Inside the Issues

Hosted by CFR Senior Fellow Shannon K. O’Neil, this series aims to help explain and clarify common misconceptions about issues resonating in the U.S. presidential campaign. Visit CFR’s 2020 Election Central for more on foreign policy and the U.S. presidential race.

This project was made possible in part by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Who Pays for Tariffs?

Who wins and who loses in the back and forth on tariffs? CFR’s Shannon K. O’Neil breaks down the ongoing tariff battle between the United States and China.

What Automation Means for Jobs

When was the last time you went to the mall for something you could buy on your phone? Automation is a disruptive force that continues to shape the future.

What Are Green Jobs?

Green jobs are booming. But what are they? And how can the United States prepare for the future this shift in technologies will bring?

What’s the Purpose of Foreign Aid?

Many Americans question whether the $50 billion the United States spends annually on foreign aid is worth it. CFR breaks down how much of the U.S. budget goes toward foreign assistance and how this money is spent.

The Trouble With Election Security

Russia interfered with the U.S. presidential election in 2016, and in 2018, internet trolls again spread disinformation during the midterms. Intelligence officials warn that interference in this year’s presidential election may already be underway.

Does NATO Still Matter?

NATO just turned seventy, and some of its own members have become deeply critical of the organization. CFR breaks down what purpose NATO serves in the twenty-first century and whether we still need it.

Is China Being Fair on Trade?

“Made in China.” You’ve probably seen this label on your clothes, toys, and other everyday products. China’s reach has skyrocketed in recent decades, disrupting the global trading system as we know it.