Benjamin Harris

CFR Staff

Benjamin Harris

Research Associate, Europe and U.S. Foreign Policy

Ben Harris is a research associate for Europe and U.S. foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations. He received his BA in international relations from Stanford University.

Ukraine

Comparing the Size and Capabilities of the Russian and Ukrainian Militaries

Russia holds a sizable advantage over Ukraine on troop numbers and weaponry yet the two sides have fought to a standstill. Russia this spring has ramped up attacks on civilian targets while resisting U.S. ceasefire calls.

by Molly Carlough and Benjamin Harris June 3, 2025
Europe

Where Are U.S. Forces Deployed in Europe?

The start of U.S.-Russia talks on a possible agreement to end the war in Ukraine has spurred discussion about whether U.S. military forces in Europe will be reduced—a decision that would signal a significant shift in security on the continent.

by Molly Carlough, Benjamin Harris and Abi McGowan February 27, 2025
China Strategy Initiative

China in Europe: October 2024

European and Chinese leaders are jetting back and forth between Asia and Europe to tamp down escalating security and economic challenges. North Korean troops in Kursk, falling European competitiveness, and the escalating trade war are among the issues at the top of their agenda.

by Benjamin Harris November 7, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
North Korea

North Korean Troops in Russia: A Dangerous New Phase in the Ukraine War

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.

by Liana Fix and Benjamin Harris October 25, 2024 Europe Program
China Strategy Initiative

China in Europe: September 2024

This September, Beijing and Brussel’s tariff dispute led headlines. On the security front, European criticisms have heightened of Chinese support for the Russian war effort in Ukraine.

by Benjamin Harris October 11, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
China Strategy Initiative

China in Europe: August 2024

China and Europe had a busy month, despite the August vacation. A flurry of trade announcements dominated the headlines as the ongoing trade dispute between the EU and China heated up. The coming weeks are likely to only get hotter.

by Benjamin Harris August 29, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
Ukraine

North Korea Going to War in Ukraine Is a Nightmare for China

with Liana Fix and Benjamin Harris via The National Interest November 22, 2024

United States

What Is Temporary Protected Status?

Temporary Protected Status has long been used as a humanitarian solution for migrants who are unable to return home safely. President Trump’s renewed efforts to scale back such programs have further fueled the debate over the immigration policy’s use and scope.

by Diana Roy and Claire Klobucista July 9, 2025

Diplomacy and International Institutions

What Does the G7 Do?

The Group of Seven (G7) has been a forum to coordinate global policy for fifty years, but experts are increasingly questioning the group’s relevance.

by CFR.org Editors July 8, 2025

Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Freedoms: What China Promised and How It’s Cracking Down

Beijing has tightened its grip on Hong Kong in recent years, dimming hopes that the financial center will ever become a full democracy.

by Lindsay Maizland and Clara Fong July 3, 2025

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