James M. Lindsay argues that while the United States remains the most significant military, diplomatic, and economic power in a changing geopolitical environment, it faces increasing difficulty in driving the global agenda.

Despite international pressure, Iran appears to be continuing its march toward getting a nuclear bomb.

CFR's James M. Lindsay discusses Nelson Mandela's release from prison in February 1990 and his subsequent rise to the presidency to show how individuals shape history.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: The debate over intervention in Syria continues; an annual security conference convenes in Munich; and the twentieth anniversary of the Maastricht Treaty is marked.

CFR's James M. Lindsay recalls the 1968 Tet Offensive in Vietnam and the importance of managing public expectations amid major foreign policy initiatives.

President Obama's 2012 State of the Union address emphasized his economic revival plans but it also included a potent foreign policy message, says CFR's James M. Lindsay.

CFR's James M. Lindsay remembers the seizure of the USS Pueblo in 1968 and discusses the idea that raw power does not always ensure success in foreign policy.

James M. Lindsay discusses the political calculations behind President Obama's State of the Union address.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: President Obama delivers a State of the Union address; The debate over defense cuts heats up; South Carolina Republicans head to the polls; And the World Economic Forum convenes in Davos.

CFR's James M. Lindsay remembers John F. Kennedy's inaugural address and discusses the importance of balancing costs and benefits in foreign policy

CFR's James M. Lindsay remembers the anniversary of voting on the Ludlow Amendment and discusses it in the context of current debates about the power to commit force abroad.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: U.S., Japan, and S. Korea foreign ministers discuss North Korea; Elections are held in Taiwan; The anniversary of Ben Ali's ouster is marked in Tunisia; And yet another GOP debate is held.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: Tensions mount in the Persian Gulf; A Republican primary takes place in New Hampshire; And Egyptians conclude the first free elections post-Mubarak.

Looking ahead to the Iowa caucuses and upcoming primaries in January, CFR's James Lindsay says Republican candidates are taking aim at President Obama's foreign policies, yet it's unclear what they would do differently.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: the Arab Spring's one year anniversary is marked; the U.S. Senate must pass a funding bill or face a government shutdown; and the Mercosur summit convenes in Uruguay.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano discusses the importance of bilateral and multilateral security efforts with CFR's James M. Lindsay.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: Republican presidential candidates head to Iowa for a debate; President Obama hosts Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki; and Russia is expected to join the WTO.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: time runs out for the debt-reduction supercommittee; Egyptian parliamentary elections get underway; and the anniversary of the Nuremberg trials is marked.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: The eurozone debt crisis spurs speculation of a breakup; the IAEA board of governors meets to discuss Iran; a North American leaders' summit convenes; and Aung San Suu Kyi weighs a return to Myanmar politics.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: Hawaii hosts the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit; GOP candidates meet again in Michigan; and the International Energy Agency releases its annual World Energy Outlook.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: NATO weighs an end to the Libya campaign; G20 leaders gather in Cannes; and the world's population is projected to reach 7 billion.