Vladimir Smirnov/Reuters

North Korea

The deployment of North Korean troops to aid Russia marks an ominous new level of cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. The alliance could further escalate and globalize the conflict.

Ukraine

The Ukrainian president formally presented his plan calling for ramped-up Western military firepower and economic aid and at least a promise of NATO membership to help accelerate the war’s end. The country’s supporters should heed his calls for fortifying Ukraine’s defenses.

Ukraine

Nine charts illustrate the extraordinary level of support the United States has provided Ukraine in its war against Russian invaders.
Lebanon

Lebanon

Israel’s assault has severely weakened the Lebanon-based militant group, but it is further devastating a country already reeling from multiple crises.

Lebanon

Lebanon may have an opportunity to escape from Hezbollah domination now, but only if Lebanese political leaders show courage that has thus far been missing.

 

Climate Change

Latin America

The Amazon Rainforest plays a critical role in global climate health, but accelerating deforestation continues to raise alarm. How are the region’s governments responding?

Climate Change

Energy and Environment

See how six countries are faring amid efforts to protect 30 percent of the planet’s land and waters by 2030, and what will be saved if they succeed. 
Future of Democracy

Democracy

The rapidly changing landscape of foreign influence demands a new approach, argues Senior Fellow for Global Governance Miles Kahler. Countering malign influence from abroad will require a stronger democracy at home.

 

Austria

Far-right parties are making significant strides in Austria and Germany, pulling EU policies in a rightward direction.
Nuclear Energy

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Nuclear power has been a stagnant U.S. energy source for decades, but it could be primed for a technology-driven renaissance amid the growing artificial intelligence boom.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence breakthroughs promise unprecedented opportunity but also economic, political, and social disruption. Experts say AI needs oversight to ensure the changes it engenders are for the better.

 

CFR presents a wealth of resources to help understand what’s at stake for foreign policy in the U.S. presidential race.

Events

Election 2024

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and the Brookings Institution Foreign Policy Program collaborated to convene an expert discussion that examined the role of technology and electoral dynamics in the 2024 election. As part of a series of virtual events convened by CFR and Brookings in the lead-up to Election Day, the conversation examined how the perception of technology is influencing electoral credibility; cybersecurity and election integrity; and what is at stake for safeguarding our democratic processes in an era of disinformation. The series is a part of Election 2024, a CFR initiative focused on exploring the United States’ role in the world, how international affairs issues affect voters, and the foreign policy issues at stake in November, and Election ’24: Issues at Stake, a Brookings initiative aimed to bring public attention to consequential policy issues confronting voters and policymakers in the run up to the 2024 election. Both projects are made possible in part by grants from Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Canada

Chrystia Freeland discusses how democracies can stand together to protect their economic interests, preserve peace and prosperity for their citizens, and enhance trade at a time of rising geopolitical tensions. For those attending virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question and answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio, video, and transcript of this meeting will be posted on the CFR website.  

China

Former Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd discusses the ideological worldview driving Chinese behavior both domestically and on the world stage, as well as that of President Xi Jinping, who now holds near-total control over the Chinese Communist Party. Rudd argues that Xi’s worldview differs significantly from those of the leaders who preceded him, and that this ideological shift is reflected in the real world of Chinese policy and behavior.The C.V. Starr & Co. Annual Lecture on China was established in 2018 to honor the trailblazing career of C.V. Starr and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of C.V. Starr & Co., Maurice R. Greenberg. This meeting is presented in partnership with CFR's China Strategy Initiative.Copies of On Xi Jinping will be available for purchase.For those attending virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question and answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio, video, and transcript of this meeting will be posted on the CFR website. 

United States

Panelists with distinguished careers in government, business, and academia hold an in-depth, nonpartisan conversation on America's role in the word. They discuss the trade-offs presented by different policy options both locally and globally and provide context on the international issues, choices, and challenges facing the next president—including trade and immigration, Russia and Ukraine, U.S.-China relations, and the Middle East. To learn more about the foreign policy issues at play in the 2024 campaign, explore CFR’s Election 2024 hub for candidates’ stances and expert analysis on international challenges facing the United States. The CFR Election 2024 initiative is made possible in part by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Explainers

Featured Publications

Religion

Hundreds of thousands of young Jews have drifted away from the American Jewish community and many more may follow. This book explains to Jewish parents, donors, and organizations how Jewish education, Jewish summer camping, and time spent in Israel can revive and strengthen Jewish identity.

United States

Son of the Midwest, movie star, and mesmerizing politician—America’s fortieth president comes to three-dimensional life in this gripping and profoundly revisionist biography.

Asia

Robert D. Blackwill and Richard Fontaine evaluate the limitations of the Pivot to Asia and offer a compelling vision for the future of U.S. foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific.