John B. Bellinger III says President Obama should seize the opportunity presented by Republican support for increased domestic oil and gas production to urge the Senate to approve the Law of the Sea Convention.

The December 2010 Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review emphasized, among other things, the importance of smart and coordinated foreign assistance efforts, and a whole of government approach to achieving U.S. foreign policy goals. NGOs, private sector companies, and others have traditionally worked alongside government to support U.S. foreign policy efforts that align to their own interests; from immediate responses to humanitarian disasters, to translating large scale economic development initiatives into local level implementation, to solving regional and global issues from malaria and HIV prevention, to environmental sustainability. Where public sector and private sector interests and objectives intersect, leveraging resources and improving collaboration among stakeholders can lead to positive outcomes-as well as challenges. How have government, civil society organizations, and the private sector coordinated in areas of mutual interest? What can government do to encourage a "beyond whole of government" approach to U.S. foreign policy?

Experts examine the effects of the current Congressional stalemate, minimal economic growth, and the increasing debt burden on U.S. foreign policy in the Obama administration.

On the occasion of its 90th anniversary, CFR will examine through a series of meetings and other projects how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.

Experts examine the effects of the current Congressional stalemate, minimal economic growth, and the increasing debt burden on U.S. foreign policy in the Obama administration.

On the occasion of its 90th anniversary, CFR will examine through a series of meetings and other projects how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.

Michael A. Levi discusses the New START treaty.

The bipartisan deficit reduction plan stresses the need to tighten U.S. foreign policy priorities, even if U.S. allies fail to pick up the slack, says expert Michael Mandelbaum.

Kay King says, "The inability of the U.S. Congress to address tough problems, both domestic and international, has serious national security consequences."

Richard N. Haass says that while foreign policy did not materially affect the mid-term elections, the results will influence U.S. foreign policy in inconsistent and even surprising ways.

Dana H. Allin and Steven Simon argue that while the "tea party" agenda in the midterm election focused largely on domestic issues, Republican gains in Congress fueled by the movement will have profound foreign policy consequences.

Leslie H. Gelb says Republican opposition to the New START Treaty endangers national security.

Senator Richard G. Lugar discusses the wide range of policy issues facing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Max Boot argues that lawmakers should look to history before rushing to cut defense spending.

Micah Zenko and Rebecca R. Friedman argue, "Cutting funding for U.S. diplomatic efforts is shortsighted."

Thank you for the opportunity to present my views on Afghanistan today. Last week, in his speech at West Point, President Obama presented the Administration's strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. His decision came after an intensive, deliberate and far-reaching review of conditions, risks and options available. The course he outlined offers the best path to stabilize Afghanistan and to ensure al Qaeda and other terrorist groups cannot regain a foothold to plan new attacks against our country or our allies. I fully support this approach. It has been welcomed by the Afghan government, which said it will spare no effort to achieve the strategy's key objectives. I hope it will be welcomed here in Congress.

Michael Levi comments what the EPA's recent classification of greenhouse gases as a pollutant means for the Copenhagen Conference.

General McChristal talks about the U.S. commitment in Afghanistan.

Listen to Representative Nita Lowey, chair, subcommittee on state, foreign operations, and related programs, House committee on appropriations (D-NY), discuss her views on the U.S. national security apparatus and the balance between civilian and military resources.

Listen to Representative Edward J. Markey, Chair, Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming; Chair, Energy and Environment Subcommittee, Energy and Commerce Committee, U.S. House of Representatives (D-MA), deliver his insight into the interplay between domestic and international action on climate change.

This session was part of a CFR symposium, Countdown to Copenhagen: What's Next for Climate Change?, which was made possible through generous support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Alcoa Foundation, and the Robina Foundation.

Listen to Senator John F. Kerry deliver a congressional perspective on U.S. policy and the current situation in Afghanistan as the administration continues to review its strategy in the region.