June 12, 2019
ChinaThe Chinese telecommunications company faces accusations from President Donald J. Trump and other leaders that Beijing could use it for cyber espionage. The outcome of the struggle could shape the wo…
December 1, 2013
Wars and ConflictThere have long been disputes over the role of Congress and the president in waging military action.
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…
August 19, 2010
AfghanistanThe growth and strengthening of Afghanistan’s domestic security forces is seen as key to an eventual U.S. exit, but some analysts caution that progress will remain slow.
November 20, 2008
Energy and Climate PolicyTerrorist attacks and an emergent Russia are posing new challenges to Turkey’s energy strategy, but some analysts warn it could be Western Europe that gets squeezed.
April 13, 2007
Aging, Youth Bulges, and PopulationThe presence of idle and unemployed young people in the developing world, or so-called “youth bulge,” is emerging as a catalyst for internal violence.
November 4, 2008
Politics and GovernmentThe handoff of foreign policy responsibility from one U.S. presidential administration to another has proven risky in many cases. The next transition occurs at a time of extraordinary global challeng…
July 19, 2007
United StatesThe White House is pressing for Senate ratification of the Law of the Sea treaty. Some worry it will endanger national security and harm U.S. industry.
June 14, 2007
IraqDespite eroding public support for the Iraq war, troop morale remains high. Experts warn that could change as U.S. forces get further bogged down in Iraq.
August 10, 2006
Middle East and North AfricaAl-Qaeda and Hezbollah are supposedly rival groups on opposite sides of sectarian lines. Yet recent statements from senior al-Qaeda leadership suggest a common enemy may be drawing them together, and…