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 11 spy novels: “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 
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, July 17. Submit your questions now.

July 17, 2023

Amid promising signs in Ukraine, uncertainties abound

National security adviser Jake Sullivan discusses the war in Ukraine. How to achieve victory when the parameters are uncertain and some of the risks cannot be known?

July 8, 2023

Russia hasn’t stopped maneuvering for a role in internet oversight

Its latest gambit would shift power to the U.N., where it appears to have won some support in high places.

July 6, 2023

The Tao of Deception: A Summer Thriller by David Ignatius

This fictional spy thriller explores the mystery behind an intelligence crisis — and the broader tale of U.S.-China competition in the decades since.

July 5, 2023

Israel’s incursion into Jenin is a bitter taste of things to come

With President Mahmoud Abbas growing older, the Palestinian Authority is increasingly hollowed out. This is a disaster for both the Palestinians and Israel.

July 4, 2023

The Tao of Deception: Part IV

In the CIA’s search for a mole, is it missing a larger problem? Read the final installment of David Ignatius’s summer spy thriller.

July 3, 2023

The Tao of Deception: Part III

In the CIA’s search for a mole, is it missing a larger problem? Read the third chapter of David Ignatius’s summer spy thriller.

July 1, 2023

The Tao of Deception: Part II

In the CIA’s search for a mole, is it missing a larger problem? Read the second installment of David Ignatius’s summer spy thriller.

June 29, 2023

The Tao of Deception: Part I

In the CIA’s search for a mole, is it missing a larger problem? Read the first installment of David Ignatius’s summer spy thriller.

June 27, 2023