To help readers better understand the nuances of foreign policy, CFR staff writers and Consulting Editor Bernard Gwertzman conduct in-depth interviews with a wide range of international experts, as well as newsmakers.
After the disqualification of popular former president Rafsanjani, it's unclear which of the remaining, mostly conservative candidates will triumph in the June presidential election, says expert Farideh Farhi.
The odds of a peaceful power transition emerging from another summit on the Syria crisis are poor, but the U.S.-Russian push for renewed diplomacy is still worthwhile, says expert Frederic C. Hof.
See more in Syria, International Peace and Security
New plans for another global summit on the Syrian crisis represent modest progress, but the real question is whether the Kremlin is willing to withdraw support for the Assad regime, says CFR's Stephen Sestanovich.
See more in United States, Russian Fed., Diplomacy
Recent developments in Portugal provide yet another example of the growing political strength of anti-austerity forces in Europe.
See more in Portugal, Financial Crises
Afghan forces are performing well so far amid the pullback of U.S. troops, but this summer's fighting season will offer proof of their capabilities, says CFR's Stephen Biddle.
See more in Afghanistan, Nation Building
The Boston Marathon bombings illustrate the stresses on domestic intelligence gathering and counterterrorism in a democratic system, says CFR's Richard Falkenrath.
See more in United States, Intelligence, Counterterrorism
Moscow and Washington share a number of significant interests that require cooperation, despite heightened bilateral tensions over human rights issues, says former U.S ambassador Jack F. Matlock, Jr.
See more in Russian Fed., Diplomacy, U.S. Strategy and Politics
Rather than seeking regime overthrow in North Korea and Iran, Washington should pursue an updated version of Soviet-era containment policy, says expert Robert Litwak.
See more in North Korea, Iran, U.S. Strategy and Politics
Secretary of State John Kerry is launching new Mideast shuttle diplomacy, but President Obama's commitment to brokering an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement remains to be seen, says expert Martin Indyk.
See more in Middle East, Grand Strategy
Despite Pyongyang's aggressive public posturing in recent days, the greatest threat from North Korea will likely be a surprise guerilla-style provocation, says CFR Korea expert Scott Snyder.
See more in North Korea, National Security and Defense
What is the Obama administration's legal justification for targeted killings? CFR national security expert John Bellinger explores this question as well as others with significant implications for U.S. counterterrorism.
See more in Counterterrorism
Mexico's new president is pushing through a sweeping package of economic reforms that could help the country emerge as a major economic player, says CFR's Shannon O'Neil.
The success of a surprise cease-fire between Turkey and PKK insurgents hinges on Ankara granting the Kurds greater autonomy and whether the militant group disarms, says CFR's Steven A. Cook.
See more in Turkey, International Peace and Security
The EU and IMF should loosen the austerity requirements of Greece's bailout package to allow the indebted country to implement needed growth-enhancing policies, says former prime minister George Papandreou.
See more in Greece, Financial Crises, EU
President Obama travels to Israel to deliver a message of reassurance on the alliance, but will be meeting a new government divided on the Palestinian peace process, says CFR's Robert Danin.
See more in Middle East, U.S. Strategy and Politics
The Bush administration's decision to wage war on Iraq in 2003 still looms large for its flaws and its damage to U.S. interests, says CFR President Richard Haass.
See more in Iraq, Defense/Homeland Security
World powers are now offering to ease sanctions on Iran if it agrees to halt its most sensitive nuclear activity. Expert Daryl Kimball urges a full diplomatic press to stop Iran from crossing the nuclear weapons line.
See more in Iran, Arms Control and Disarmament
U.S. and EU policymakers see multiple signs for a free-trade deal that could stimulate halting economies on both sides of the Atlantic and spur global talks, says expert Jeffrey Schott.
See more in United States, Trade, EU
The surprise resignation of Pope Benedict XVI has given rise to speculations that the next pontiff to lead the Catholic Church will hail from the developing world, says expert James P. McCartin.
Iran's reluctance to negotiate over its controversial nuclear program makes a deal with international powers unlikely, says CFR's Carla Robbins.
See more in Iran, National Security and Defense
Why have many Muslim states struggled to achieve democracy?
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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