The Future of American Strategy Initiative Launches on May 20, 2026

In this moment of renewed debate over the United States’ role in the world, the Council on Foreign Relations is launching the Future of American Strategy Initiative, a multiyear effort to develop a strategic vision for U.S. foreign policy and answer a defining question: Where does America go from here?

Join us on May 20, 2026 starting at 5:15 p.m. (EDT) for panels on The Future of American Power and Charting a New Course for U.S. Foreign Policy.

The Future of American Power

5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EDT)

The diffusion of power across the international system, the return of great power competition, and the rapid advance of revolutionary technologies—from artificial intelligence to autonomous weapons—have forced a reassessment of how the United States deters adversaries, sustains alliances, and projects strength abroad. In this session, members of the Senate Armed Services Committee discuss the defense priorities, investments, and strategic choices that will define American power in the decade ahead.

Speakers

Elissa Slotkin U.S. Senator from Michigan (D); Member, Senate Armed Services Committee; Member, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Tim Sheehy U.S. Senator from Montana (R), Member; Senate Armed Services Committee

Presider

Dasha Burns White House Bureau Chief and Host, The Conversation, Politico; Host, Ceasefire, C-SPAN

Introductory Remarks

Michael Froman President, Council on Foreign Relations

Rebecca Lissner Senior Fellow for U.S. Foreign Policy and Director of the Future of American Strategy Initiative, Council on Foreign Relations

Charting a New Course for U.S. Foreign Policy

6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. (EDT)

America’s global role is more contested than at any point since World War II. The erosion of the liberal international order, the rise of borderless challenges, and a renewed debate at home over what U.S. foreign policy should deliver have opened a sweeping reexamination of how the country engages the world—reshaping approaches to trade and technology governance, climate cooperation, alliances, and the use of military force. In this session, panelists discuss the possibilities for U.S. global engagement and what a new strategic framework must look like to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Speakers

Victoria C. Coates Vice President, Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy, Heritage Foundation; Former Deputy National Security Advisor (Trump administration)

Jon Finer Distinguished Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress; Cohost, The Long Game Podcast; Former Deputy National Security Advisor (Biden Administration); CFR Member

Presider

Aaron B. MacLean Host, School of War Podcast; National Security Analyst, CBS News; Columnist, The Free Press