Analysis Brief

Analytical briefs written by CFR.org's staff on issues of the day with links to the news, analysis, commentary, and primary source materials that put the facts in context.

Author: CFR.org Staff

This Issue Guide provides resources highlighting the foreign policy and national security implications of the U.S. presidential campaign and the challenges facing the next administration.

Editor's Note: Click here for CFR Issue Trackers on candidate positions and other 2012 campaign resources, which examine the foreign policy and national security dimensions of the presidential race.

See more in United States, U.S. Election 2012

Securing U.S. Cyberspace

Author: Jonathan Masters

Most critical information systems in the United States are operated by the private sector and remain vulnerable to cyber attacks. Newly proposed legislation would require businesses to meet minimum standards of protection, but has raised concerns about regulatory overreach.

See more in United States, Cybersecurity

The Iran Diplomacy Puzzle

Author: Jayshree Bajoria

Iran says it's ready to negotiate on its contentious nuclear program, but questions abound over Tehran's domestic politics and what confidence-building measures the West and Iran can agree upon.

See more in Iran, International Peace and Security

Does the Greek Deal Go Far Enough?

Author: Christopher Alessi

Even as Greek leaders agree to new austerity measures, the IMF is calling on Greece's official creditors to take losses on its bond holdings. Analysts and policymakers increasingly question the wisdom of EU-mandated austerity measures at the expense of growth.

See more in Greece, Financial Crises

Syria's Deepening Crisis

Author: Jayshree Bajoria

Amid increasing fears of a civil war in Syria following the failure of the UN Security Council resolution, analysts remain divided over the question of intervention and how best to address the crisis.

See more in Syria, International Peace and Security

Author: Toni Johnson

As GOP candidates vie for Florida, analysts say immigration remains a major issue for the presidential contest, but whether comprehensive reform can be achieved in the current political climate is unclear.

See more in United States, U.S. Election 2012

Can Sanctions Bring Iran to the Table?

Author: Jayshree Bajoria

The EU's oil embargo is part of a larger Western effort to pressure Iran to reengage over its disputed nuclear program, but some debate the merits of intensified diplomacy with the regime in Tehran.

See more in Iran, Sanctions, Proliferation