The latest headlines are dominated by new revelations about the fatal attacks on civilian boats off the coast of South America—particularly the orders given by Secretary of War Peter Hegseth. This week’s articles use the occasion to delve deep into American foreign policy and the economy.

First, Ivan Eland writes about President Donald Trump’s threat to court-martial Senator Mark Kelly and investigate other veteran members of Congress … merely for publicly reminding military personnel of their constitutional oath to refuse illegal orders. The controversy began when Kelly posted about the Venezuelan boats on social media.

Alex Tokarev writes that Trump’s hyperactive foreign policy is a revival of the Monroe Doctrine centered on Venezuela—in a bad way.

Allen Gindler writes about the failed promise of rent control, a debate reignited by the New York City mayoral race.

Craig Eyermann discusses the disaster that is the national debt.

And finally, Scott Beyer discusses the perverse incentives that keep inflation flowing.

Happy reading.

Jonathan Hofer
Managing Editor