The 1944 Bretton Woods conference ensured a leading role for Washington in the global financial system but also contributed to present-day problems that will be difficult to fix, says CFR’s Benn Stei…

CFR’s Peter Kenen discusses the current financial crisis and what will come of the upcoming international financial summit.

General William Ward, head of U.S. Africa Command, discusses the new military command’s efforts to define its strategic approach in Africa.

Despite early signs of a global economic recovery, CFR Steven Dunaway says it’s too early to determine how lasting the rebound might be. "The world economy is not out of the woods yet," he says.

Political power has been a divisive experience for Islamist parties, but it may also greatly expand opportunities in the region, says CFR’s Reza Aslan.

Ukraine’s May 25 elections will likely proceed amid attempted disruptions by separatists in the east and U.S. officials should be prepared to bolster support for the government, says former ambassado…

Political newcomer Emmanuel Macron won a decisive victory in France's presidential elections, but the new president will face major challenges to forming a governing coalition.

Special tax incentives have enabled Puerto Rico to borrow irresponsibly for years, and now the island must take painful steps to balance its budget, explains expert Matt Fabian.

David Makovsky, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, says that, with the scheduled withdrawal of Israeli settlers from Gaza, there is a “sense of a looming showdown” betwee…

CFR President Richard N. Haass, who worked on previous presidential transitions, says that given the current world situation, he believes the first priority for President-elect Barack Obama lies in "…