The U.S. patent system has generated growing debate over whether it helps foster innovation or stifles it through unnecessary protections, as this Backgrounder explains.

As the U.S. approaches the deadline to raise its debt limit, economists warn of a fiscal crisis and steeply higher borrowing costs for U.S. businesses and homeowners.

With the Middle East unrest ongoing and the global economy recovering, gasoline prices are rising considerably. But policies to ease U.S. consumer impact take time and policymakers are divided over the course of action.

The Muslim Brotherhood has seen a rapid and fractious ascension to power in Egypt, but questions remain about whether it can maintain a post-revolutionary commitment to democracy.

The quest by Palestinian officials for statehood recognition could have major repercussions for the Mideast peace process. This Backgrounder outlines the potential impact of the UN vote.

A profile of Hamas, the Sunni Muslim Palestinian extremist group based in the Gaza Strip.

The eurozone crisis has consequences far beyond the continent's economic performance, such as the EU's ability to forge coherent defense and foreign policy.

Poland has maintained economic growth despite the global financial crisis and eurozone woes, while asserting itself as a leading advocate for greater European integration, explains this Backgrounder.

While congressional action lags, a series of year-end fiscal measures could derail the U.S. recovery. This Backgrounder examines the potential global impact.

China's ruling party is in the midst of a major transition, raising new questions about the future of the rising superpower. This Backgrounder examines the party and its governing challenge.

Spending on research and development is cited as important to a globally competitive economy. But a crucial U.S. advantage appears to be eroding, explains this Backgrounder.

Both Republican candidate Mitt Romney and President Obama have had to make tough and at times controversial decisions with regard to homeland security and counterterrorism.

Deterring Iran's nuclear weapons program is a foreign policy priority for the United States. Candidates for the 2012 presidential elections debate the best options, including a military strike.

International efforts to ease Syria's crisis have been limited by divisions in the UN Security Council and wariness about a military response, explains this Backgrounder.

As the United States winds down its decade-long war in Afghanistan, the two presidential candidates disagree on the pace of the U.S. withdrawal.

This CFR Issue Tracker looks at the United States' relationship with Pakistan and presidential candidates' stances on the issue.

Both presidential candidates vow strong support for Israeli security, with Mitt Romney criticizing the Obama administration for distancing the United States from Israel.

This CFR Issue Tracker looks at the United States' relationship with Russia and presidential candidates' stances on the issue.

With the strategic focus of the U.S. military in flux and the Pentagon's budget under significant scrutiny, this CFR Issue Tracker looks at the 2012 presidential candidates' positions on defense.

The economic climate and border security concerns have thrust the question of immigration reform into the spotlight in the 2012 presidential campaign.