Trapped in the Middle: An Appeal to Pragmatism is a collection of essays examining current geo-political issues through a pragmatic lens. American politics and political discussions have become too ideological. Elected public servants and our political discussions have become beholden to ideology, it has poisoned our ability to think critically about issues and problems. We no longer seek to find the most effective solution to our problems, but to find the solution that fits our predisposed ideology. In short we have lost our ability to objectively analysis problems, to compromise, and be pragmatic in our solutions. This collection of essays is an appeal to more pragmatic thought and ultimately policies to solve current geo-political problems confronting the United States.