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.

America Unbound argues that President Bush has redefined how America engages the world, shedding the constraints that friends, allies, and international institutions have traditionally imposed on its freedom, insisting that an America unbound is a more secure America.

CFR's Director of Studies James Lindsay and Director of the International Institutions and Global Governance Program Stewart Patrick preview major world events in the week ahead.

In this week's podcast: The United States is expected to run out of money to pay its bills unless an agreement is reached on raising the debt ceiling; Ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak stands trial in Cairo; and senior U.S. and North Korean diplomats hold 'explanatory' talks

CFR's Director of Studies James Lindsay and Director of the International Institutions and Global Governance Program Stewart Patrick preview major world events in the week ahead.

In this week's podcast: The United States is expected to run out of money to pay its bills unless an agreement is reached on raising the debt ceiling; Ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak stands trial in Cairo; and senior U.S. and North Korean diplomats hold 'explanatory' talks

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: the debt-ceiling standoff continues in Washington; U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visits Indonesia, Hong Kong, and China; Peru's President-elect Ollanta Humala is sworn in; and the UN Security Council debates Sudan and Libya.

James M. Lindsay says a U.S. debt default will harm America's ability to wield and project its power in the world.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: debt talks continue in Washington as default deadline looms; Secretary Clinton visits India; NATO forces hand Helmand's capital over to Afghan forces; and the UN Security Council debates the impact of Climate Change.

President Obama today used his bully pulpit to press Republicans for a deal on raising the U.S. debt ceiling but both sides appear set to take their dispute to the final moments, as financial markets watch anxiously, writes CFR's James Lindsay.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: South Sudan declares independence; the Syrian Government convenes a national dialogue; Republic Day is marked in Iraq; and the Royal newlyweds visit the United States.

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.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: Thailand holds general elections; Venezuela celebrates 200 years of independence; and Space Shuttle Atlantis launches into orbit for the final time.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: U.S. troops begin to withdraw from Afghanistan; a changing of the guard among U.S. defense officials gets underway; and the Greek parliament votes on austerity measures.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: The operation in Libya passes the 90-day mark; the Republican presidential race widens; and EU leaders gather in Brussels.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: Parliamentary elections are held in Turkey; Belgium goes a full year without a government; Russia and China hope to seal a gas deal; and Republican presidential candidates debate in New Hampshire.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: NATO and Russia defense ministers meet in Brussels; presidential run-off elections are held in Peru; and the 22nd anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests is marked.

James M. Lindsay outlines steps the Obama administration could take in Libya that do not involve sending in U.S. combat troops.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org.

James M. Lindsay argues that an indictment of Moammar Gadhafi by the International Criminal Court could actually make it harder to bring Libya's civil war to a quick end.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org.

James M. Lindsay discusses Newt Gingrich's chances for the U.S. presidency.

James M. Lindsay says that the role of the troops that remain in Afghanistan after a withdrawal will reveal the nature of America's continued commitment there.