Sharia, or Islamic law, is increasingly in the spotlight as its political and economic role expands in the Muslim world and even in the West.
See more in Middle East, Religion and Politics
Current political and economic issues succinctly explained.
Sharia, or Islamic law, is increasingly in the spotlight as its political and economic role expands in the Muslim world and even in the West.
See more in Middle East, Religion and Politics
The U.S. government designates Iran as the "most active state sponsor of terrorism," which feeds concerns about Iran's growing nuclear program.
See more in Iran, State Sponsors of Terrorism
The longstanding U.S.-South Korea alliance, created as a bulwark against a communist North Korea, has expanded to include tighter trade ties and cooperation on global issues from climate change to international development.
See more in United States, South Korea, Trade, Proliferation
In the wake of financial regulatory overhaul, experts continue to differ on the role of the Federal Reserve and its powers.
See more in United States, Financial Crises, International Finance
Ten years after being toppled from power in Kabul, the Taliban remains resilient in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and complicates U.S. efforts to wind down the Afghan war.
See more in Afghanistan, Terrorism
Pakistan has emerged as a terrorist sanctuary for some of the world's most violent groups, including al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and homegrown militants, that threaten the stability of Pakistan as well as the region.
See more in Pakistan, Havens for Terrorism, Terrorist Organizations
Damage to Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has reignited debate over the safety of nuclear power and highlighted questions over aging power plants, safety procedures, and waste disposal.
A decade after 9/11, U.S. Muslims grapple with their place in American society in the face of concerns about homegrown terrorism and questions by non-Muslims over the threat they might pose.
See more in United States, Religion and Politics
The global drug industry has fought to prevent developing nations from making low-cost, generic versions of drugs under patent, but the demand for such alternatives is could rise with increasing healthcare costs and growing incidence of chronic disease.
See more in United States, Drugs
A profile of the international terrorist network that the United States has singled out as the most serious threat to U.S. security.
See more in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Terrorism
Western Europe's burgeoning Islamic population continues to spark concerns about Muslim assimilation and a cultural divide.
See more in Western Europe, Ethnicity and National Identity, Religion
The dispute between President Obama and Congress over the legality of the U.S. military intervention in Libya has spurred new debate on the power of presidents to make and prosecute wars.
See more in United States, Wars and Warfare
Mideast upheaval was a top issue at the G8, which is winding down today in France, along with nuclear safety, leadership of the IMF, and aid to Africa. This Backgrounder profiles the eight participants and their priorities.
See more in Europe/Russia, Economics, International Organizations
Foreign governments, non-state actors, and criminal networks are targeting the digital networks of the United States with increasing frequency and sophistication. U.S. cybersecurity has made progress, but relies heavily on the private sector to secure infrastructure critical to national security.
See more in United States, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure
Pakistan is bracing for more turbulence in the wake of Osama bin Laden's killing. This Backgrounder looks at how state support for Islamist militants has led to growing religious intolerance in society.
See more in Pakistan, Religion and Politics
Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI, faces persistent accusations of links to terrorism, despite repeated denials.
See more in Pakistan, Intelligence, Terrorism
The scramble for energy alternatives has brought new focus on nuclear power in the United States, but its revival faces political and practical obstacles.
See more in United States, Infrastructure, Energy/Environment
Violent acts by homegrown militant extremists in the U.S. have declined, but "lone wolf" attacks are on the rise. The post-9/11 legal and political landscape poses new challenges to law enforcement authorities seeking to prevent such attacks.
See more in United States, Terrorism
The Gulf of Mexico oil spill spotlights the growth of deepwater drilling and the challenges of balancing strong environmental regulation with efforts to expand U.S. domestic oil production.
See more in United States, Infrastructure, Energy/Environment
New screening measures at U.S. airports are being called overly intrusive by some passengers and civil rights groups. National security experts advise using a system that relies more on intelligence, behavioral profiling, and empowering passengers.
See more in United States, Air Transportation Security
What are the implications of growing Pakistan-China commercial relations for the United States?
The Future of U.S. Special Operations Forces
Special operations play a critical role in how the United States confronts irregular threats, but to have long-term strategic impact, the author argues, numerous shortfalls must be addressed.
Reforming U.S. Drone Strike Policies
The author analyzes the potentially serious consequences, both at home and abroad, of a lightly overseen drone program and makes recommendations for improving its governance.
The biggest threat to America's security and prosperity comes not from abroad but from within, writes CFR President Richard N. Haass in his provocative new book. More
Big Data: How it's changing how we think about the world
Executive Pay: The myth of crony capitalism
The Austerity Delusion: Why a bad idea won
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The Power Surge
A groundbreaking analysis of what the changes in American energy mean for the economy, national security, and the environment. More
Two Nations Indivisible
A roadmap for the United States' greatest overlooked foreign policy challenge of our time--relations with its southern neighbor. More
Why Growth Matters
Two experts argue that despite myriad development strategies, only one can succeed in alleviating poverty in India: the overall growth of the country's economy. More
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