David Ignatius

Washington, D.C.

Columnist covering foreign affairs

Education: Harvard College; Kings College, Cambridge

David Ignatius writes a twice-a-week foreign affairs column for The Washington Post. Ignatius has written 12 spy novels: “Phantom Orbit” (2024), “The Paladin” (2020), “The Quantum Spy,” (2017), “The Director,” (2014), “Bloodmoney” (2011), “The Increment” (2009), “Body of Lies” (2007), “The Sun King” (1999), “A Firing Offense” (1997), “The Bank of Fear” (1994), “SIRO” (1991), and “Agents of Innocence” (1987). “Body of Lies” was made into a&n
Latest from David Ignatius

Chat with David Ignatius about the war in Ukraine and foreign affairs

David's live chat with readers starts at 12 p.m. ET on Monday. Submit your questions now.

September 23, 2024

The ominous implications of the pager attack against Hezbollah

An apparent masterstroke of Israeli sabotage could quash cease-fire talks in Gaza, spark a wider war, and signal a future menace in the Internet of Things.

September 17, 2024
A person is carried on a stretcher outside American University of Beirut Medical Center on Tuesday after a large-scale attack against Hezbollah fighters. (Mohamed Azakir/Reuters)

Ukraine is bleeding out. It cannot fight forever.

Supporting Ukraine “as long as it takes” does not match the reality of this conflict.

September 15, 2024
A Ukrainian service member wrapped in a Ukrainian flag reacts after being released from Russian captivity at an undisclosed location near the Ukrainian-Belarusian border on Sept. 13.

These people have seen Harris in the Situation Room. Here’s what they have to say.

Harris is “more hard-line than most people think,” says a retired four-star general who has briefed her many times.

September 12, 2024
From left, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in Arlington to mark the 23rd anniversary of 9/11.

What are the chances of a Ukraine victory? I answered your questions.

David’s live chat with readers started at 12 p.m. ET on Monday. Submit your questions now.

September 9, 2024

No Manhattan Project for AI, but maybe a Los Alamos

As with nuclear weapons, general artificial intelligence offers first-mover advantages that could alter the course of history.

September 6, 2024
President Joe Biden signs an executive order on artificial intelligence at the White House on Oct. 30. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Tomorrow’s Army is here. Can it get past yesterday’s bureaucracy?  

The gee-whiz factor was off the charts at an exercise at Fort Johnson. But how much of the fancy gear will be replicated across the military?

September 3, 2024
Col. James Stultz, commander of the 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, briefs generals and the media last month at Fort Johnson, La. (Staff Sgt. Joshua Joyner/101st Airborne Division, Air Assault)

How Rep. Mike Gallagher, a rising GOP star, was driven out of politics

Could the forces that pushed him out soon be eclipsed?

August 27, 2024

Is there any chance for success in Gaza negotiations? I’m answered your questions.

David’s live chat with readers started at 12 p.m. ET on Monday. Read the transcript.

August 26, 2024

Hezbollah’s escalation has not derailed the Gaza talks

Hurdles remain, but the momentum for a cease-fire is building.

August 25, 2024
A Hezbollah unmanned aerial vehicle gets intercepted by an Israeli fighter jet near the Lebanon-Israel border, as seen from northern Israel on Sunday.