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

Ryan Lizza writes about the making of Obama's post-post-partisan presidency, referencing hundreds of pages of internal White House memos showing Obama grappling with the unpleasant choices of government.

Leslie H. Gelb says that as the world's people are barely coping, politicians are ignoring them, and the media are trifling with them, President Obama needs to fight fire with fire.

Leslie H. Gelb says that with the 2012 U.S. presidential elections already hovering, it's time to make new friends and renew friendships with old enemies who have prospects for power positions.

Colonel Chad T. Manske, USAF, discusses the Carrier Classic 11-11-11, the Veterans Day intercollegiate basketball game aboard Navy aircraft carrier Carl Vinson.

Mark Lagon argues that President Obama's approach to foreign affairs suggests that
 while the president may be for “soft power,” he is not so sure about America's moral authority to project it.

Elliott Abrams discusses what a new president in 2012 must do in his first hundred days to change American foreign policy.

Daniel Senor states, "New York's special congressional election on Tuesday was the first electoral outcome directly affected by President Obama's Israel policy."

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

Elliott Abrams says the Obama Administration has a propensity to make foreign policy decisions so slowly that even when they are correct much of the benefit is lost.

Elliott Abrams argues that after thirty months of Obama Middle East policy, the popularity and prestige of the United States have declined and negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians appear to be dead in the water.

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.

Tim Pawlenty, candidate for the 2012 republican presidential nomination, asserts the need for strong U.S. leadership in the Middle East during this time of transition.

Tim Pawlenty, candidate for the 2012 republican presidential nomination, asserts the need for strong U.S. leadership in the Middle East during this time of transition.

In uncertain times, grand strategies are important because they help others interpret a country's behavior.

Gideon Rose discusses President Nixon and Henry Kissinger's attempt to extricate the United States from the Vietnam War even as the local combatants continued to struggle -- and says President Obama should try to do the same in Afghanistan.

Leslie H. Gelb says President Obama accomplished the mission in Afghanistan and now needs to focus on nation building at home.

Experts analyze President John F. Kennedy's foreign policies including those pertaining to the Soviet Union, and review the lasting implications of his first year in office.

Experts analyze President John F. Kennedy's foreign policies including those pertaining to the Soviet Union, and review the lasting implications of his first year in office.

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