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What can be done to improve relations between the United States and Russia, given recent problems with the “reset”?

Asked by Brian Runyon, from United States

The current nasty atmosphere between Russia and the United States goes beyond one or two disputed issues and will be difficult to improve. There have been regular spikes of tension in the U.S.-Russia relationship for the last fifteen years, and they will likely continue.

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See more in Russian Fed., U.S. Strategy and Politics

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CRS: U.S.-EU Cooperation Against Terrorism

U.S.-EU cooperation against terrorism has led to a new dynamic in U.S.-EU relations by fostering dialogue on law enforcement and homeland security issues previously reserved for bilateral discussions. Nevertheless, some challenges persist in fostering closer U.S.-EU cooperation in these fields. Among the most prominent are data privacy and data protection concerns.

See more in United States, EU, Counterterrorism

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Will "sequestration" lead to a more isolationist U.S. foreign policy?

Asked by Andreas Maldener, from Trier University

After more than a decade of war and several years of a deep financial crisis, many Americans are asking whether the country should focus more of its attention—and more of its resources—at home. That said, the impulse to lead is still strong in both political parties and most polls show that Americans still feel both a moral and strategic imperative to remain fully engaged in the world.

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See more in United States, Economics, U.S. Strategy and Politics, Congress, Congress and Foreign Policy

Audio

The Future of U.S. Special Operations Forces

Presider: Stephen Biddle

Linda Robinson discusses her recently released Council Special Report, The Future of U.S. Special Operations Forces, which calls for conceptual, institutional, and operational changes to reorient U.S. special operations forces to ensure that they are employed to best effect.

See more in United States, Defense/Homeland Security, Cybersecurity, Defense Strategy, Defense Technology, Homeland Security, Intelligence, National Security and Defense, Preparedness, Wars and Warfare

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The Iran Project: Strategic Options for Iran: Balancing Pressure with Diplomacy

Authors: William Luers, Iris Bieri, and Priscilla Lewis

It is time for Washington to rebalance its dual-track policy toward Iran, strengthening the diplomatic track in order to seize the opportunity created by the pressure track. The United States should now dedicate as much energy and creativity to negotiating directly with Iran as it has to assembling a broad international coalition to pressure and isolate Iran. Only by taking such a rebalanced approach might the United States achieve its objectives with respect to Iran's nuclear program.

See more in Iran, International Peace and Security