When Russian officials and analysts here talk about the US investigation of their alleged hacking of the 2016 campaign, two themes predominate: They’re flattered that their country is seen as such a powerful threat, and also amazed that America is so preoccupied with the scandal. This is the official line, to be sure, but it was also expressed by several …

KKR & Co. is stepping up investments in Japan. That’s a wise geographical choice. The US private-equity firm, which said it has raised a record $9.3 billion Asia fund, has made considerable strides in a country once hostile toward corporate takeovers. Of its top five deals in the region, three have been in Japan. Toshiba Corp.’s chip unit would be …

The notion that Donald Trump would ‘drain the swamp’ was always suspect. The then-candidate himself confessed to second thoughts about his pledge shortly after making it. Still, the speed and extent of his abandonment are stunning. Not only did Trump hire people with real or potential conflicts of interest, he at first refused to divulge how many or to whom …