Americas | Council on Foreign Relations

Peru

Will Peru’s Polarized Election Bring More Instability?

In a June 6 presidential runoff, Peruvians will choose between divisive candidates whose campaigns have raised concerns about the country lurching into extremist policies and democratic backsliding. The result could spell further instability for the country and even the region.

In Brief by Paul J. Angelo and Chloé Mauvais June 1, 2021 Latin America Studies Program
United States

Remembering Those Whom Memorial Day Honors

The United States has fought twelve major wars and numerous smaller skirmishes in its history. Memorial Day is how we honor the soldiers, sailors, airmen, airwomen, and marines who did not return hom…

Blog Post by James M. Lindsay May 28, 2021 The Water's Edge
Middle East and North Africa

What Is U.S. Policy on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict?

The United States has long tried to negotiate a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but several factors, including deep divisions between and within the parties and declining U.S. interest in carrying out its traditional honest-broker role, hurt the chances of a peace deal.

Backgrounder by Kali Robinson May 27, 2021

Security Alliances

The Quad in the Indo-Pacific: What to Know

The Quad, composed of the United States, Australia, India, and Japan, is not a formal alliance. Still, the group has intensified its security and economic ties as tensions with China rise.

In Brief by Sheila A. Smith May 27, 2021
United States

Conference on Diversity in International Affairs 2021

The Conference on Diversity in International Affairs brings together college and graduate students and young professionals from diverse backgrounds for plenaries on foreign policy topics, seminars on professional development, and opportunities to interact virtually with senior foreign policy professionals. The 2021 conference featured a keynote session with President of the Ford Foundation Darren Walker. The 2021 Conference on Diversity in International Affairs is a collaborative effort by the Council on Foreign Relations, the Global Access Pipeline, and the International Career Advancement Program. For information about the conference in previous years, please click here

Virtual Event by Karen Attiah, Dominique Carter, Kanchan Chandra, Hagar Hajjar Chemali, Heather Conley, Nayyera Haq, Andrew Kim, Rashida Petersen, Latoya Peterson, Keith B. Richburg, Kehinde A. Togun, Emerita Torres, Macani Toungara, Arturo A. Valenzuela and Darren Walker May 26, 2021
United States

Why a Commission Should Investigate the U.S. Capitol Attack

Far too little is known about how the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol happened. A bipartisan investigation should address this, to dispel falsehoods and to help prevent such an assault from happening again.

In Brief by Bruce Hoffman May 25, 2021 National Security and Defense Program

Health

What Does the CDC Do?

The federal agency has a broad mandate to protect Americans’ health and an expansive global reach. But the COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as one of its most daunting challenges.

Backgrounder by Claire Felter May 18, 2021
Energy and Climate Policy

How Does the U.S. Power Grid Work?

Experts say big investments are needed to protect the U.S. energy grid from the growing threats of climate change and cyberattacks.

Backgrounder by James McBride and Anshu Siripurapu May 14, 2021
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Israeli-Palestinian Tensions Escalate, Chileans Vote, and More

Israeli-Palestinian violence raises fears of a bigger conflict, Chile prepares for a historic election, and Washington looks to improve its cyber defenses after a major fuel pipeline was hacked.

Podcast with James M. Lindsay and Robert McMahon May 13, 2021 The World Next Week
Cuba

U.S.-Cuba Relations

Communist Cuba was a major foreign policy challenge for the United States during the Cold War. The bilateral relationship thawed considerably under President Obama, but the Trump administration reimposed restrictions.

Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors May 12, 2021
Cuba

U.S.-Cuba Relations

Since Fidel Castro’s ascent to power in 1959, U.S.-Cuba ties have endured a nuclear crisis, a long U.S. economic embargo, and political hostilities. The diplomatic relationship remained frozen well beyond the end of the Cold War but moved toward normalization during the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama, whose policies were largely rolled back under President Donald Trump.

Timeline by Amelia Cheatham, Claire Felter, Rocio Cara Labrador, Brianna Lee, Kevin Lizarazo, Jeremy Sherlick and Mia Speier May 12, 2021
United States

Why Does the Census Matter?

The U.S. census, one of the few in the world to directly count every resident, is used to distribute political power and federal funding. The 2020 count has faced pandemic-related complications and a suite of controversies.

Backgrounder by Andrew Chatzky and Amelia Cheatham May 11, 2021
Coronavirus

By How Much Are Countries Underreporting COVID-19 Cases and Deaths?

As COVID-19 continues to ravage countries including Brazil and India, scientists warn that cases and deaths are being undercounted. Without accurate tallies, government responses won’t be enough to defeat outbreaks.

In Brief by Claire Felter May 10, 2021
Energy and Environment

U.S.-Canada Pipeline Dispute, Harris and AMLO Talk Migration, and More

A major fuel pipeline from Canada to the United States could be shut down, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) meet virtually to discuss migration concerns, and the European Union and India are expected to revive trade talks.

Podcast with James M. Lindsay and Robert McMahon May 6, 2021 The World Next Week
Chile

Chile’s Constitutional Rewrite: A Difficult Path Ahead, but a Recipe for Inclusion

Regardless of the challenges to meeting demands for an overhaul of Chile’s neoliberal economic system, the country’s new constitution could facilitate the lasting inclusion of marginalized groups in political processes.

Blog Post by Guest Blogger for Latin America's Moment May 6, 2021 Latin America's Moment