Molly Carlough

CFR Staff

Molly Carlough

Research Associate, Center for Preventive Action

Molly Carlough is a research associate for the Center for Preventive Action at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Before joining CFR, she was a research assistant at American University and interned at CFR, the German Marshall Fund of the United States, and the U.S. Department of State. She holds a MA in U.S. foreign policy and national security, with a concentration in terrorism, from American University and an MA in international relations from the University of St Andrews.

China Strategy Initiative

China-Russia-Ukraine: June 2025

In June, China and Russia publicly highlighted their strong partnership, even as a leaked intelligence document exposed underlying distrust. At the same time, China's support for Russia in Ukraine persists, while Taiwan draws lessons from Ukraine's military tactics for a potential conflict with China.

by Molly Carlough and Sebastian Ratzan July 8, 2025 China Strategy Initiative
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
China Strategy Initiative

China-Russia Relations: February 2025

This month, China and Russia reaffirmed their partnership, while China navigated the shifting political landscape around the war in Ukraine.

by Anya Konstantinovsky and Molly Carlough March 5, 2025 China Strategy Initiative
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-Russia Relations: November 2024

As North Korean troops mobilized to fight in Ukraine this month, the United States and its NATO allies urged China to intervene and prevent further escalation. However, China remained passive and continued to present itself as an arbiter of peace on the global stage as its close diplomatic and military cooperation with Russia advanced unimpeded.

by Anya Konstantinovsky and Molly Carlough November 22, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
Ukraine

Why the U.S. Presidential Election Matters for Ukraine

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump offer sharply different approaches on U.S. policy toward Ukraine’s war with Russia, reflecting broader disagreement toward NATO and U.S. alliances.

by Paul B. Stares and Molly Carlough October 9, 2024
China

China-Russia Relations: September 2024

China and Russia have strengthened ties, despite tensions in the financial sector. The United States is closely monitoring their activity and increasing Chinese support for Russia's war effort in Ukraine. We can anticipate continuing advances in cooperation in the coming months.

by Anya Konstantinovsky and Molly Carlough September 27, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
Sub-Saharan Africa

Turning Crisis Into Opportunity: Building Supply Chain Resilience in Africa

with Jendayi E. Frazer and Molly Carlough via Think Global Health November 20, 2023
Liana Fix

European Union

The Trajectory of U.S.-EU Relations in a Tumultuous Year (in Spanish)

Featuring Liana Fix and Molly Carlough via Elcano Royal Institute July 15, 2024
Liana Fix

Election 2024

The Trajectory of U.S.-EU Relations in a Tumultuous Year (in English)

Featuring Liana Fix and Molly Carlough via Elcano Royal Institute July 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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