In the face of a growing pandemic, getting money quickly into the hands of struggling individuals and families must be a top priority.
Lucy Nicholson/Reuters
A new coronavirus that originated in China has spread around the globe, prompting countries to impose strict measures to stop local outbreaks and prevent further economic turmoil.
China
Aly Song/Reuters
After a poor initial response, China has seen the rate of new infections slow. Now Beijing is trying to be a global leader on public health.
Afghanistan
Since its ouster in 2001, the Taliban has maintained its insurgency against the U.S.-led mission in Afghanistan and the Afghan government. A new U.S.-Taliban deal could pave the way for the group’s return to power.
The ICC appeals chamber’s decision to move ahead on an investigation of grave abuses by combatants in Afghanistan, including U.S. forces, marks an unprecedented move that is likely to arouse intensive pushback from Washington.
The Taliban insurgency remains resilient nearly two decades after U.S.-led forces toppled its regime in what led to the United States’ longest war.
Oil
It’s happened several times before: geopolitical tensions between Saudi Arabia and Russia have led to a dramatic drop in oil prices in years past. But the breakdown in Saudi-Russian cooperation in oil markets over the weekend is strikingly different this time.
Western leaders have long criticized OPEC’s power to raise oil prices, but the bloc’s influence is on the wane as U.S. oil production has soared and alternative energies have come to the fore.
Mexico
Gender-based killings in Mexico have sparked mass protests, with activists blaming the government for an anemic response.
Multilateral institutions often focus on rhetoric over action in countering violence against women. States inclined to do better should take matters into their own hands and adopt feminist foreign policies.
From podcasts to position trackers, CFR has a wealth of resources to help you understand foreign policy and the presidential campaign.
CFR on the Record
Public Health Threats and Pandemics
Panelists discuss threats to global health and U.S. national security, including the coronavirus outbreak in China and the ongoing Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Panelists discuss how human trafficking fuels conflict, drives displacement, and undercuts the ability of international institutions to promote stability.
This meeting is cosponsored with CFR’s Women and Foreign Policy Program.
Henrietta Fore discusses the work of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) as well as her priorities and goals for the agency.
Expert Spotlight
Explainers
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Ukraine
Ukraine’s Post-Independence Struggles
Ukraine has been dogged by corruption scandals, economic mismanagement, and Russian interference since it achieved independence in 1991. At the same time, it has cultivated relations with the United States and Europe.
China
China Doesn’t Want Your Trash
For years, China processed more than half of the world’s plastic recycling. Then, in 2018, it stopped. Things have gotten messy since then.
Refugees and Displaced Persons
No Refuge
Why the world’s swelling refugee population has shrinking options.
Experts in the News
Featured Publications
Public Health Threats and Pandemics
Global health expert Thomas J. Bollyky explores the paradox in our fight against infectious disease: the world is getting healthier in ways that should make us worry.
The Trump administration recognizes the China challenge, but it needs a grand strategy. Blackwill recommends decisive action, sustained diplomacy, collaboration among branches of the U.S. government, and working with allies in Asia and Europe, among other approaches.
Uncertainty in the U.S.-South Korea economic partnership could hinder security cooperation if left unchecked. The two countries should explore collaboration in AI technologies, policy coordination in the Indo-Pacific, and economic cooperation with North Korea.