October 21, 2020
Climate ChangeThe Green New Deal has motivated those who want the United States to undertake unprecedented climate action, but it has also drawn backlash. How is the rest of the world grappling with decarbonizatio…
October 13, 2020
North KoreaKim Jong-un has accelerated North Korea’s buildup of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, while also modernizing its large conventional force.
January 24, 2019
VenezuelaVenezuela’s descent into economic and political chaos in recent years is a cautionary tale of the dangerous influence that resource wealth can have on developing countries.
October 1, 2018
United StatesWith President Donald J. Trump advocating for deep cuts to U.S. foreign aid, debate has renewed over the role of foreign assistance funds in boosting growth, promoting democracy, and saving lives.
September 23, 2015
GlobalThe UN’s sweeping new development agenda aims to “provide the overarching narrative” of sustainable growth for the next fifteen years, yet critics say the Sustainable Development goals are broad, unf…
November 19, 2012
DevelopmentPoland has maintained economic growth despite the global financial crisis and eurozone woes, while asserting itself as a leading advocate for greater European integration.
September 28, 2007
IraqGen. David Petraeus’ assertions about falling casualties in Iraq are supported by a range of objective sources. But his testimony to Congress does not establish whether the decline is attributable to…
March 26, 2012
United StatesSome analysts say healthcare costs hinder U.S. industry competitiveness in the global marketplace, but it’s unclear whether proposed health reforms will offer any cost relief.
March 23, 2012
SomaliaA surge in pirate attacks off the Somali coast in recent years has prompted the deployment of an international coalition of navies. But experts say that military force alone cannot address the underl…
November 10, 2010
Nonproliferation, Arms Control, and DisarmamentA new arms control agreement with Russia has met political opposition in the U.S. Senate, and some analysts believe its fate is tied to the outcome of the 2010 midterm elections. This Backgrounder ex…