilateral relationships, illustrating how symbolic diplomacy and substantive policy challenges have evolved over five decades.

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President Donald Trump is visiting China in a significantly weakened position compared to his initial intentions, seeking assistance from President Xi Jinping to de-escalate the ongoing conflict with Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Unlike Richard Nixon’s historic 1972 visit, which leveraged diplomatic openings for strategic gain, Trump’s trip is driven by domestic and international setbacks, including a Supreme Court ruling declaring most of his tariffs unconstitutional and shifting power dynamics favoring China. The article argues that Trump lacks Nixon’s foreign policy sophistication and is now dependent on Chinese cooperation due to economic disruptions caused by the war in Iran. China, holding leverage through rare earth minerals and growing technological prowess, is expected to demand significant concessions, such as the permanent removal of tariffs and a hands-off U.S. approach to Taiwan. While Trump may attempt to spin any resulting agreements as victories, the analysis suggests China holds the upper hand, potentially requiring the U.S. to make substantial geopolitical compromises to secure necessary aid.

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This article analyzes the historical trajectory of United States-China diplomatic relations, contextualizing President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing within a broader continuum spanning from Richard Nixon's 1972 breakthrough to the present day. It highlights how successive presidential visits, including those by Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, were initially driven by geopolitical shifts such as the Sino-Soviet split and the hope that economic integration would foster political liberalization in China. The text contrasts the early era of cautious engagement and symbolic gestures, like panda diplomacy, with the current tense atmosphere marked by China's rising global power and perceived arrogance. While past leaders viewed summits as opportunities to reduce tensions and build trade ties, contemporary dynamics are defined by mutual suspicion, with many Chinese officials viewing the US as being in terminal decline. The article underscores the shift from Cold War pragmatism to modern strategic competition, noting that despite changing rhetoric, core US concerns regarding China's openness remain consistent over five decades.

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During his second term, the Trump Administration has declared the Presidential Records Act of 1978 unconstitutional, asserting that presidential records are personal property rather than government assets. This stance follows previous controversies involving the improper retention of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. The Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion stating that Congress cannot preserve these records for posterity without infringing on executive autonomy. In response, groups including the American Historical Association and the Freedom of the Press Foundation filed lawsuits to enforce compliance with the law, warning of irreversible historical loss. U.S. District Judge John Bates recently held a hearing on the matter. The Administration’s argument contradicts established legal precedents, including a 1977 Supreme Court decision upholding similar legislation regarding Richard Nixon, and ignores decades of bipartisan compliance by previous administrations. Critics argue this move threatens the preservation of national history and government transparency, marking a significant constitutional conflict over the separation of powers and public access to official government documents.

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This article provides a historical review of the eight times United States presidents have traveled to Beijing on state visits since the founding of the People's Republic of China. The narrative begins with Richard Nixon's groundbreaking 1972 trip, which initiated formal dialogue between Washington and Beijing. It traces the diplomatic journeys of seven subsequent presidents, noting that the outcomes of these high-level engagements have varied in success over the decades. The review is contextualized by the current visit of President Donald Trump to meet with Chinese Head of State Xi Jinping. This ongoing summit is highlighted as a critical moment with significant stakes, particularly concerning geopolitical tensions and economic dependencies, such as the US reliance on China regarding the Strait of Hormuz. By juxtaposing historical precedents with the present-day meeting, the piece analyzes the evolution of Sino-American relations through the lens of presidential diplomacy. The article serves as both a retrospective analysis of past diplomatic efforts and a commentary on the immediate implications of the Trump-Xi summit, illustrating the complex and enduring nature of the relationship between the two global powers.

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This analytical article from the Lowy Institute draws parallels and contrasts between Richard Nixon’s 1972 visit to China and Donald Trump’s May 2026 trip to Beijing. While Nixon sought to exploit the Sino-Soviet split and open a closed, agrarian China, Trump faces a formidable geopolitical rival with the world’s second-largest economy and advanced military capabilities. The author argues that historical engagement did not produce a friendlier China but rather a stronger one, warning Trump against expecting similar diplomatic breakthroughs. Accompanied by tech leaders like Elon Musk and Tim Cook, Trump aims to persuade President Xi Jinping to open Chinese markets further. However, the context has shifted significantly from the Shanghai Communiqué era to post-Anchorage tensions. The piece highlights that while Nixon normalized relations amidst decoupling, Trump attempts to navigate complex interdependence and potential decoupling simultaneously. It suggests that Trump’s strategy of trying to separate Russia from China ignores the deepened ties between Moscow and Beijing. Ultimately, the analysis serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing that today’s China is a powerful competitor rather than the isolated state Nixon encountered, requiring a nuanced approach beyond simple historical replication.

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An op-ed by Alejandro A. Tagliavini argues that escalating global indebtedness, which reached a record $353 trillion in early 2026, is driving a potential explosion in gold prices. The article highlights that the US and China are primarily responsible for this debt increase, with US interest payments now exceeding defense spending. The author contends that central banks are irresponsibly liquefying liabilities through inflation and borrowing. Drawing historical parallels to the US departure from the gold standard in 1971, the text illustrates how unchecked monetary issuance has devalued the dollar and fueled inflation. Since 1975, gold prices have risen significantly, outpacing cumulative CPI increases. The analysis suggests that as debt becomes unmanageable, governments will continue to print money, thereby devaluing fiat currencies and increasing the relative price of gold. While acknowledging market unpredictability, the piece concludes that the sheer scale of global debt leaves little alternative to inflationary measures, positioning gold as a critical hedge against currency devaluation and fiscal irresponsibility in the current economic landscape.

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This article examines the evolving dynamics of United States-China relations, specifically focusing on President Donald Trump's diplomatic visit to Beijing. The narrative contextualizes this high-stakes engagement within a broader historical framework, drawing parallels and contrasts with President Richard Nixon's historic opening to China. As Trump arrives in the Chinese capital, the bilateral relationship is characterized by increasingly combative tones, marking a significant shift from previous eras of diplomatic thawing. The piece analyzes how current geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and strategic rivalries influence the nature of this state visit. By tracing the trajectory from Nixon's era to the Trump administration, the report highlights the complexities and challenges inherent in managing one of the world's most critical international partnerships. The visit serves as a pivotal moment where diplomatic protocols meet hardline policy positions, reflecting the broader strategic recalibration between the two global powers. This analysis provides insight into how historical precedents inform contemporary diplomatic strategies amidst rising friction.

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During his second term, former President Donald Trump is reportedly negotiating a settlement for a $10 billion lawsuit he filed against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding leaked tax returns. The leak, originally executed by a contractor who is now imprisoned, occurred years prior, yet Trump initiated the suit after returning to the White House. Recent reports indicate that Trump’s legal team is proposing a settlement wherein the IRS would drop all ongoing audits of Trump, his family members, and his businesses. Critics and legal observers argue this represents a severe conflict of interest, as Trump effectively controls the Department of Justice and the IRS while suing them in his personal capacity. A judge has previously questioned the jurisdiction of the case, noting the lack of genuine controversy since Trump is negotiating with himself. The leaked returns had previously revealed that Trump paid minimal income taxes despite public claims of wealth. This potential settlement is viewed by commentators as an attempt to evade financial scrutiny and exploit presidential power for personal legal protection, raising significant concerns about administrative corruption and accountability.

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This analysis explores Beijing's long-standing geopolitical strategy of transforming Hainan Island into a radical economic experiment to influence Taiwan. Since the 1980s, Chinese leaders have viewed Hainan as a potential showcase for reunification, aiming to create a mainland-controlled counterpart to Hong Kong that leverages geographic and cultural similarities with Taiwan. The article details how Deng Xiaoping and other reformist officials envisioned Hainan as a large Special Economic Zone capable of catching up to Taiwan's development, thereby fostering economic interdependence. Although early radical reforms in the late 1980s were halted by political turmoil, the vision has recently revived. With Hainan set to become the world's largest free-trade port by separating from mainland customs rules, Beijing hopes this openness will serve as a powerful lure for Taiwan amidst roiling cross-strait relations. The piece highlights the historical continuity of using Hainan not just for domestic economic growth, but as a strategic political weapon designed to reshape the relationship between Beijing and Taipei through demonstrated prosperity and openness.

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President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14-15, 2026, marking their first face-to-face summit in nearly a decade. While Trump may hope for a historic breakthrough akin to Nixon’s 1972 visit, analysts predict vague outcomes driven primarily by immediate trade imperatives rather than deep strategic alignment. The relationship remains fundamentally competitive, with significant hurdles in areas like climate change and AI regulation. A major point of contention is Taiwan, where Beijing seeks a shift in US language from not supporting independence to actively opposing it, leveraging perceived US weaknesses following the war in Iran. Although China prefers peaceful unification methods, influencing Taiwan's 2028 election remains a key strategy. Additionally, technology and AI leadership are critical discussion points, with the US slightly loosening previous strict tech restrictions. Despite these engagements, the summit is unlikely to resolve long-term structural divides, serving instead as a necessary diplomatic channel amidst ongoing geopolitical rivalry.

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This opinion piece by Thomas L. Friedman argues that the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing represents a pivotal moment in international relations, comparable to the historic 1972 Nixon-Mao meeting. While the 1972 summit forged an alliance against the Soviet Union, the current geopolitical landscape is defined by a shared threat: the destabilizing potential of artificial intelligence. Friedman highlights two major paradigm shifts since the Cold War era: the emergence of asymmetric AI tools that empower small malign actors, such as terrorists or criminals, to attack critical infrastructure, and the deep interconnectedness resulting from globalization. The article posits that despite ongoing competition, the US and China must collaborate to establish protective barriers against the malicious use of advanced AI models. Failure to address these cyber threats collectively could harm both nations and destabilize the global order. The analysis emphasizes the urgent need for joint action to mitigate risks posed by powerful AI capabilities now accessible to non-state actors.

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This article presents a visual retrospective of United States presidential visits to the People's Republic of China, spanning from Richard Nixon's historic 1972 trip to Donald Trump's scheduled journey. Through a curated collection of photographs, the piece highlights key diplomatic moments, cultural exchanges, and iconic imagery associated with these high-level state visits. It features Richard Nixon meeting Premier Zhou Enlai and touring the Great Wall in 1972, marking the first time a sitting US president visited the PRC. The gallery also includes Gerald Ford's 1975 visit, showing interactions with Chairman Mao Zedong and Henry Kissinger, as well as Ronald Reagan's 1984 tour with Premier Zhao Ziyang and First Lady Nancy Reagan at landmarks like the Temple of Heaven. These images capture the evolution of Sino-American relations, showcasing theatrical handshakes, state dinners, and tours of the Forbidden City. The compilation serves as contextual background for contemporary diplomatic engagements, illustrating the longstanding tradition of presidential diplomacy between the two nations. By documenting these historical encounters, the article underscores the significance of personal diplomacy and symbolic gestures in shaping international relations between Washington and Beijing over several decades.

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This podcast episode from NZZ Geopolitik analyzes the historical transformation of the United States' War on Drugs, tracing its evolution from a domestic policy initiative under Richard Nixon to a complex geopolitical strategy under Donald Trump. Initially launched in 1971 as a political program focused on prevention, therapy, and repression to restore social order, the campaign shifted significantly during the Reagan era. It became increasingly militarized, extending US operations abroad to target production and smuggling routes in countries like Bolivia and Panama. However, these interventions often strengthened drug cartels, making them more violent and politically networked. Under President Trump, the conflict has intensified into what experts describe as a real, albeit unwinnable, war. Drug cartels are now framed as terrorist organizations, linking drug policy to broader geopolitical maneuvers, including tariffs and power struggles with China. The analysis highlights how this approach reasserts Latin America as a US sphere of influence while serving as a display of domestic strength, despite failing to resolve the underlying drug crisis.

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The upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, scheduled for May 2026, is not expected to produce historically groundbreaking outcomes similar to the 1972 Nixon visit. Instead, the mere act of dialogue is viewed as a significant achievement amidst strained relations. Key agenda items include trade imperatives, Taiwan status, and AI regulation, though deep-rooted competitive dynamics make substantial progress difficult. The article highlights that while Trump may seek historical significance, the relationship remains fundamentally competitive. A major point of contention is Taiwan, where China seeks to shift US policy from non-support of independence to active opposition, leveraging perceived US weaknesses following conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Meanwhile, China appears to favor influencing Taiwan's 2028 elections through political engagement rather than immediate military action. The analysis suggests that areas for cooperation, such as climate change and technology regulation, are shrinking, leaving the two largest economies in a prolonged state of strategic rivalry with limited scope for diplomatic breakthroughs during this specific meeting.

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This analytical article examines the paradox of India's favorable view of Russia despite global condemnation following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While Pew Research indicates that 57% of Indians view Russia positively, making it a unique outlier among surveyed nations, the text questions whether this sentiment is rooted in outdated nostalgia. Historically, Moscow has been a respectful partner, providing military hardware and diplomatic support during conflicts with Pakistan. However, the current geopolitical landscape presents significant contradictions. Russia is increasingly aligning with China, India's primary rival, and remained silent during the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. Furthermore, while Indian public opinion favors Russia politically, individual aspirations lean heavily toward the United States for education and employment. The article highlights the tension between historical loyalty and contemporary strategic realities, noting that American leaders have often belittled India, whereas Russia maintained a consistent partnership. Ultimately, it probes whether India's continued emotional and political attachment to Moscow ignores the shifting dynamics where Russia's interests now converge with those of New Delhi's adversaries.

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Facing some of the highest electricity cost increases in the United States, particularly on the East Coast, some Democratic politicians are considering cutting energy-efficiency programs. The rationale is that since utilities fund these initiatives through customer charges, reducing them might lower bills immediately. However, experts argue this approach is counterproductive, as energy efficiency is designed to reduce long-term consumption and costs. This shift marks a departure from historical bipartisan support for conservation, such as the measures enacted during the 1973 oil crisis under President Nixon, which saved Americans trillions of dollars. Currently, the Trump administration and Republicans are actively dismantling Biden-era fuel economy and appliance standards. Simultaneously, Democrats, traditionally strong advocates for efficiency, are hesitating due to immediate political pressure. This convergence of partisan opposition threatens decades of progress in reducing national energy use and household expenses, even as demand surges from data centers and extreme weather events.

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This analytical article examines the Trump administration's reported consideration of intense airstrikes against Iran, modeled after President Richard Nixon's 1972 Operation Linebacker II, also known as the Christmas bombings. In Vietnam, an 11-day air campaign involving nearly 2,000 sorties and 20,000 tons of ordnance ultimately forced North Vietnam back to negotiating tables. However, the author argues that applying this historical precedent to current tensions with Tehran is flawed. The success of the Vietnam strikes remains highly contentious among historians, with some attributing the outcome to luck or preceding military operations rather than strategic intuition. The analysis warns that such aggressive military action could worsen fragile diplomatic discussions with Iran rather than resolve the nuclear deadlock. Drawing from a Quincy Institute brief, the piece suggests that the geopolitical contexts differ significantly, and expecting a similar diplomatic breakthrough through bombardment is risky. The article urges caution, highlighting that the accidental nature of the Vietnam success makes it a poor blueprint for contemporary conflict resolution strategies in the Middle East.

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This opinion piece argues for the restoration of back-channel diplomacy in United States foreign policy, criticizing the current trend of performative, public-facing diplomatic maneuvers under Donald Trump's second term. The author contrasts Trump's preference for spectacle and brinkmanship with the historical efficacy of secret negotiations, citing examples such as Richard Nixon’s outreach to China, Barack Obama’s dealings with Cuba, and John F. Kennedy’s communications with the Soviet Union. The article suggests that while Woodrow Wilson’s push for transparency reshaped global expectations, excessive publicity often hinders delicate negotiations. It posits that effective diplomacy requires discretion, limited personnel, and delayed public announcement until outcomes are secured. The text highlights how modern US diplomacy has devolved into a 'meme war' and political reality show, lacking the tactful management of international relations. By reviving private channels, leaders could bypass bureaucratic obstacles and domestic political pressures, achieving substantive breakthroughs on issues like trade, migration, and nuclear security without the destabilizing effects of immediate media scrutiny and public posturing.

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