Russian airstrikes in Syria could have an impact on Syria’s internal evolution, the politics of the region, and relations among the great powers, says CFR’s Stephen Sestanovich.

The humanitarian crisis in Iraq is likely to deepen until leaders in Baghdad can form an inclusive government and defeat jihadist fighters on the battlefield, explains CFR’s Isobel Coleman.

Unrest in the Middle East, brinksmanship in the East China Sea, and instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan top foreign policy experts’ concerns for 2014, says CFR’s Paul Stares.

In a March 2012 meeting, President Obama’s nominee for defense secretary explains how the United States is transforming its military and defense strategy in the face of funding cutbacks.