Diplomacy
Peter Klaunzer/Keystone/Getty Images

Russia

The Geneva Summit’s Success Depends on Follow-Through
The meeting eased some tensions in the U.S.-Russia relationship, but it also laid bare the difficult path ahead to resolving differences on issues including cybersecurity and human rights.

In Brief by Thomas Graham June 17, 2021

 

The Biden-Putin Summit: ‘This Is Not About Trust’ Link

with Bret Stephens, Emma Ashford and Stephen Sestanovich via New York Times June 16, 2021

Russia

How Russia Stays Relevant

Podcast
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

Human Trafficking
Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters

Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking Is a National Security Threat
It has become a form of modern slavery that threatens national security, economic growth, and sustainable development.

Blog Post by Jamille Bigio and Rachel B. Vogelstein June 10, 2021 Women Around the World

Human Trafficking

Ending Human Trafficking in the Twenty-First Century
Human trafficking bolsters abusive regimes and criminal groups, weakens global supply chains, fuels corruption, and undermines good governance. Jamille Bigio and Rachel B. Vogelstein urge the United States to increase investment in anti-trafficking measures.

Council Special Report by Jamille Bigio and Rachel B. Vogelstein June 10, 2021 Women and Foreign Policy Program

Human Trafficking

Modern Slavery: Its Root Causes and the Human Toll
Slavery, long banned and universally condemned, persists in many corners of the world, victimizing tens of millions of people.

Infoguide by Eleanor Albert, Vijai Singh and Jeremy Sherlick January 17, 2018

Taiwan

Taiwan

The Time Is Now for a Trade Deal With Taiwan
A comprehensive U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement would benefit U.S. companies, bolster Taiwan's economic security, and underscore Washington's interest in cross-Strait stability.

Blog Post by David Sacks and Jennifer Hillman June 14, 2021 Asia Unbound

Taiwan

Listen: U.S. Policy on Taiwan

Podcast
Ambassador Robert D. Blackwill, CFR’s Henry A. Kissinger senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy and a member of Harvard Kennedy School’s Applied History Project, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the debate over U.S. strategy toward Taiwan. Ambassador Blackwill, with Philip Zelikow, recently co-authored the Council Special Report, The United States, China, and Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War.

Podcast with James M. Lindsay and Robert D. Blackwill May 25, 2021 The President's Inbox

Taiwan

Why China-Taiwan Relations Are So Tense
Differences over Taiwan’s status have fueled rising tensions between the island and the mainland. Conflict over Taiwan also has the potential to be a flash point in U.S.-China relations.

Backgrounder by Lindsay Maizland May 10, 2021

Israel

Israel

What to Know About the Arab Citizens of Israel
Arab citizens of Israel represent one-fifth of the population and could be poised to gain a larger voice in the country’s domestic affairs.

Backgrounder by Kali Robinson June 14, 2021

 

Participation in Israeli Coalition Government Opens New Chapter for Arab Parties Link

via Al-Monitor June 14, 2021

 

The End of the Netanyahu Era Link

with Martin S. Indyk via Foreign Affairs June 15, 2021

Iran

Iran

Iran’s Presidential Election: What to Know
Iran holds its presidential election on June 18, and turnout is expected to be low as the country deals with a battered economy and the ongoing pandemic. But does the Iranian president matter?

In Brief by Kali Robinson June 16, 2021

Iran

Iran’s Presidential Election

Podcast
Suzanne Maloney, vice president and director of the Foreign Policy program at the Brookings Institution, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss what’s at stake when Iranians head to the polls later this week.

Podcast with James M. Lindsay and Suzanne Maloney June 15, 2021 The President's Inbox

Middle East and North Africa

U.S. Relations With Iran, 1953–2021
Onetime allies, the United States and Iran have seen tensions escalate repeatedly in the four decades since the Islamic Revolution.

Timeline by Kali Robinson April 15, 2021

U.S. Economy

United States

How Much Is Too Much? The U.S. Inflation Debate Heats Up
Some experts are sounding the alarm over rising inflation in the United States, despite assurances from the Federal Reserve. Here’s what to know.

In Brief by Roger W. Ferguson Jr. June 11, 2021 Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies

Trending

Events
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Immigration and Migration

Home and Abroad Series Public Forum: U.S. Immigration Policy
Please join us for an on-the-record discussion on migration trends and the many questions confronting U.S. immigration policy, including but not limited to our southern border. This event is part of CFR’s new Home and Abroad series, which explores issues at the nexus of U.S. domestic and foreign policy that affect America’s role in the world. This event is free and open to all. To register, please sign up here. Zoom access instructions will be emailed to registrants on the evening of Tuesday, June 29.

Virtual Event with Theresa Cardinal Brown, Jeh Charles Johnson and Shannon K. O'Neil June 30, 2021 Home and Abroad Series

New Zealand

Russell C. Leffingwell Lecture with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand

Play
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern discusses the future of New Zealand's foreign policy and lessons learned from the country's response to COVID-19 and reopening.  This meeting kicks off the 2021 Virtual National Conference and is open to all CFR members. The National Conference is underwritten by a generous gift given in memory of Peter E. Haas from the Mimi and Peter Haas Fund. Inaugurated in 1969, the Russell C. Leffingwell Lecture was named for Russell C. Leffingwell, a charter member of the Council who served as its president from 1944 to 1946 and as its chairman from 1946 to 1953. The lecture is given by distinguished foreign officials, who are invited to address Council members on a topic of major international significance.

Virtual Event with The Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern June 16, 2021

State and Local Governments (U.S.)

State and Local Officials Webinar: The American Rescue Plan and Economic Recovery

Play

Webinar with Janet Cowell and Kathryn White June 15, 2021 State and Local Webinars

U.S. Foreign Policy

Virtual Roundtable: Major Power Rivalry in Africa

Play
Although major power competition on the African continent is a reality, it should not dominate the Biden administration’s vision for U.S.-Africa relations, argues Michelle Gavin in her new paper Major Power Rivalry in Africa, for the Managing Global Disorder Discussion Paper series. Speakers discuss how the Biden administration can pursue strategic partnerships that align African aspirations and U.S. interests while managing competition with China.

Virtual Event with Michelle Gavin and Mzukisi Qobo June 10, 2021 Center for Preventive Action

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Expert Spotlight

David J. Scheffer
David J. Scheffer

Visiting Senior Fellow

Humanitarian Intervention Wars and Conflict International Law

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Women and Women's Rights Development Emerging Markets

Martin S. Indyk
Martin S. Indyk

Distinguished Fellow

Middle East and North Africa Israel Egypt

Martin Indyk on Fareed Zakaria GPS

Via CNN, GPS June 13, 2021

Elizabeth C. Economy
Elizabeth C. Economy

Senior Fellow for China Studies

Asia China Energy and Environment

A. Michael Spence
A. Michael Spence

Distinguished Visiting Fellow

Development Emerging Markets Inequality

Ray Takeyh
Ray Takeyh

Hasib J. Sabbagh Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies

Iran Iran Nuclear Agreement Persian Gulf

The Last Shah

Book January 26, 2021

Brent McIntosh
Brent McIntosh

Adjunct Senior Fellow for International Economics and Finance

International Finance Financial Markets Digital Policy

Max Boot
Max Boot

Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow for National Security Studies

U.S. Foreign Policy Defense and Security Military History

Too many people are still underestimating Trump

Via Washington Post June 7, 2021

Michelle Gavin
Michelle Gavin

Senior Fellow for Africa Studies

Botswana South Africa Zimbabwe

Alice C. Hill
Alice C. Hill

David M. Rubenstein Senior Fellow for Energy and the Environment

Climate Change Infrastructure Food and Water Security

Future-Proofing Our Energy System

Via Chicago Council on Global Affairs June 17, 2021

Tom Frieden
Tom Frieden

Senior Fellow for Global Health

Health Public Health Threats and Pandemics

Meighan Stone
Meighan Stone

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Women and Women's Rights Education Refugees and Displaced Persons

Robert D. Blackwill
Robert D. Blackwill

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

U.S. Foreign Policy Europe and Eurasia Russia

Reuben E. Brigety II
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

Paul J. Angelo
Paul J. Angelo

Fellow for Latin America Studies

Latin America Central America Colombia

The Day After in Venezuela

Council Special Report September 24, 2020 Latin America Studies Program

Jared Cohen
Jared Cohen

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Terrorism and Counterterrorism Iran Technology and Innovation

The Case for Microlateralism

Via Foreign Affairs April 29, 2021

Charles A. Kupchan
Charles A. Kupchan

Senior Fellow

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

Isolationism

Book October 1, 2020

Thomas Graham
Thomas Graham

Distinguished Fellow

Russia Europe and Eurasia U.S. Foreign Policy

Adam Segal
Adam Segal

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

China Cybersecurity Asia

Stewart M. Patrick
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

Steven A. Cook
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

What's Next for Israel and the Palestinains?

Via Octavian Report May 19, 2021

Scott A. Snyder
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

Robert K. Knake
Robert K. Knake

Whitney Shepardson Senior Fellow

Cybersecurity Homeland Security Digital Policy

Robert E. Rubin
Robert E. Rubin

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

Carla Anne Robbins
Carla Anne Robbins

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Defense and Security Cuba North Korea

Gordon M. Goldstein
Gordon M. Goldstein

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Technology and Innovation Cybersecurity U.S. Foreign Policy

Jennifer Nuzzo
Jennifer Nuzzo

Senior Fellow for Global Health

Health Public Health Threats and Pandemics

Richard N. Haass
Richard N. Haass

President, Council on Foreign Relations

U.S. Foreign Policy International Relations

Criticizing the Pandemic

Article May 28, 2021

Alyssa Ayres
Alyssa Ayres

Adjunct Senior Fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia

Asia India Emerging Markets

Our Time Has Come

Book January 4, 2018

Luciana L. Borio
Luciana L. Borio

Senior Fellow for Global Health

Public Health Threats and Pandemics Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines Biotechnology

Daniel Kurtz-Phelan
Daniel Kurtz-Phelan

Editor, Foreign Affairs; Peter G. Peterson Chair

China U.S. Foreign Policy

Rachel B. Vogelstein
Rachel B. Vogelstein

Douglas Dillon Senior Fellow and Director of the Women and Foreign Policy Program

Women and Women's Rights Development Maternal and Child Health

Henri J. Barkey
Henri J. Barkey

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies

Middle East and North Africa Turkey Kurds

John B. Bellinger III
John B. Bellinger III

Adjunct Senior Fellow for International and National Security Law

International Law Treaties and Agreements Sanctions

James M. Lindsay
James M. Lindsay

Senior Vice President, Director of Studies, and Maurice R. Greenberg Chair

United States Politics and Government Polls and Public Opinion

Shannon K. O'Neil
Shannon K. O'Neil

Vice President, Deputy Director of Studies, and Nelson and David Rockefeller Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies

Americas Latin America NAFTA

Jennifer Hillman
Jennifer Hillman

Senior Fellow for Trade and International Political Economy

Trade World Trade Organization (WTO) NAFTA

Thomas E. Donilon
Thomas E. Donilon

Distinguished Fellow

U.S. Foreign Policy Intelligence National Security Council (NSC)

On GPS: What have we learned from Bolton's book?

Via Fareed Zakaria GPS June 28, 2020

Robert McMahon
Robert McMahon

Managing Editor

Stephen Sestanovich
Stephen Sestanovich

George F. Kennan Senior Fellow for Russian and Eurasian Studies

Russia Europe and Eurasia U.S. Foreign Policy

Roger W. Ferguson Jr.
Roger W. Ferguson Jr.

Steven A. Tananbaum Distinguished Fellow for International Economics

Monetary Policy Fiscal Policy Regulation and Deregulation

Catherine Powell
Catherine Powell

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Women and Women's Rights International Law Human Rights

Jendayi E. Frazer
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

Farah Pandith
Farah Pandith

Adjunct Senior Fellow

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

Sebastian Mallaby
Sebastian Mallaby

Paul A. Volcker Senior Fellow for International Economics

Monetary Policy International Finance Globalization

Edward Alden
Edward Alden

Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow

Trade Immigration and Migration Economics

Thomas J. Bollyky
Thomas J. Bollyky

Senior Fellow for Global Health, Economics, and Development and Director of the Global Health Program

Health Trade Development

Jerome A. Cohen
Jerome A. Cohen

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Asia Studies

China Asia International Law

View All

Explainers

Human Rights
The Changing Landscape of Global LGBTQ+ Rights
Human Rights
The Changing Landscape of Global LGBTQ+ Rights
Article by Paul J. Angelo and Dominic Bocci
Although LGBTQ+ people in every region of the world face marginalization and repression, their human rights have steadily advanced.
Play What to Know About the Conflict in Ethiopia
Play
Ethiopia What to Know About the Conflict in Ethiopia
Explainer Video by Thamine Nayeem and Claire Felter
Will the World Ever Solve the Mystery of COVID-19’s Origin?
Coronavirus Will the World Ever Solve the Mystery of COVID-19’s Origin?
Backgrounder Redesign by Claire Felter
Women’s Power Index
Global Women’s Power Index
Interactive by Rachel B. Vogelstein and Alexandra Bro
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Experts in the News

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Link

Lemmon: Biden’s First Meeting With Putin Represents a New Period of Strategic Cooperation

Via MSNBC's American Voices June 13, 2021

Brent McIntosh
Link

McIntosh: In Response to Cyberattacks, the Biden Administration Must be Prudent in Their Use of Sanctions

Via Fox Business June 8, 2021

Robert K. Knake
Link

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

Via NPR's All Things Considered May 18, 2021

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Featured Publications

World Order

The World—New in Paperback
An invaluable primer from Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, that will help anyone, expert and nonexpert alike, navigate a time in which many of our biggest challenges come from the world beyond our borders.

Book by Richard N. Haass May 11, 2021

Wars and Conflict

Nonstate Warfare
Stephen Biddle explains how nonstate military strategies overturn traditional perspectives on warfare.

Book by Stephen Biddle April 6, 2021 National Security and Defense Program

Iran

The Last Shah
Ray Takeyh provides new interpretations of many key events—including the 1953 coup against Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadeq and the rise of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini—significantly revising our understanding of the United States’ and Iran’s complex and difficult history.

Book by Ray Takeyh January 26, 2021

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