Taiwan
Ann Wang/Reuters

Taiwan

Why China-Taiwan Relations Are So Tense
Differences over Taiwan’s status have fueled 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

China

The United States, China, and Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War
To preserve peace in the Taiwan Strait, Robert D. Blackwill and Philip Zelikow propose the United States make clear that it will not change Taiwan’s status, yet will work with allies to plan for Chinese aggression and help Taiwan defend itself.

Council Special Report by Robert D. Blackwill and Philip Zelikow February 11, 2021 U.S. Foreign Policy Program

Japan

Much Ado About Taiwan

Blog Post by Sheila A. Smith April 22, 2021 Asia Unbound

East Africa
Eduardo Soteras/AFP/Getty Images

Ethiopia

Peace in Ethiopia Requires Domestic Reconciliation
The Ethiopian people deserve an inclusive national dialogue and comprehensive reforms to end the cycle of rampant human rights abuses on display in the Tigray region.

Blog Post by Michelle Gavin May 7, 2021 Africa in Transition

Ethiopia

Video: What to Know About the Conflict in Ethiopia

Play
Three years ago, Abiy Ahmed came to power with promises of peace. Now, jarring reports of killings and sexual violence have come out of Tigray, Ethiopia’s northernmost region. Here’s what to know about the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

by Thamine Nayeem and Claire Felter April 23, 2021

Transition 2021

How to Approach Sub-Saharan Africa

Play
Panelists discuss U.S. policy priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa and what changes to expect from the Biden administration. The Transition 2021 series examines the major foreign policy issues confronting the Biden administration.  

Webinar with Johnnie Carson, Michelle Gavin and Monde Muyangwa April 20, 2021 Transition 2021

Women and Women's Rights

Women and Women's Rights

Combating Gendered Disinformation

Blog Post by Melanne Verveer and Lucina Di Meco May 6, 2021 Women Around the World

Global

Women’s Power Index
Find out where women around the world wield political power—and why it matters.

Interactive by Rachel B. Vogelstein and Alexandra Bro March 29, 2021 Women and Foreign Policy Program

 

Measuring the Prevalence of Online Violence Against Women Link

via Economist May 6, 2021

Immigration Policy

Americas

Detaining Child Migrants
Tens of thousands of unaccompanied children have been arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border each year, sparking debate over how to respond. A recent rise in their numbers has challenged the Biden administration.

Backgrounder by Amelia Cheatham May 4, 2021

El Salvador

Why Central American Migrants Are Arriving at the U.S. Border
Thousands of people are arriving at the U.S. southern border after fleeing the Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. President Biden is reviving efforts to tackle the problems that are prompting them to migrate. 

In Brief by Paul J. Angelo March 22, 2021

United States

How the U.S. Patrols Its Borders
President Trump sent U.S. troops to the border with Mexico to supplement the work of authorities there. President Biden pledges a new approach as pressures mount along the boundary.

Backgrounder by Amelia Cheatham, Claire Felter and Zachary Laub April 12, 2021

Digital Infrastructure

Technology and Innovation

High-Speed Internet for All?
To avoid falling behind the rest of the world on internet speed and access, the United States should rapidly deploy fiber-optic internet nationwide. 

Report by Robert K. Knake May 4, 2021 Digital and Cyberspace Policy Program

Digital Infrastructure

The State of U.S. Infrastructure

Amid an economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, debate continues over how to improve the nation’s infrastructure, as analysts say U.S. transportation, water, and other systems face major shortfalls.

Backgrounder by James McBride and Anshu Siripurapu April 8, 2021

 

Data Is Power Link

via Foreign Affairs May 3, 2021

Coronavirus

Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines

A Guide to COVID-19 Vaccine Efforts

Only a year after the new coronavirus emerged, the first vaccines to protect against it are being administered. But production challenges, vaccine nationalism, and new virus strains are all presenting hurdles.

Backgrounder by Claire Felter April 27, 2021

Coronavirus

A Global Shot in the Arm, With Anthony Fauci

Podcast
Successful vaccine rollouts in the United States and other wealthy nations have made many people hopeful that the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is in sight. But the majority of the world’s population does not yet have access to these vaccines. Without a strong global effort to immunize everyone, new variants could tighten the pandemic’s grip on rich and poor countries alike.

Podcast with Gabrielle Sierra, Anthony S. Fauci, Richard N. Haass and Tidjane Thiam March 3, 2021 Why It Matters

Coronavirus

In Photos: How the World Grieves in a Pandemic

Photo Essay by Claire Felter, Lindsay Maizland and Sabine Baumgartner May 19, 2020

Events
View All

Play

Economics

A Conversation with David Swensen

Play
From the Archives: Former Yale University Chief Investment Officer David Swenson, who died this month at age sixty-seven, spoke at CFR in 2017.

Event with David Swensen November 14, 2017 Stephen C. Freidheim Symposium

Economics

The Future of Work in the COVID-19 Economy

Play
COVID-19 has accelerated economic trends, such as virtual work and automation that will reshape the future of work. How can governments, multilateral organizations, and the private sector promote economic recovery for those hardest hit in the COVID-19 economy, including women, people of color, and lower-wage workers? What skills will become more or less in-demand? How can public and private sector leaders help drive reskilling at scale? Speakers, Kweilin M. Ellingrud, senior partner at McKinsey & Company, and Henriette Kolb, head of gender and economic inclusion at the International Finance Corporation, discuss the latest research and potential policy responses.

Virtual Event with Kweilin M. Ellingrud and Henriette Kolb April 27, 2021

China

Virtual Roundtable: Major Power Rivalry in East Asia

Play
The risks of conflict between the United States and China are real and growing. This situation has left the U.S.-China relationship in a precarious place that will require delicate diplomacy in order to manage intensifying competition while preventing conflict. Panelists discuss “Major Power Rivalry in East Asia,” a paper by Evan S. Medeiros in the Managing Global Disorder discussion paper series, on how U.S. and Chinese policymakers should revitalize existing tools and build new ones to manage an increasingly militarized competition. Additional Resources For further reading, please see CPA's Managing Global Disorder series.

Virtual Event with Qingguo Jia and Evan S. Medeiros April 29, 2021 Center for Preventive Action

Public Health Threats and Pandemics

Virtual Roundtable: The Politics of Primary Health Care

Play

Webinar with Román Macaya Hayes and Viroj Tangcharoensathien April 28, 2021

View All

Expert Spotlight

Max Boot
Max Boot

Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow for National Security Studies

U.S. Foreign Policy Defense and Security Military History

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

Joshua Kurlantzick
Joshua Kurlantzick

Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia Asia Democracy

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

Daniel Kurtz-Phelan
Daniel Kurtz-Phelan

Editor, Foreign Affairs; Peter G. Peterson Chair

China U.S. Foreign Policy

Jerome A. Cohen
Jerome A. Cohen

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Asia Studies

China Asia International Law

Henri J. Barkey
Henri J. Barkey

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies

Middle East and North Africa Turkey Kurds

Sheila A. Smith
Sheila A. Smith

Senior Fellow for Japan Studies

Japan Defense and Security Asia

Constitutional Change in Japan

Interactive April 4, 2019

Elizabeth C. Economy
Elizabeth C. Economy

Senior Fellow for China Studies

Asia China Energy and Environment

Charles A. Kupchan
Charles A. Kupchan

Senior Fellow

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

Isolationism

Book October 1, 2020

Jamille Bigio
Jamille Bigio

Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Women and Women's Rights Peacekeeping Conflict Prevention

Paul B. Stares
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

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

David J. Scheffer
David J. Scheffer

Visiting Senior Fellow

Humanitarian Intervention Wars and Conflict International Law

Save the Olympics, Again

Article April 1, 2021

Matthias Matthijs
Matthias Matthijs

Senior Fellow for Europe

Europe Germany United Kingdom

A Brexit Primer

Via Vital Interests: U.S. Policy in a Changed Global Paradigm January 21, 2021

Robert McMahon
Robert McMahon

Managing Editor

Edward Alden
Edward Alden

Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow

Trade Immigration Policy Economics

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

Gideon Rose
Gideon Rose

Mary and David Boies Distinguished Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy

Wars and Conflict Middle East and North Africa Southeast Asia

Rose: The Path to American Recovery Remains Unclear

Via Bloomberg Surveillance December 10, 2020

John B. Bellinger III
John B. Bellinger III

Adjunct Senior Fellow for International and National Security Law

International Law Treaties and Agreements Sanctions

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Women and Women's Rights Development Emerging Markets

Thomas Graham
Thomas Graham

Distinguished Fellow

Russia Europe and Eurasia U.S. Foreign Policy

Nord Stream 2: Don’t Make a Bad Deal Worse

Via National Interest March 26, 2021

Martin S. Indyk
Martin S. Indyk

Distinguished Fellow

Middle East and North Africa Israel Egypt

Robert E. Rubin
Robert E. Rubin

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

Stephen Biddle
Stephen Biddle

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Defense Policy

Defense and Security Wars and Conflict Military Operations

Caroline Bettinger-Lopez
Caroline Bettinger-Lopez

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Women and Women's Rights Human Rights Haiti

Jared Cohen
Jared Cohen

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Terrorism and Counterterrorism Iran Technology and Innovation

The Case for Microlateralism

Via Foreign Affairs April 29, 2021

Luciana L. Borio
Luciana L. Borio

Senior Fellow for Global Health

Public Health Threats and Pandemics Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines Biotechnology

The Role of the FDA During Epidemics and Pandemics

Via Emory Department of Medicine October 8, 2020

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

Farah Pandith
Farah Pandith

Adjunct Senior Fellow

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

Gordon M. Goldstein
Gordon M. Goldstein

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Technology and Innovation Cybersecurity U.S. Foreign Policy

Stephen Sestanovich
Stephen Sestanovich

George F. Kennan Senior Fellow for Russian and Eurasian Studies

Russia Europe and Eurasia U.S. Foreign Policy

Thomas J. Bollyky
Thomas J. Bollyky

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

Health Trade Development

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

Benn Steil
Benn Steil

Senior Fellow and Director of International Economics

International Finance Financial Markets Economics

Yanzhong Huang
Yanzhong Huang

Senior Fellow for Global Health

China Health Asia

Tom Frieden
Tom Frieden

Senior Fellow for Global Health

Health Public Health Threats and Pandemics

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

Michelle Gavin
Michelle Gavin

Senior Fellow for Africa Studies

Botswana South Africa Zimbabwe

Catherine Powell
Catherine Powell

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Women and Women's Rights International Law Human Rights

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

A. Michael Spence
A. Michael Spence

Distinguished Visiting Fellow

Development Emerging Markets Inequality

Richard N. Haass
Richard N. Haass

President, Council on Foreign Relations

U.S. Foreign Policy International Relations

Biden’s First Hundred Days

Article April 30, 2021

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

Bruce Hoffman
Bruce Hoffman

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

Terrorism and Counterterrorism Wars and Conflict Intelligence

Leaving Afghanistan Will Make America Less Safe

Via War on the Rocks May 7, 2021

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

Jennifer Hillman
Jennifer Hillman

Senior Fellow for Trade and International Political Economy

Trade World Trade Organization (WTO) NAFTA

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

Can Biden Salvage Relations with Latin America?

Via Conversations with Jim Zirin March 26, 2021

View All

Explainers

Coronavirus
How the World Has Learned to Grieve in a Pandemic
Coronavirus
How the World Has Learned to Grieve in a Pandemic
Photo Essay by Claire Felter, Lindsay Maizland and Sabine Baumgartner
This Webby-nominated feature takes a look at how grieving practices worldwide have been shaped by the pandemic.
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
Is Rising Student Debt Harming the U.S. Economy?
United States Is Rising Student Debt Harming the U.S. Economy?
Backgrounder Redesign by Anshu Siripurapu and Mia Speier
Women’s Power Index
Global Women’s Power Index
Interactive by Rachel B. Vogelstein and Alexandra Bro
View All

Experts in the News

Yascha Mounk
Link

Mounk: Populists Dislike Logic That Imposes on Their Political Preferences

Via Fareed Zakaria, GPS May 2, 2021

Ray Takeyh
Link

Takeyh: The U.S. Can Support Freedom’s Ferment in Iran

Via Wall Street Journal May 2, 2021

Richard N. Haass
Link

Haass: The Costs of Staying in Afghanistan Are Far Less Than the Costs of Leaving

Via MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports April 21, 2021

View All

Featured Publications

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

China

The United States, China, and Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War
To preserve peace in the Taiwan Strait, Robert D. Blackwill and Philip Zelikow propose the United States make clear that it will not change Taiwan’s status, yet will work with allies to plan for Chinese aggression and help Taiwan defend itself.

Council Special Report by Robert D. Blackwill and Philip Zelikow February 11, 2021 U.S. Foreign Policy 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

View All