Iran
Alaa Al-Marjani/Reuters

Iran

Do Iran’s Elections Matter?

Podcast
Iranians are selecting a new president in a tightly controlled contest. The President’s Inbox examines the political landscape and what’s at stake.

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

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’s Rigged Election Link

via Foreign Affairs June 16, 2021

Global Governance
Phil Noble/Pool/Reuters

 

Biden’s Summitry Reassured but Hard Work Ahead Link

The months ahead will test the United States’ ability to lead efforts to advance global health, security, and economic opportunity.

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

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

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

Jerome A. Cohen
Jerome A. Cohen

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Asia Studies

China Asia International Law

Robert D. Blackwill
Robert D. Blackwill

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

U.S. Foreign Policy Europe and Eurasia Russia

Gordon M. Goldstein
Gordon M. Goldstein

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Technology and Innovation Cybersecurity U.S. Foreign Policy

John B. Bellinger III
John B. Bellinger III

Adjunct Senior Fellow for International and National Security Law

International Law Treaties and Agreements Sanctions

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

Brent McIntosh
Brent McIntosh

Adjunct Senior Fellow for International Economics and Finance

International Finance Financial Markets Digital Policy

Thomas Graham
Thomas Graham

Distinguished Fellow

Russia Europe and Eurasia 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

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

Jennifer Hillman
Jennifer Hillman

Senior Fellow for Trade and International Political Economy

Trade World Trade Organization (WTO) NAFTA

Thomas J. Bollyky
Thomas J. Bollyky

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

Health Trade Development

Joshua Kurlantzick
Joshua Kurlantzick

Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia Asia Democracy

Yascha Mounk
Yascha Mounk

Senior Fellow

Democracy Populism Civil Society

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

David J. Scheffer
David J. Scheffer

Visiting Senior Fellow

Humanitarian Intervention Wars and Conflict International Law

Jennifer Nuzzo
Jennifer Nuzzo

Senior Fellow for Global Health

Health Public Health Threats and Pandemics

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

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

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

Caroline Bettinger-Lopez
Caroline Bettinger-Lopez

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Women and Women's Rights Human Rights Haiti

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

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

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

Catherine Powell
Catherine Powell

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Women and Women's Rights International Law Human Rights

Yanzhong Huang
Yanzhong Huang

Senior Fellow for Global Health

China Health 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 International Organizations

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

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

Steven A. Tananbaum Distinguished Fellow for International Economics

Monetary Policy Fiscal Policy Regulation and Deregulation

Henri J. Barkey
Henri J. Barkey

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies

Middle East and North Africa Turkey Kurds

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

Bruce Hoffman
Bruce Hoffman

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

Terrorism and Counterterrorism Wars and Conflict Intelligence

Michelle Gavin
Michelle Gavin

Senior Fellow for Africa Studies

Botswana South Africa Zimbabwe

Sheila A. Smith
Sheila A. Smith

Senior Fellow for Japan Studies

Japan Defense and Security Asia

Constitutional Change in Japan

Interactive April 4, 2019

Luciana L. Borio
Luciana L. Borio

Senior Fellow for Global Health

Public Health Threats and Pandemics Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines Biotechnology

Jared Cohen
Jared Cohen

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Terrorism and Counterterrorism Iran Technology and Innovation

The Case for Microlateralism

Via Foreign Affairs April 29, 2021

Richard N. Haass
Richard N. Haass

President, Council on Foreign Relations

U.S. Foreign Policy International Relations

Criticizing the Pandemic

Article May 28, 2021

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

Carla Anne Robbins
Carla Anne Robbins

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Defense and Security Cuba North Korea

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

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

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Women and Women's Rights Development Emerging Markets

Stephen Biddle
Stephen Biddle

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Defense Policy

Defense and Security Wars and Conflict Military Operations

Tom Frieden
Tom Frieden

Senior Fellow for Global Health

Health Public Health Threats and Pandemics

Sebastian Mallaby
Sebastian Mallaby

Paul A. Volcker Senior Fellow for International Economics

Monetary Policy International Finance Globalization

A. Michael Spence
A. Michael Spence

Distinguished Visiting Fellow

Development Emerging Markets Inequality

Benn Steil
Benn Steil

Senior Fellow and Director of International Economics

International Finance Financial Markets Economics

Robert McMahon
Robert McMahon

Managing Editor

Meighan Stone
Meighan Stone

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Women and Women's Rights Education Refugees and Displaced Persons

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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