Max Boot
@maxboot.bsky.social
CFR fellow, Washington Post columnist. Pulitzer finalist for biography. Author: REAGAN: HIS LIFE AND LEGEND, NYT bestseller and NYT 10 best books of 2024. Man of many hats. Repost ≠ endorsement. maxboot.net.
Pinned
Gary Rosen: Bolsheviks are unsentimental killers; their program is to seize and hold state power through force and terror. The program of today’s DSA revolutionaries is expressive, romantic and, I would argue, only secondarily political. www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Opinion | Bolsheviks? The DSA is only cosplaying revolution.
The organization’s platform is sometimes horrifying — but also starry-eyed and naive.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 17, 2026 at 11:26 AM
Gary Rosen: Bolsheviks are unsentimental killers; their program is to seize and hold state power through force and terror. The program of today’s DSA revolutionaries is expressive, romantic and, I would argue, only secondarily political. www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Both Putin and Trump can tell themselves they are winning their wars: Putin by bombarding Ukrainian cities, Trump by blockading Iranian oil and getting some non-Iranian oil out of the Strait of Hormuz. But neither Ukraine nor Iran is anywhere close to defeat. wapo.st/4xstMAa
Opinion | Trump and Putin are both wrong: They can’t win their wars
All that Ukraine and Iran have in common is their resilience against much larger adversaries.
wapo.st
September 14, 2026 at 11:30 AM
Both Putin and Trump can tell themselves they are winning their wars: Putin by bombarding Ukrainian cities, Trump by blockading Iranian oil and getting some non-Iranian oil out of the Strait of Hormuz. But neither Ukraine nor Iran is anywhere close to defeat. wapo.st/4xstMAa
It appears increasingly unlikely that anything either Putin or Trump can do militarily can deliver their ambitious objectives. Both Iran and Ukraine have every incentive to keep fighting, because both of their governments know that defeat could be fatal for them. wapo.st/4xstMAa
Opinion | Trump and Putin are both wrong: They can’t win their wars
All that Ukraine and Iran have in common is their resilience against much larger adversaries.
wapo.st
September 14, 2026 at 11:22 AM
It appears increasingly unlikely that anything either Putin or Trump can do militarily can deliver their ambitious objectives. Both Iran and Ukraine have every incentive to keep fighting, because both of their governments know that defeat could be fatal for them. wapo.st/4xstMAa
The only realistic way to end these wars is via diplomacy, and that will require Trump and Putin to make difficult concessions. For Putin, that means a ceasefire in place. For Trump, it means agreeing to a deal that would leave Iran a large degree of control over Strait of Hormuz. wapo.st/4xstMAa
Opinion | Trump and Putin are both wrong: They can’t win their wars
All that Ukraine and Iran have in common is their resilience against much larger adversaries.
wapo.st
September 14, 2026 at 11:22 AM
The only realistic way to end these wars is via diplomacy, and that will require Trump and Putin to make difficult concessions. For Putin, that means a ceasefire in place. For Trump, it means agreeing to a deal that would leave Iran a large degree of control over Strait of Hormuz. wapo.st/4xstMAa
While the Russians are able to inflict more civilian casualties from the air, they have not been able to advance on the ground. British intelligence estimates that nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since 2022. That’s more than the number of Americans killed in WWII. wapo.st/4xstMAa
Opinion | Trump and Putin are both wrong: They can’t win their wars
All that Ukraine and Iran have in common is their resilience against much larger adversaries.
wapo.st
September 14, 2026 at 11:21 AM
While the Russians are able to inflict more civilian casualties from the air, they have not been able to advance on the ground. British intelligence estimates that nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since 2022. That’s more than the number of Americans killed in WWII. wapo.st/4xstMAa
It appears increasingly unlikely that anything either Putin or Trump can do militarily can deliver their ambitious objectives. The only realistic way to end these wars is via diplomacy, and that will require Trump and Putin to make difficult concessions. wapo.st/4xstMAa
Opinion | Trump and Putin are both wrong: They can’t win their wars
All that Ukraine and Iran have in common is their resilience against much larger adversaries.
wapo.st
September 14, 2026 at 11:21 AM
It appears increasingly unlikely that anything either Putin or Trump can do militarily can deliver their ambitious objectives. The only realistic way to end these wars is via diplomacy, and that will require Trump and Putin to make difficult concessions. wapo.st/4xstMAa
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump launched wars of choice because they thought that Ukraine and Iran, respectively, would be defeated in a matter of days. But both countries have proved much more resilient and resourceful than expected. wapo.st/4xstMAa
Opinion | Trump and Putin are both wrong: They can’t win their wars
All that Ukraine and Iran have in common is their resilience against much larger adversaries.
wapo.st
September 14, 2026 at 11:21 AM
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump launched wars of choice because they thought that Ukraine and Iran, respectively, would be defeated in a matter of days. But both countries have proved much more resilient and resourceful than expected. wapo.st/4xstMAa
I discussed Hegseth’s chaotic tenure with my fellow @postopinions.bsky.social columnist (and Navy vet) Ted Johnson. We both agree Hegseth needs to go for the armed forces to recover. wapo.st/3SNGwDl
Opinion | ‘He needs to go’: What drives the chaos in Pete Hegseth’s Defense Department
Hegseth is remaking the Pentagon in his own image.
wapo.st
September 9, 2026 at 11:17 AM
I discussed Hegseth’s chaotic tenure with my fellow @postopinions.bsky.social columnist (and Navy vet) Ted Johnson. We both agree Hegseth needs to go for the armed forces to recover. wapo.st/3SNGwDl
Ever since 1980, Republicans have been promising “peace through strength.” The Trump/Hegseth philosophy looks more like “war and weakness.” wapo.st/3SNGwDl
Opinion | ‘He needs to go’: Two writers on the chaos in Pete Hegseth’s Defense Department
Hegseth is remaking the Pentagon in his own image.
wapo.st
September 8, 2026 at 11:13 AM
Ever since 1980, Republicans have been promising “peace through strength.” The Trump/Hegseth philosophy looks more like “war and weakness.” wapo.st/3SNGwDl
Reposted by Max Boot
Both Europe and America remain curiously reticent to provide Ukraine with $300 billion in frozen Russian funds. Sending that money to Kyiv would be the strongest signal from the West that Russia’s terrorist assault on Europe is unacceptable. wapo.st/4gAIMH6
Opinion | Putin is probing NATO. He keeps finding mush, not steel.
The West's weak response is inviting more Russian sabotage — and a far more dangerous confrontation.
wapo.st
September 7, 2026 at 11:29 AM
Both Europe and America remain curiously reticent to provide Ukraine with $300 billion in frozen Russian funds. Sending that money to Kyiv would be the strongest signal from the West that Russia’s terrorist assault on Europe is unacceptable. wapo.st/4gAIMH6
The top priority for Ukraine now is to improve its air defenses against a growing threat from Russian ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones. Unfortunately, Trump has wasted precious Patriots in a needless war with Iran. wapo.st/4gAIMH6
Opinion | Putin receives a tacit invite to a far more dangerous confrontation
Trump and NATO’s weak response to Russia’s escalating attacks risks war.
wapo.st
September 7, 2026 at 3:14 PM
The top priority for Ukraine now is to improve its air defenses against a growing threat from Russian ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones. Unfortunately, Trump has wasted precious Patriots in a needless war with Iran. wapo.st/4gAIMH6
On Saturday, Trump envoys Witkoff and Kushner had a chummy meeting with Putin before going to Kyiv for the first time. Witkoff told the Butcher of Bucha that “when we retire we’ll have all these incredible stories and incredible memories and yours will be right at the top of it all.” wapo.st/4gAIMH6
Opinion | Putin is probing NATO. He keeps finding mush, not steel.
The West's weak response is inviting more Russian sabotage — and a far more dangerous confrontation.
wapo.st
September 7, 2026 at 11:32 AM
On Saturday, Trump envoys Witkoff and Kushner had a chummy meeting with Putin before going to Kyiv for the first time. Witkoff told the Butcher of Bucha that “when we retire we’ll have all these incredible stories and incredible memories and yours will be right at the top of it all.” wapo.st/4gAIMH6
Trump has been silent about Russian attacks on Europe. Everything he says & does sends the wrong signal to the Kremlin. He said that Canada is harder to deal with than China or Russia, and he invited the Russian finance minister to the G-20 last week for the first time since 2022. wapo.st/4gAIMH6
Opinion | Putin is probing NATO. He keeps finding mush, not steel.
The West's weak response is inviting more Russian sabotage — and a far more dangerous confrontation.
wapo.st
September 7, 2026 at 11:31 AM
Trump has been silent about Russian attacks on Europe. Everything he says & does sends the wrong signal to the Kremlin. He said that Canada is harder to deal with than China or Russia, and he invited the Russian finance minister to the G-20 last week for the first time since 2022. wapo.st/4gAIMH6
Both Europe and America remain curiously reticent to provide Ukraine with $300 billion in frozen Russian funds. Sending that money to Kyiv would be the strongest signal from the West that Russia’s terrorist assault on Europe is unacceptable. wapo.st/4gAIMH6
Opinion | Putin is probing NATO. He keeps finding mush, not steel.
The West's weak response is inviting more Russian sabotage — and a far more dangerous confrontation.
wapo.st
September 7, 2026 at 11:29 AM
Both Europe and America remain curiously reticent to provide Ukraine with $300 billion in frozen Russian funds. Sending that money to Kyiv would be the strongest signal from the West that Russia’s terrorist assault on Europe is unacceptable. wapo.st/4gAIMH6
Last week, German authorities blamed Russia for attempted attacks in early August on aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport using explosive-laden drones. This is known as “hybrid” or “gray-zone” warfare, but a more accurate description is state-sponsored terrorism. wapo.st/4gAIMH6
Opinion | Putin is probing NATO. He keeps finding mush, not steel.
The West's weak response is inviting more Russian sabotage — and a far more dangerous confrontation.
wapo.st
September 7, 2026 at 11:29 AM
Last week, German authorities blamed Russia for attempted attacks in early August on aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport using explosive-laden drones. This is known as “hybrid” or “gray-zone” warfare, but a more accurate description is state-sponsored terrorism. wapo.st/4gAIMH6
Throughout his second term, Trump has sharply scaled back U.S. support for Ukraine. CIA Director John Ratcliffe went to Moscow last month to warn Putin away from escalating in the war with Ukraine, but Trump’s mixed messages undermine any such warning. wapo.st/4gAIMH6
Opinion | Putin is probing NATO. He keeps finding mush, not steel.
The West's weak response is inviting more Russian sabotage — and a far more dangerous confrontation.
wapo.st
September 7, 2026 at 11:28 AM
Throughout his second term, Trump has sharply scaled back U.S. support for Ukraine. CIA Director John Ratcliffe went to Moscow last month to warn Putin away from escalating in the war with Ukraine, but Trump’s mixed messages undermine any such warning. wapo.st/4gAIMH6
The West needs to raise the cost of Putin’s aggression. If the response remains mushy, there is good cause to worry about Russia expanding its attacks — for example, by targeting the Baltic republics — and thereby provoking a full-blown war with NATO. wapo.st/4gAIMH6
Opinion | Putin is probing NATO. He keeps finding mush, not steel.
The West's weak response is inviting more Russian sabotage — and a far more dangerous confrontation.
wapo.st
September 7, 2026 at 11:28 AM
The West needs to raise the cost of Putin’s aggression. If the response remains mushy, there is good cause to worry about Russia expanding its attacks — for example, by targeting the Baltic republics — and thereby provoking a full-blown war with NATO. wapo.st/4gAIMH6
Putin last week called Western nations “sharks of imperialism” and vowed: “If anyone tries to drag us down the food chain, to gobble us up or devour us, they might get punched in the teeth.” It is no coincidence, comrade, that Russian covert attacks on Europe are rapidly escalating. wapo.st/4gAIMH6
Opinion | Putin is probing NATO. He keeps finding mush, not steel.
The West's weak response is inviting more Russian sabotage — and a far more dangerous confrontation.
wapo.st
September 7, 2026 at 11:28 AM
Putin last week called Western nations “sharks of imperialism” and vowed: “If anyone tries to drag us down the food chain, to gobble us up or devour us, they might get punched in the teeth.” It is no coincidence, comrade, that Russian covert attacks on Europe are rapidly escalating. wapo.st/4gAIMH6
Reposted by Max Boot
All the money in the world can’t make up for the crippling loss of leadership caused by Hegseth’s purges. Trump and Hegseth may be buying more hardware, but they are endangering the apolitical professionalism—the operating system--that made the U.S. military the envy of the world. wapo.st/4gFl3Ey
Opinion | Hegseth’s purges are endangering national security
The Iran quagmire wouldn’t have happened under Trump’s first-term military leaders.
wapo.st
August 31, 2026 at 10:53 AM
All the money in the world can’t make up for the crippling loss of leadership caused by Hegseth’s purges. Trump and Hegseth may be buying more hardware, but they are endangering the apolitical professionalism—the operating system--that made the U.S. military the envy of the world. wapo.st/4gFl3Ey
Reposted by Max Boot
The new acting Army chief of staff reassigned three heavy divisions from focusing on the Russian threat in Europe to the new Western Hemisphere Command. Are these armored units supposed to invade Mexico? Greenland? Canada? It makes no sense and sends a dangerous signal to Putin. wapo.st/4gFl3Ey
Opinion | Hegseth’s purges are endangering national security
The Iran quagmire wouldn’t have happened under Trump’s first-term military leaders.
wapo.st
August 31, 2026 at 10:55 AM
The new acting Army chief of staff reassigned three heavy divisions from focusing on the Russian threat in Europe to the new Western Hemisphere Command. Are these armored units supposed to invade Mexico? Greenland? Canada? It makes no sense and sends a dangerous signal to Putin. wapo.st/4gFl3Ey
"Tripwires" by Richard North Patterson is out on Sept. 1. You should buy it and read it!
thenewpress.org/books/tripwi...
thenewpress.org/books/tripwi...
Tripwires - The New Press
In a trenchant work of nonfiction, the #1 New York Times bestselling author identifies a series of self-inflicted wounds on our body politic that have led to the current moment, and shows us how we ca...
thenewpress.org
August 31, 2026 at 2:55 PM
"Tripwires" by Richard North Patterson is out on Sept. 1. You should buy it and read it!
thenewpress.org/books/tripwi...
thenewpress.org/books/tripwi...
Trump bears ultimate responsibility for launching this unsuccessful and unnecessary conflict with Iran. Yet the Pentagon leadership can’t escape blame. I am dead certain that if Jim Mattis and Gen. Mark Milley were still in office, we would never have gotten into this quagmire. wapo.st/4gFl3Ey
Opinion | Hegseth’s purges are endangering national security
The Iran quagmire wouldn’t have happened under Trump’s first-term military leaders.
wapo.st
August 31, 2026 at 11:35 AM
Trump bears ultimate responsibility for launching this unsuccessful and unnecessary conflict with Iran. Yet the Pentagon leadership can’t escape blame. I am dead certain that if Jim Mattis and Gen. Mark Milley were still in office, we would never have gotten into this quagmire. wapo.st/4gFl3Ey
The new acting Army chief of staff reassigned three heavy divisions from focusing on the Russian threat in Europe to the new Western Hemisphere Command. Are these armored units supposed to invade Mexico? Greenland? Canada? It makes no sense and sends a dangerous signal to Putin. wapo.st/4gFl3Ey
Opinion | Hegseth’s purges are endangering national security
The Iran quagmire wouldn’t have happened under Trump’s first-term military leaders.
wapo.st
August 31, 2026 at 10:55 AM
The new acting Army chief of staff reassigned three heavy divisions from focusing on the Russian threat in Europe to the new Western Hemisphere Command. Are these armored units supposed to invade Mexico? Greenland? Canada? It makes no sense and sends a dangerous signal to Putin. wapo.st/4gFl3Ey
All the money in the world can’t make up for the crippling loss of leadership caused by Hegseth’s purges. Trump and Hegseth may be buying more hardware, but they are endangering the apolitical professionalism—the operating system--that made the U.S. military the envy of the world. wapo.st/4gFl3Ey
Opinion | Hegseth’s purges are endangering national security
The Iran quagmire wouldn’t have happened under Trump’s first-term military leaders.
wapo.st
August 31, 2026 at 10:53 AM
All the money in the world can’t make up for the crippling loss of leadership caused by Hegseth’s purges. Trump and Hegseth may be buying more hardware, but they are endangering the apolitical professionalism—the operating system--that made the U.S. military the envy of the world. wapo.st/4gFl3Ey
Adm. Daryl Caudle and his aides reportedly lobbied for him to get the post—in breach of military decorum—after Hegseth fired the first female CNO. Now Caudle is publicly silent as Trump exacerbates the Navy's readiness crisis by making foolhardy demands to redesign future carriers. wapo.st/4gFl3Ey
Opinion | Hegseth’s purges are endangering national security
The Iran quagmire wouldn’t have happened under Trump’s first-term military leaders.
wapo.st
August 31, 2026 at 10:52 AM
Adm. Daryl Caudle and his aides reportedly lobbied for him to get the post—in breach of military decorum—after Hegseth fired the first female CNO. Now Caudle is publicly silent as Trump exacerbates the Navy's readiness crisis by making foolhardy demands to redesign future carriers. wapo.st/4gFl3Ey