Council on Foreign Relations

Reuters/Maxim Shemetov

Russia

Is Russia Using Energy as a Weapon Again?

Russian President Putin and Gazprom didn’t create Europe’s new gas crisis, but they are happy to exploit it.

In Brief by Stephen Sestanovich October 28, 2021

Europe’s Push to Loosen Russian Influence on Gas Prices

via Wall Street Journal October 28, 2021

Russia

How Russia Stays Relevant

There is no country quite like Russia. Despite having a relatively small economy, it has been able to maintain global influence through a range of unconventional tactics. How has Vladimir Putin played his country’s weak hand so effectively? And what is his goal?

Podcast with Gabrielle Sierra, Jill Dougherty, Stephen Sestanovich and Angela Stent January 19, 2021 Why It Matters

Turkey

Aytac Unal/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Middle East and North Africa

Erdogan’s Struggles and U.S.-Turkey Relations

An imprisoned opponent, dire economic conditions, and ongoing tensions with the United States all pose challenges to President Erdogan’s increasingly erratic leadership.

In Brief by Steven A. Cook October 27, 2021

Middle East and North Africa

Cracks Are Growing in the Erdogan Regime

Turkey is more politically unstable today than at any other point in recent years.

Article by Steven A. Cook August 2, 2021 Middle East Program

Erdogan Strategically Backtracks Threat to Expel Western Diplomats

via PRI October 26, 2021

Southeast Asia

Summit Highlights: ASEAN and the U.S

President Biden addressed several areas of concern at the ASEAN summit.

Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick October 26, 2021 Asia Unbound

Southeast Asia

What Is ASEAN?

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a regional organization that brings together disparate neighbors to address economic, security, and political issues, but the group’s impact remains limited.

Backgrounder by Lindsay Maizland and Eleanor Albert November 24, 2020

Southeast Asia

Biden’s Indo-Pacific Strategy

Lynn Kuok, Shangri-La Dialogue senior fellow for Asia-Pacific Security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the Biden administration’s policy toward the Asia-Pacific, and how those policies are viewed in southeast Asia.

Podcast with James M. Lindsay and Lynn Kuok October 26, 2021 The President's Inbox

Group of Twenty

Global Governance

The G20’s Moment

The planet is on fire, the pandemic smolders on, and the global recovery is faltering. The G20 was created for just such challenges, and the Rome summit offers it a chance to rise to the occasion.

Blog Post by Stewart M. Patrick October 25, 2021 The Internationalist

Why Climate Policy Has Failed

with William D. Nordhaus via Foreign Affairs October 12, 2021

Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines

A Guide to Global COVID-19 Vaccine Efforts

The swift development of effective vaccines against the new coronavirus was an unprecedented scientific achievement. But production challenges, vaccine nationalism, and new virus strains have all presented hurdles.

Backgrounder by Claire Felter October 11, 2021

Sudan

Sudan’s Military Takeover

The coup in Sudan shows that the military members of the transitional government were never truly committed to implementing democracy in the manner sought by protesters who forced Omar al-Bashir from power in 2019.

Blog Post by Michelle Gavin October 25, 2021 Africa in Transition

Sub-Saharan Africa

What’s Happening to Democracy in Africa?

The pandemic is exacerbating a decline of democracy across sub-Saharan Africa. To combat the trend, the United States and other partners should commit to the painstaking work of bolstering democratic institutions.

Article by John Campbell and Nolan Quinn May 26, 2021 Africa Program

Sudan Coup: Protests Continue After Military Takeover

via BBC October 26, 2021

Climate Change

COP26 Climate Summit: What to Expect

Experts have warned that time is running out to avoid climate catastrophe. Will the global climate conference spark action?

In Brief by Lindsay Maizland October 22, 2021

Climate Change

A World Overheating

Photo Essay by Alice C. Hill, Madeline Babin and Sabine Baumgartner October 18, 2021 Energy Security and Climate Change Program

Climate Change

The International Order Isn’t Ready for the Climate Crisis

with Stewart M. Patrick via Foreign Affairs October 19, 2021

Events
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Public Health Threats and Pandemics

A Conversation With Rochelle Walensky

Dr. Rochelle Walensky discusses CDC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CDC’s role in coordinating global health initiatives, and the future of public health in the United States.

Virtual Event with Rochelle P. Walensky October 27, 2021

Germany

The Life and Legacy of Angela Merkel

Panelists discuss the life and career of Angela Merkel and the future of U.S.-German relations and the larger transatlantic alliance.

Virtual Event with Wolfgang Ischinger, Kati I. Marton and Constanze Stelzenmüller October 26, 2021

Wars and Conflict

Virtual Roundtable: Major Power Rivalry in South Asia

In a new paper for the Managing Global Disorder Discussion Paper series, Tanvi Madan argues that the intensifying competition in South Asia and the Indian Ocean between the United States and China and between China and India has profound implications for future peace and security in the region. Speakers discuss how the United States can manage and shape rivalries among major powers in South Asia while pursuing and defending its regional interests. This roundtable is made possible by the generous support of the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Virtual Event with Tanvi Madan and C. Raja Mohan October 26, 2021 Center for Preventive Action

Afghanistan

Afghanistan in Hindsight: Lessons From Two Decades of War

Our panelists discuss the history of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, critical policy decisions made during four U.S. administrations, and what lessons can be learned from the two-decade war.

Virtual Event with Ryan C. Crocker, Carter Malkasian and Kori Schake October 22, 2021

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Carla Anne Robbins

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Defense and Security Cuba North Korea

The Enemy Uncounted

Via American Purpose July 30, 2021

Henri J. Barkey

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies

Middle East and North Africa Turkey Kurds

Revisionist Powers will Keep US Engaged in Mideast

Via Asia Times June 15, 2021

Daniel Kurtz-Phelan

Editor, Foreign Affairs; Peter G. Peterson Chair

China U.S. Foreign Policy

Kurtz-Phelan: U.S. Never Reckoned With What Winning the War on Terror Would Mean

Via CNN's AC360 August 26, 2021

Paul B. Stares

General John W. Vessey Senior Fellow for Conflict Prevention and Director of the Center for Preventive Action

Conflict Prevention Wars and Conflict Defense and Security

Perspectives on a Changing World Order

Report June 3, 2020 Center for Preventive Action

Ray Takeyh

Hasib J. Sabbagh Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies

Iran Iran Nuclear Agreement Persian Gulf

The Last Shah

Book January 26, 2021

Robert E. Rubin

Chairman Emeritus; Former Secretary of the U.S. Treasury

Rubin: The Child Tax Credit Must Become Permanent. And Refundable.

Via Washington Post September 16, 2021

Alyssa Ayres

Adjunct Senior Fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia

Asia India Emerging Markets

Our Time Has Come

Book January 4, 2018

John B. Bellinger III

Adjunct Senior Fellow for International and National Security Law

International Law Treaties and Agreements Sanctions

The 9/11 Effect and the Transformation of Global Security: The Legal Legacy

Via Council of Councils September 2, 2021

Robert McMahon

Managing Editor

Can the State Department Bring More Diversity to the U.S. Diplomatic Corps?

In Brief February 18, 2021

Paul J. Angelo

Fellow for Latin America Studies

Latin America Americas Central America

Will Colombia's Troop Surge Bring Order to the Border?

Via Latin America Advisor October 26, 2021

Benn Steil

Senior Fellow and Director of International Economics

International Finance Financial Markets Economics

Global Trade Tracker

Tracker July 19, 2021 Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies

Martin S. Indyk

Distinguished Fellow

Middle East and North Africa Israel Egypt

Biden and Mother Nature Have Reshaped the Middle East

Via New York Times October 26, 2021

Luciana L. Borio

Senior Fellow for Global Health

Public Health Threats and Pandemics Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines Biotechnology

Borio: The Data Today Does Not Support That Boosters Are Needed for the General Population

Via NPR All Things Considered September 18, 2021

Stewart M. Patrick

James H. Binger Senior Fellow in Global Governance and Director of the International Institutions and Global Governance Program

Global Governance Diplomacy and International Institutions International Organizations

Reflecting Sunlight to Reduce Climate Risk

Via World Politics Review October 25, 2021

Reuben E. Brigety II

Adjunct Senior Fellow for African Peace and Security Issues

Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Organizations Diplomacy and International Institutions

The Fractured Power: How to Overcome Tribalism

Via Foreign Affairs February 16, 2021

Robert K. Knake

Whitney Shepardson Senior Fellow

Cybersecurity Homeland Security Digital Policy

Knake: TSA Should Set Requirements for Reporting and Investigating Pipeline Incidents

Via NPR's All Things Considered May 18, 2021

Jerome A. Cohen

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Asia Studies

China Asia International Law

How 2020 Shaped U.S.-China Relations

Article December 7, 2020 Asia Program

Matthias Matthijs

Senior Fellow for Europe

Europe Germany United Kingdom

Merkel’s Legacy and the Future of Germany

In Brief September 17, 2021 Europe Program

Jendayi E. Frazer

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Africa Studies

Sub-Saharan Africa U.S. Foreign Policy Politics and Government

The Future of U.S. Diplomacy

Event February 8, 2021

Edward Alden

Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow

Trade Immigration and Migration Economics

Biden’s Vague Muddle of a Trade Policy for China

Via Foreign Policy October 7, 2021

Charles A. Kupchan

Senior Fellow

European Union NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Europe and Eurasia

Isolationism

Book October 1, 2020

Farah Pandith

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Radicalization and Extremism Terrorism and Counterterrorism U.S. Foreign Policy

How We Win

Book March 12, 2019 Middle East Program

Scott A. Snyder

Senior Fellow for Korea Studies and Director of the Program on U.S.-Korea Policy

North Korea South Korea Asia

South Korea at the Crossroads

Book January 2, 2018

Sheila A. Smith

John E. Merow Senior Fellow for Asia Pacific Studies

Japan Defense and Security Asia

Constitutional Change in Japan

Interactive April 4, 2019

Gordon M. Goldstein

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Technology and Innovation Cybersecurity U.S. Foreign Policy

Tech & Policy Initiative The Rising Geopolitics of Internet Governance: Cyber Sovereignty v. Distributed Governance

Via Columbia School of International and Public Affairs November 30, 2016

Joshua Kurlantzick

Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia Asia Democracy

Summit Highlights: ASEAN and the U.S

Blog Post October 26, 2021 Asia Unbound

Jared Cohen

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Terrorism and Counterterrorism Iran Technology and Innovation

The Case for Microlateralism

Via Foreign Affairs April 29, 2021

Jennifer Nuzzo

Senior Fellow for Global Health

Health Public Health Threats and Pandemics

If We Must Wear Masks Again, We Need a Smart Approach

Via New York Times July 29, 2021

Matthew C. Waxman

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Law and Foreign Policy

International Law Cybersecurity U.S. Foreign Policy

Did Soleimani Pose an Imminent Threat?

In Brief January 15, 2020 U.S. Foreign Policy Program

Manjari Chatterjee Miller

Senior Fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia

India Asia China

The Quad, AUKUS, and India’s Dilemmas

Article October 13, 2021 Asia Program

Robert D. Blackwill

Henry A. Kissinger Senior Fellow for U.S. Foreign Policy

U.S. Foreign Policy Europe and Eurasia Russia

The United States, China, and Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War

Council Special Report February 11, 2021 U.S. Foreign Policy Program

Catherine Powell

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Women and Women's Rights Human Rights Gender

CFR Roundtable Speaker Wins 2021 MacArthur “Genius” Award

Blog Post October 7, 2021 Women Around the World

Stephen Biddle

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Defense Policy

Defense and Security Wars and Conflict Military Operations

Nonstate Warfare

Book April 6, 2021 National Security and Defense Program

Steven A. Cook

Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies and Director of the International Affairs Fellowship for Tenured International Relations Scholars

Middle East and North Africa Turkey Arab Spring

Unvaccinated Police Officers Could Become America’s Own Insurgents

Article October 28, 2021 Middle East Program

David P. Fidler

Senior Fellow for Global Health and Cybersecurity

International Law Cybersecurity Health

The Challenge of Strengthening Democracy and Global Health in U.S. Foreign Policy

Via Think Global Health September 27, 2021

Bruce Hoffman

Shelby Cullom and Kathryn W. Davis Senior Fellow for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security

Terrorism and Counterterrorism Wars and Conflict Intelligence

Biden’s Predetermined Withdrawal Leaves Both Afghanistan and Western Coalitions in Tatters

Via Small Wars Journal September 27, 2021

Yascha Mounk

Senior Fellow

Democracy Populism Civil Society

Four Measures That Are Helping Germany Beat COVID

Via The Atlantic October 26, 2021

David J. Scheffer

Senior Fellow

Humanitarian Intervention Wars and Conflict International Law

Why Religious Persecution Justifies U.S. Legislation on Crimes Against Humanity

Article October 8, 2021 International Institutions and Global Governance Program

Ian Johnson

Stephen A. Schwarzman Senior Fellow for China Studies

China Civil Society Democracy

Trade Versus Subs: The Risky U.S. Tradeoff in the Asia-Pacific

Blog Post September 17, 2021 Asia Unbound

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Women and Women's Rights Development Emerging Markets

The Daughters of Kobani

Book February 16, 2021 Women and Foreign Policy Program

Max Boot

Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow for National Security Studies

U.S. Foreign Policy Defense and Security Military History

I’m no Democrat — but I’m voting exclusively for Democrats to save our democracy

Via Washington Post October 11, 2021

Richard Haass

President, Council on Foreign Relations

U.S. Foreign Policy International Relations

Haass: On Taiwan, U.S. Should Clarify Intentions and Underscore Cost of Chinese Aggression

Via Project Syndicate October 18, 2021

A. Michael Spence

Distinguished Visiting Fellow

Development Emerging Markets Inequality

A World of Heat and Headwinds

Via Project Syndicate August 24, 2021

Tom Frieden

Senior Fellow for Global Health

Health Public Health Threats and Pandemics

Frieden: Here’s How to Prove That Americans Are Vaccinated

Via New York Times September 21, 2021

Sebastian Mallaby

Paul A. Volcker Senior Fellow for International Economics

Monetary Policy International Finance Globalization

The Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future

Via Penguin Random House January 25, 2022

Caroline Bettinger-Lopez

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy (ON LEAVE)

Women and Women's Rights Human Rights United States

Skadden Foundation Tackles COVID-19 Legal Issues Impacting Poor

Via Bloomberg Law September 29, 2020

Adam Segal

Ira A. Lipman Chair in Emerging Technologies and National Security and Director of the Digital and Cyberspace Policy Program

China Cybersecurity Asia

Cyber Week in Review: October 22, 2021

Blog Post October 22, 2021 Net Politics

Alice C. Hill

David M. Rubenstein Senior Fellow for Energy and the Environment

Climate Change Infrastructure Food and Water Security

Climate Change as a Global Security Threat

Via NHK World-Japan TV October 26, 2021

Middle East and North Africa

What Is the Kafala System?

Backgrounder by Kali Robinson

As the World Expo kicks off in Dubai, attention turns to the controversial system regulating the lives of migrant workers who helped make the event possible.

United States Corporate Taxes in a Globalized World

Backgrounder Redesign by Anshu Siripurapu

Technology and Innovation When the Microchips Are Down

Podcast with Gabrielle Sierra, Don Clark, Rebecca Heilweil, Ajit Manocha and David Sacks

Public Health Threats and Pandemics Major Epidemics of the Modern Era

Timeline by Claire Felter

Experts in the News

Martin S. Indyk

Indyk: Kissinger Sought Order, Not Peace

Via MSNBC Andrea Mitchell Reports October 19, 2021

Alice C. Hill

Hill: The World Missed an Opportunity to Have a Green Recovery

Via Politico October 19, 2021

Richard Haass

Haass: On Taiwan, U.S. Should Clarify Intentions and Underscore Cost of Chinese Aggression

Via Project Syndicate October 18, 2021

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Featured Publications

Middle East and North Africa

Master of the Game

A perceptive and provocative history of Henry Kissinger’s diplomatic negotiations in the Middle East that illuminates the unique challenges and barriers Kissinger and his successors have faced in their attempts to broker peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Book by Martin S. Indyk October 19, 2021 Middle East Program

Global

Annual Report 2021

This was an extraordinary year for the Council. Established in the wake of a global pandemic of influenza, CFR experienced its centennial year amid another—COVID-19. Although the celebrations this year could not be in person, CFR marked the occasion with a special website, a new CFR store, dedicated programming, and a short history book.

Report October 13, 2021

Climate Change

The Fight for Climate After COVID-19