Iran
Meghdad Madadi ATPImages/Getty Images

Middle East and North Africa

What a New Iranian President Means for the Nuclear Deal
Ebrahim Raisi, a staunch regime loyalist, can be expected to follow through on talks to revive the nuclear deal but rebuff attempts to further limit Iran’s weapons programs and regional behavior.

In Brief by Ray Takeyh June 22, 2021

Iran Nuclear Agreement

What Is the Iran Nuclear Deal?
The fate of the arms control agreement is in serious doubt following the United States’ withdrawal and Iran’s noncompliance, but some see an opening for renewed diplomacy in 2021.

Backgrounder by Kali Robinson February 25, 2021

 

Iran’s Rigged Election Link

via Foreign Affairs June 16, 2021

Olympics
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

China

The Debate Over Boycotting the Beijing Olympics
Months ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics, governments are weighing whether to boycott the games to protest China’s human rights abuses. What could a boycott accomplish?

In Brief by Lindsay Maizland June 16, 2021

 

Why Authoritarians Love the Olympics Link

via Foreign Affairs March 25, 2021

Olympics

Hey, Remember the Olympics?

Podcast
Hosting the Olympics is a monumental undertaking that often leaves behind rusted stadiums and financial losses. So why do nations compete to do it? This episode examines the political history of the games, and the soft power that countries hope to gain by hosting them.

Podcast with Gabrielle Sierra, Jules Boykoff and Katharine Moon July 15, 2020 Why It Matters

Human Rights

Genocide and Mass Atrocities

What Does Mladic’s Conviction Mean for Genocide Law?
An international court has upheld the guilt of former Bosnian Serb military leader Ratko Mladic, but its narrower view of what constitutes genocide could make future cases harder to prosecute.

Article by David J. Scheffer June 17, 2021

Courts and Tribunals

Leaders Facing Justice
Since 1945, many regime leaders and key figures have been brought before domestic and international courts to answer to charges including genocide and crimes against humanity, amid a larger struggle to promote and enforce the rule of law worldwide.

Timeline by Claire Felter, Brianna Lee, Kevin Lizarazo, Jeremy Sherlick and Mia Speier April 26, 2021

 

Bosnia’s Srebrenica Massacre in Photos Link

via BBC July 11, 2020

Global Governance

 

Biden’s Summitry Reassured but Hard Work Ahead Link

via Council of Councils June 18, 2021

 

On Global Health, President Biden’s Finest Hour Link

via Think Global Health June 14, 2021

Diplomacy

U.S.-Europe Relations and Prospects for Transatlantic Cooperation

Play
Panelists discuss U.S.-Europe relations under the Biden administration, including areas where the United States and Europe can partner to address common interests like climate change, cybersecurity, and trade; what the dynamics of potential leadership changes in European countries like Germany and France could mean for U.S.-Europe cooperation; and how the rise of populism in both the United States and Europe affects the relationship. The Transition 2021 series examines the major foreign policy issues confronting the Biden administration.

Virtual Event with Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook, Sylvie Kauffmann and Charles A. Kupchan June 2, 2021

Diplomacy

Russia

The Geneva Summit’s Success Depends on Follow-Through
The first summit between Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin eased some of the tension in the fraught U.S.-Russia relationship. It also laid bare the difficult path ahead to resolving differences on many 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

Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking Is a National Security Threat
In the first-ever Council Special Report on human trafficking, Jamille Bigio and Rachel Vogelstein argue that trafficking is an urgent matter of national security, economic growth, and sustainable development.

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

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

Women and Women's Rights

Social Justice Movements and Twitter: Digital Revolutions in the United States and Abroad

Play
In recent years, activists in global social movements such as #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and #BringBackOurGirls have harnessed social media to raise awareness of injustice and counter prevailing narratives. How has Twitter reshaped activism and to what extent has the platform empowered marginalized groups to achieve political victories? Brooke Foucault Welles, associate professor at Northeastern University and coauthor of the book #HashtagActivism: Networks of Race and Gender Justice, and Meighan Stone, adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and coauthor of the book Awakening: #MeToo and the Global Fight for Women's Rights, to discuss the role of Twitter in modern social justice movements in the United States and abroad, including the implications for race and gender equality.

Virtual Event with Meighan Stone and Brooke Foucault Welles June 16, 2021

Diplomacy

Challenges Facing the Global Order

Play
Panelists discuss trends and uncertainties that will shape the future global strategic environment for the United States, including great power competition, climate change, and emerging technologies, and how they will affect international cooperation and global governance. 

Virtual Event with Ivo H. Daalder, Didi Kuo and Maria Langan-Riekhof June 15, 2021

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Expert Spotlight

Henri J. Barkey
Henri J. Barkey

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies

Middle East and North Africa Turkey Kurds

John Campbell
John Campbell

Ralph Bunche Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies

Nigeria South Africa Boko Haram

Nigeria and the Nation-State

Book December 1, 2020

Robert E. Rubin
Robert E. Rubin

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

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

Steven A. Tananbaum Distinguished Fellow for International Economics

Monetary Policy Fiscal Policy Regulation and Deregulation

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

Thomas Graham
Thomas Graham

Distinguished Fellow

Russia Europe and Eurasia U.S. Foreign Policy

David P. Fidler
David P. Fidler

Senior Fellow for Global Health and Cybersecurity

International Law Cybersecurity Health

A New Era in U.S. Global Health Leadership?

Via Think Global Health June 3, 2021

Stephen Sestanovich
Stephen Sestanovich

George F. Kennan Senior Fellow for Russian and Eurasian Studies

Russia Europe and Eurasia U.S. Foreign Policy

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

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

Carla Anne Robbins
Carla Anne Robbins

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Defense and Security Cuba North Korea

The Norm-Breaker vs. the Norm-Defender

Via American Purpose June 14, 2021

Robert D. Blackwill
Robert D. Blackwill

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

U.S. Foreign Policy Europe and Eurasia Russia

Jennifer Nuzzo
Jennifer Nuzzo

Senior Fellow for Global Health

Health Public Health Threats and Pandemics

Gordon M. Goldstein
Gordon M. Goldstein

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Technology and Innovation Cybersecurity U.S. Foreign Policy

Meighan Stone
Meighan Stone

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Women and Women's Rights Education Refugees and Displaced Persons

Sheila A. Smith
Sheila A. Smith

Senior Fellow for Japan Studies

Japan Defense and Security Asia

Constitutional Change in Japan

Interactive April 4, 2019

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

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

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

Bruce Hoffman
Bruce Hoffman

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

Terrorism and Counterterrorism Wars and Conflict Intelligence

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

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

Yanzhong Huang
Yanzhong Huang

Senior Fellow for Global Health

China Health Asia

Edward Alden
Edward Alden

Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow

Trade Immigration and Migration Economics

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

Michelle Gavin
Michelle Gavin

Senior Fellow for Africa Studies

Botswana South Africa Zimbabwe

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

Thomas J. Bollyky
Thomas J. Bollyky

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

Health Trade Development

Jennifer Hillman
Jennifer Hillman

Senior Fellow for Trade and International Political Economy

Trade World Trade Organization (WTO) NAFTA

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Women and Women's Rights Development Emerging Markets

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

A. Michael Spence
A. Michael Spence

Distinguished Visiting Fellow

Development Emerging Markets Inequality

John B. Bellinger III
John B. Bellinger III

Adjunct Senior Fellow for International and National Security Law

International Law Treaties and Agreements Sanctions

Sebastian Mallaby
Sebastian Mallaby

Paul A. Volcker Senior Fellow for International Economics

Monetary Policy International Finance Globalization

Benn Steil
Benn Steil

Senior Fellow and Director of International Economics

International Finance Financial Markets Economics

Brent McIntosh
Brent McIntosh

Adjunct Senior Fellow for International Economics and Finance

International Finance Financial Markets Digital Policy

Stephen Biddle
Stephen Biddle

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Defense Policy

Defense and Security Wars and Conflict Military Operations

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

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

Catherine Powell
Catherine Powell

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Women and Women's Rights International Law Human Rights

Farah Pandith
Farah Pandith

Adjunct Senior Fellow

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

Reuben E. Brigety II
Reuben E. Brigety II

Adjunct Senior Fellow for African Peace and Security Issues

Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Organizations Diplomacy

The Fractured Power: How to Overcome Tribalism

Via Foreign Affairs February 16, 2021

Jerome A. Cohen
Jerome A. Cohen

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Asia Studies

China Asia International Law

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

Elizabeth C. Economy
Elizabeth C. Economy

Senior Fellow for China Studies

Asia China Energy and Environment

Joshua Kurlantzick
Joshua Kurlantzick

Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia Asia Democracy

Tom Frieden
Tom Frieden

Senior Fellow for Global Health

Health Public Health Threats and Pandemics

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
View All

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

View All

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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