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Council on Foreign Relations

@cfr.org

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🌏 CFR is a resource for foreign policy news and analysis. CFR takes no institutional positions on policy. Follows, reposts, likes ≠ endorsements. ✉️ Subscribe to our newsletters: cfr.org/newsletters

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Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 28m

The United States, Denmark, and Greenland signed a trilateral security agreement in September that expands U.S. military access to the island, reinforcing Arctic security amid increasing geopolitical competition in the region.

The U.S., Denmark, and Greenland Reached a Security Deal. Here’s What to Know. | Council on Foreign Relations

A new trilateral security agreement signed by the United States, Denmark, and Greenland expands U.S. military access to the island, reinforcing Arctic security amid increasing geopolitical competition...

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Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 29/09/2026

Edward Fishman's fascination with foreign policy started with his childhood love of hockey and its international players. His career has taken him from government to Silicon Valley to CFR, where he's a senior fellow for geoeconomics. Here's how he got his career in foreign policy.

How I Got My Career in Foreign Policy: Edward Fishman | Council on Foreign Relations

Edward Fishman’s career has taken him from government to think tanks to Silicon Valley. He sat down with CFR to discuss the importance of developing your own voice, how tech converges with foreign pol...

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 28/09/2026

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently made front-page headlines by asserting that with 3% growth, we can grow our way out of debt. "But is he right?" write experts Benn Steil and Yuma Schuster.

Can We “Grow Our Way” Out of Debt? | Council on Foreign Relations

Treasury secretary Scott Bessent says the U.S. can grow its way out of debt. Is he right?

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 28/09/2026

The summit last week between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping did not resolve any of the major issues facing the U.S.-China relationship. “But that does not mean the meeting was a complete failure,” argues expert David Sacks.

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Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 24/09/2026

President Donald Trump addressed the opening of the UN General Assembly for the 5th time. "But this year, what was not said was almost as important as what was," writes expert Esther Brimmer.

What Trump Said at the UN Was Important. What He Didn’t Was Important, Too | Council on Foreign Relations

Despite pointed criticism of the United Nations, the United States does not seem ready to walk away entirely from the global body.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 20/09/2026

President Donald Trump’s trade pressures have rapidly pushed Canada and Europe toward each other. Whether the proposed EU “associate membership” for Canada stands is another matter, argues expert Matthias Matthijs.

What Can Europe Really Offer Canada? | Council on Foreign Relations

Donald Trump’s trade pressures have rapidly pushed Canada and Europe toward each other. Whether the proposed EU “associate membership” for Canada survives contact with twenty-seven European capitals, ...

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 18/09/2026

President Donald Trump’s trade pressures have rapidly pushed Canada and Europe toward each other. Whether the proposed EU “associate membership” for Canada stands, is another matter, argues expert Matthias Matthijs.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 18/09/2026

Growing economic pressure is unlikely to be enough to shift the Kremlin’s course, but a Cold War–inspired playbook of resistance, deterrence, and dialogue might, argues expert Thomas Graham.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 17/09/2026

The United States and Canada may settle their current trade dispute, but the decades-long movement to integrate the two economies is likely at an end, argues expert James M. Lindsay.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 11/09/2026

The United States marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks "with a stunning lack of preparedness to handle mounting new threats and resurgent old ones," argue experts Bruce Hoffman and Farah Pandith.

Twenty-Five Years After 9/11, the United States Is Unprepared for Terrorism’s Next Wave | Council on Foreign Relations

Twenty-five years after al-Qaeda terrorists killed nearly three thousand civilians, technology is driving new terrorism threats to the U.S. homeland. Policymakers have been slow to recognize the dange...

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 08/09/2026

On September 11, 2001, a terrorist attack took the lives of nearly 3,000 people, and deeply affected the generations of Americans who witnessed it. 25 years later, we spoke with 3 Gen Z interns at CFR, all born after the attacks, about how they understand 9/11 and its legacy.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 01/09/2026

CFR's U.S. Government Deal Tracker sheds light on how the government is experimenting with new tools and financing structures to advance a range of strategic sectors, including critical minerals, energy, global logistics, manufacturing, telecommunications, and other technologies. Read the tracker:

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 31/08/2026

The Iran war has triggered the largest oil supply disruption in market history, yet barely dented global growth after 6 months of conflict. Strategic reserves and shale get the credit, but the unexpected cushion is the fuel everyone forgets—demand itself, argues expert Vijay V. Vaitheeswaran.

Crude Calculations: Why the Iran War Hasn’t Yet Caused an Oil Shock | Council on Foreign Relations

The Iran war has triggered the largest oil supply disruption in market history yet barely dented global growth after six months of conflict. Strategic reserves and shale get the credit, but the unexpe...

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 31/08/2026

For the first time in nearly 2 decades, a new Pew Research survey—based on interviews with more than 42,000 people across 36 countries—shows China is viewed more favorably than the US. "This is a story driven more by an American decline in soft power than by a Chinese surge," writes Yanzhong Huang.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 31/08/2026

"Zambia's 2026 general elections are unlikely to leave many citizens feeling particularly confident in their democracy," writes expert Michelle Gavin. "That's a shame, because in 2021, the commitment of Zambian citizens served as a bright spot in dark times for democracy advocates around the world."

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Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 30/08/2026

On this episode of The President's Inbox podcast, James Lindsay sits down with expert Steven Cook to unpack the current state of the US-Iran conflict after 6 months of war, broader dynamics in the Middle East, and the shifting US role in the region. Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts:

PODCAST | The President's Inbox: Six Months of War With Iran, With Steven Cook | Council on Foreign Relations

This episode unpacks the current state of the U.S.-Iran conflict, broader dynamics in the Middle East, and the shifting U.S. role in the region.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 28/08/2026

Despite the Trump Administration's sweeping new tariffs last year, U.S. spending on imports and income paid to foreigners continued to grow—to a record $6.26 trillion," writes Benn Steil. Trace which countries are running the world's biggest deficits and surpluses in CFR's Global Imbalances Tracker:

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 27/08/2026

Six months from the beginning of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, 7 experts weigh in on what the conflict means for the U.S., the region, and what to look for moving forward. Read more from Steven Cook, Farah Pandith, Henri Barkey, Elliott Abrams, Bruce Hoffman, Ed Husain, and Elisa Ewers:

The Iran War at Six Months: A Region—and Its Relationship With the U.S.—Transformed | Council on Foreign Relations

Six months on from the start of the Iran war, CFR experts weigh in on what it means for the United States and the region, and what to look for moving forward.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 27/08/2026

President Trump signed an executive order that calls for changes to childhood vaccine recommendations. "This is the latest in a series of actions aiming to change the vaccine schedule through political directives rather than scientific processes," argues expert Stephanie Psaki.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 27/08/2026

Trade talks between the U.S. and Canada collapsed last week, clearing the way for the Trump administration to impose new tariffs on Canadian goods. Brad Setser breaks down between the United States and Canada could cost both countries and why other U.S. trading partners will be paying attention:

The Real Cost of the U.S.-Canada Trade Breakdown | Council on Foreign Relations

Canada is the first U.S. ally to absorb tariff pain rather than settle. CFR’s Brad W. Setser explains what the breakdown costs both economies—and why other countries are likely watching the fallout cl...

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 27/08/2026

The September/October 2026 issue of Foreign Affairs is out now. The latest issue provides analysis on the future of U.S. alliances, the threat of a global economic crisis from Chinese overcapacity, the dangers of synthetic pathogens created with AI, and more. Start reading: bit.ly/3SeiQaW

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 24/08/2026

Governments across the globe are looking to nuclear energy as a stable power source in the face of geopolitical uncertainty, increasing electricity demand, and accelerating climate change. Here's what’s driving renewed global interest in nuclear energy and the debate over its risk.

Why Nuclear Energy Is Making a Global Comeback | Council on Foreign Relations

Nuclear energy is gaining momentum as countries seek reliable, low-emission power sources to meet increasing electricity demand and climate goals amid uncertainty in fossil fuel markets. Its revival renews long-standing debates over safety and nuclear p...

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 24/08/2026

CFR's U.S. Government Deal Tracker sheds light on how the government is experimenting with new tools and financing structures to advance a range of strategic sectors, including critical minerals, energy, global logistics, manufacturing, telecommunications, and other technologies. Read the tracker:

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Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 23/08/2026

President Trump signed an executive order that calls for changes to childhood vaccine recommendations. "This is the latest in a series of actions aiming to change the vaccine schedule through political directives rather than scientific processes," argues expert Stephanie Psaki.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 22/08/2026

"Call it the Pakistan paradox: The institution that gives the country international relevance—a disciplined 660,000-strong military armed with nuclear weapons—holds back the Islamic republic's political and economic modernization," argues CFR expert Sadanand Dhume.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 21/08/2026

For the first time in nearly 2 decades, a new Pew Research survey—based on interviews with more than 42,000 people across 36 countries—shows China is viewed more favorably than the US. "This is a story driven more by an American decline in soft power than by a Chinese surge," writes Yanzhong Huang.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 20/08/2026

"Zambia’s 2026 general elections are unlikely to leave many citizens feeling particularly confident in their democracy," writes expert Michelle Gavin. "That’s a shame, because in 2021, the commitment of Zambian citizens served as a bright spot in dark times for democracy advocates around the world."

Zambia’s Messy Election | Council on Foreign Relations

What to make of Zambia’s 2026 general elections?

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 20/08/2026

Sadanand Dhume has viewed foreign policy through the lens of a foreign correspondent, a newspaper columnist, and an author. He sat down with us to discuss his experiences covering the economy and extremism, his evolution in journalism, and his advice for those seeking to break into foreign policy.

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Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 20/08/2026

Despite Nigerian President Tinubu's recent progress in confronting terrorism and a security partnership with the United States, the situation across the country remains critical, argues Africa expert Ebenezer Obadare.

Is the Trump-Tinubu Collaboration Working? | Council on Foreign Relations

Despite undeniable progress, insecurity in Nigeria remains by and large intractable.

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Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 19/08/2026

President Trump's order last weekend to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, just hours before the drills were due to kick off, privately incensed South Korean officials in a country "where Washington’s popularity had already been plummeting," writes Josh Kurlantzick.

Trump’s South Korea Move Fuels Growing Fears of U.S. Retreat From Asia | Council on Foreign Relations

Trump’s abrupt rollback of joint military exercises with South Korea is the latest in a series of actions draining Asian allies’ confidence in U.S. security commitments—and hands China another opening...

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 19/08/2026

New reporting indicates that the Trump administration’s campaign of strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels, ongoing since 2025—could be "bigger, more secretive, and run by more actors than previously understood, making congressional oversight both more important and harder," writes Will Freeman.

Unclaimed Boat Strikes in Ecuador: Has Trump’s Operation Southern Spear Opened a Hidden Front? | Council on Foreign Relations

New reporting indicates that Trump’s boat strike program could be more secretive, larger, and more resistant to oversight than previously known.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 19/08/2026

The September/October 2026 issue of Foreign Affairs is out now. The latest issue provides analysis on the future of U.S. alliances, the threat of a global economic crisis from Chinese overcapacity, the dangers of synthetic pathogens created with AI, and more. Start reading: bit.ly/3SeiQaW

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 18/08/2026

The U.S.-aligned order could now become a Middle East with two blocs: the countries that remained committed to the Abraham Accords—the 2020 normalization agreements between Israel and Bahrain, Morocco, and the UAE—and its alternative, the Mecca Agreement, argues Steven Cook. Read the full analysis:

The U.S.-Led Middle East Order Is Over. The Mecca Agreement Proves It. | Council on Foreign Relations

A defense pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey shows how far U.S. influence in the Middle East has eroded--and how regional powers are now shaping their own security order.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 18/08/2026

President Trump’s desire to end the confrontation with Iran quickly, so oil flows and prices drop, has left him with no real bargaining position, writes expert Elliott Abrams. Read his full analysis:

Trump’s Iran Negotiations: Less Art of the Deal, More Art of Concealing Defeat | Council on Foreign Relations

Trump’s desire to end the confrontation with Iran quickly, so oil flows and prices drop, has left him with no real bargaining position. That has emboldened Iran to demand a deal that would let it mone...

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 18/08/2026

Despite the Trump Administration’s sweeping new tariffs last year, U.S. spending on imports and income paid to foreigners continued to grow—to a record $6.26 trillion," writes Benn Steil. Trace which countries are running the world's biggest deficits and surpluses in CFR's Global Imbalances Tracker:

Global Imbalances Tracker | Council on Foreign Relations

The CFR Global Imbalances Tracker can be used to gauge, through time, the vulnerability of individual countries and the global economy to the buildup of imbalances in the current account (of which trade deficits or surpluses are the largest component). ...

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 17/08/2026

"From Vietnam to Iran, successive American administrations have not learned the lessons of their own misapprehensions. And the results have too often been forever wars and humanitarian catastrophes," writes expert Ray Takeyh.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 17/08/2026

How comfortable will your retirement be? Deciphering four pieces of AI jargon will go a long way toward answering that, argues CFR expert Rebecca Patterson in a New York Times guest essay.

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Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 17/08/2026

CFR's U.S. Government Deal Tracker sheds light on how the government is experimenting with new tools and financing structures to advance a range of strategic sectors, including critical minerals, energy, global logistics, manufacturing, telecommunications, and other technologies. Read the tracker:

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Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 15/08/2026

"Call it the Pakistan paradox: The institution that gives the country international relevance—a disciplined 660,000-strong military armed with nuclear weapons—holds back the Islamic republic’s political and economic modernization," argues CFR expert Sadanand Dhume.

Opinion | Field Marshal Munir and the Pakistan Paradox

A powerful military gives the country global influence but stifles its economic and political modernization.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 14/08/2026

President Trump signed an executive order this week that calls for changes to childhood vaccine recommendations. "This is the latest in a series of actions aiming to change the vaccine schedule through political directives rather than scientific processes," argues expert Stephanie Psaki.

What Trump’s Executive Order Means for Childhood Vaccinations | Council on Foreign Relations

The order reduces the number of childhood vaccines recommendations and separates measles, mumps, and rubella into different shots.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 14/08/2026

At a July ASEAN meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio did little to lower the temperature among the foreign ministers in attendance—most of whom were already furious at the US. But the forum also continued its trend of saying much while doing almost nothing, argues expert Joshua Kurlantzick.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 14/08/2026

The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement "reflects a change underway in the Middle East’s regional order—one that reduces the United States’ decades long leadership role," writes expert Steven Cook. Read the full analysis:

The U.S.-Led Middle East Order Is Over. The Mecca Agreement Proves It. | Council on Foreign Relations

A defense pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey shows how far U.S. influence in the Middle East has eroded—and how regional powers are now shaping their own security order.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 13/08/2026

Sadanand Dhume has viewed foreign policy through the lens of a foreign correspondent, a newspaper columnist, and an author. He sat down with us to discuss his experiences covering the economy and extremism, his evolution in journalism, and his advice for those seeking to break into foreign policy.

How I Got My Career in Foreign Policy: Sadanand Dhume | Council on Foreign Relations

Sadanand Dhume has both sprinted as a foreign correspondent and endured the marathon of writing two books. The new senior fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia sat down with CFR to share insights from his experiences covering the economy, extremism...

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 13/08/2026

"Aging leaders. Mysterious medical appointments. Elected officials’ long absences from public duties, explained in the vaguest of terms or not at all. These increasingly common features of political life in the U.S. are familiar to many followers of African politics," argues expert Michelle Gavin.

Leaders’ Medical Secrecy Harms Public Trust | Council on Foreign Relations

Long, mysterious absences promote the idea that unaccountable forces are at the levers of power.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 13/08/2026

A new Gallup poll suggests that a large portion of the U.S. electorate worries that they will not see free-and-fair elections in November. "Gallup's numbers highlight the current ills of American politics. Democracy rests on the consent of the governed," writes expert James M. Lindsay.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 12/08/2026

For the first time in nearly 2 decades, a new Pew Research survey—based on interviews with more than 42,000 people across 36 countries—shows China is viewed more favorably than the US. "This is a story driven more by an American decline in soft power than by a Chinese surge," writes Yanzhong Huang.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 12/08/2026

Since its founding 250 years ago, the United States has grown from a loose union of former colonies to the global superpower it is today. Trace some of the major moments in U.S. foreign policy with our timeline:

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 12/08/2026

The July/August 2026 issue of Foreign Affairs is now available. The latest issue provides analysis on how new technologies threaten U.S. military advantage, what Russia's military power will look like after Ukraine, how a remade Iran will reshape the Middle East, and more:

foreignaffairs.com

July/August 2026

A collection of articles from the July/August 2026 issue of Foreign Affairs, including in-depth analysis, commentary, and book reviews from experts in domestic and foreign policy.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 07/08/2026

An unprecedented surge of migrants into Ceuta, an autonomous Spanish territory in North Africa, marked the first test of the European Union’s new migration pact and has reignited the bloc’s debate over immigration.

How Spain’s Migration Surge Tested EU Border Policy | Council on Foreign Relations

An unprecedented surge of migrants into Spanish territory in North Africa marked the first test of the European Union’s new migration pact and has reignited the bloc’s debate over immigration.

Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 07/08/2026

It wasn’t until college that Margaret Brennan decided to pursue journalism. She spoke to us about the connection between economics and geopolitics, an unforgettable interview with the president of Syria, and what drives good journalists.

How I Got My Career in Foreign Policy: Margaret Brennan | Council on Foreign Relations

Margaret Brennan spent her career covering everything from geopolitics to economics, before becoming the second woman ever to moderate Face the Nation. She spoke to CFR about the connection between finance and foreign policy reporting, her advice for yo...