Council on Foreign Relations
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🌏 CFR is a resource for foreign policy news and analysis.
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CFR takes no institutional positions on policy. Follows, reposts, likes ≠ endorsements.
✉️ Subscribe to our newsletters: http://cfr.org/newsletters
Tanzania's elections are over, "but the clash between the aspirations of young Tanzanians and the self-preserving instincts of their leaders will persist," writes Africa expert Michelle Gavin.
Protest and Crackdown in Tanzania
A farcical election and brutal state violence make Tanzania the latest example of a government not fit for purpose.
www.cfr.org
November 26, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Tanzania's elections are over, "but the clash between the aspirations of young Tanzanians and the self-preserving instincts of their leaders will persist," writes Africa expert Michelle Gavin.
On the heels of the 25th anniversary of the UN security council resolution that launched the women, peace and security effort, Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy Linda Robinson and Noël James review the results of U.S. efforts: https://on.cfr.org/48xjQw2
November 25, 2025 at 11:01 PM
On the heels of the 25th anniversary of the UN security council resolution that launched the women, peace and security effort, Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy Linda Robinson and Noël James review the results of U.S. efforts: https://on.cfr.org/48xjQw2
"Religion has not suddenly lost its power to illuminate Nigerian politics; if anything, given the situation in the country, it is more explicative than ever," writes Africa expert Ebenezer Obadare.
Religion and the Nigerian Crisis
The question is not whether contemporary violence in northern Nigeria is motivated by religion; the real question is why the commentariat is loath to admit it.
www.cfr.org
November 25, 2025 at 5:25 PM
"Religion has not suddenly lost its power to illuminate Nigerian politics; if anything, given the situation in the country, it is more explicative than ever," writes Africa expert Ebenezer Obadare.
This year's G20 summit in South Africa "has laid groundwork on a few issues Trump claims to care about: fixing a broken sovereign debt system and securing more resilient critical mineral chains," writes economics expert Heidi Crebo-Rediker.
The Road From Africa's G20 Summit to Trump's ‘America First' Priorities
The forum in South Africa shined a light on pressing realities faced by the continent. It may also have laid the groundwork for the G20 summit Trump will host in Florida next year.
www.cfr.org
November 25, 2025 at 1:40 PM
This year's G20 summit in South Africa "has laid groundwork on a few issues Trump claims to care about: fixing a broken sovereign debt system and securing more resilient critical mineral chains," writes economics expert Heidi Crebo-Rediker.
"Europe needs to counter Trump’s appeasement by rushing frozen Russian funds to Ukraine without delay," argues @maxboot.bsky.social.
Opinion | Ukraine needs Russia’s frozen $200 billion immediately, Europe
With Trump seeking Kyiv’s capitulation to Russia, now is the moment for decisive European action.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:27 PM
"Europe needs to counter Trump’s appeasement by rushing frozen Russian funds to Ukraine without delay," argues @maxboot.bsky.social.
📣 We are now accepting applications for CFR's 2026–27 Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship, a unique opportunity for young professionals studying nuclear security issues.
Learn more: https://on.cfr.org/3JaeQnk
Apply by 11/30
Learn more: https://on.cfr.org/3JaeQnk
Apply by 11/30
November 24, 2025 at 5:51 PM
📣 We are now accepting applications for CFR's 2026–27 Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship, a unique opportunity for young professionals studying nuclear security issues.
Learn more: https://on.cfr.org/3JaeQnk
Apply by 11/30
Learn more: https://on.cfr.org/3JaeQnk
Apply by 11/30
"The structure and scale of the 28-point peace plan suggests that the Trump administration believes it can convince Ukraine to accept some of the red lines in return for vague U.S. security guarantees," writes Europe expert @lianafix.bsky.social
Is Trump's Ukraine Peace Deal a Faustian Bargain?
Trump's proposal would cross multiple Ukrainian and European red lines, but there could also be opportunities for further negotiations.
www.cfr.org
November 24, 2025 at 2:12 PM
"The structure and scale of the 28-point peace plan suggests that the Trump administration believes it can convince Ukraine to accept some of the red lines in return for vague U.S. security guarantees," writes Europe expert @lianafix.bsky.social
CFR President Michael Froman analyzes the outcomes of this week’s meeting between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Read his thoughts below ⬇️
Read his thoughts below ⬇️
The Business of U.S.-Saudi Diplomacy
CFR President Michael Froman analyzes the outcomes of this week's meeting between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
www.cfr.org
November 23, 2025 at 8:49 PM
CFR President Michael Froman analyzes the outcomes of this week’s meeting between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Read his thoughts below ⬇️
Read his thoughts below ⬇️
The European Union is considering proposals that would make much greater use of Russia’s immobilized reserves to finance Ukraine. A decision could come in December, when the European Council meets.
Read analysis by Brad Setser, an expert on global trade and capital flows:
Read analysis by Brad Setser, an expert on global trade and capital flows:
How to Use Russia's Frozen Assets
The December European Council could bring a final decision regarding the use of Russia's immobilized reserves to help close Ukraine's 2026–27 financing gap. Ideally, the chosen framework would also d...
www.cfr.org
November 23, 2025 at 5:39 PM
The European Union is considering proposals that would make much greater use of Russia’s immobilized reserves to finance Ukraine. A decision could come in December, when the European Council meets.
Read analysis by Brad Setser, an expert on global trade and capital flows:
Read analysis by Brad Setser, an expert on global trade and capital flows:
CFR’s Global Energy Innovation Index assesses national contributions to energy innovation worldwide. It also provides a window into global progress.
Climate expert David Hart highlights the hopes and concerns about global energy innovation:
Climate expert David Hart highlights the hopes and concerns about global energy innovation:
Hope and Concern: What CFR's Index Tells Us About Global Energy Innovation
CFR's Global Energy Innovation Index assesses national contributions to energy innovation worldwide. It also provides a window into global progress. Trends in private investment in early-stage ventur...
www.cfr.org
November 23, 2025 at 2:19 PM
CFR’s Global Energy Innovation Index assesses national contributions to energy innovation worldwide. It also provides a window into global progress.
Climate expert David Hart highlights the hopes and concerns about global energy innovation:
Climate expert David Hart highlights the hopes and concerns about global energy innovation:
CFR expert Chris McGuire testified to the House Foreign Affairs Committee that export controls related to semiconductor manufacturing equipment and advanced semiconductors are one of the most powerful tools available to U.S. policymakers in the technological competition with China.
Read more:
Read more:
Protecting the Foundation: Strengthening Export Controls on Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment
Mr. McGuire’s testimony to the House Foreign Affairs Committee argues that export controls related to semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME) and advanced semiconductors are one of the most power…
www.cfr.org
November 22, 2025 at 9:11 PM
CFR expert Chris McGuire testified to the House Foreign Affairs Committee that export controls related to semiconductor manufacturing equipment and advanced semiconductors are one of the most powerful tools available to U.S. policymakers in the technological competition with China.
Read more:
Read more:
🎧 On this episode of The President's Inbox podcast, Chris McGuire sits down with James Lindsay to discuss whether U.S. efforts to deny China advanced semiconductor chips will sustain the U.S. lead in artificial intelligence or unintentionally accelerate Chinese innovation.
PODCAST | The President's Inbox: Are We Ready? | The U.S.-China Chip War, With Chris McGuire
Chris McGuire, senior fellow for China and emerging technologies at the Council, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss whether U.S. efforts to deny China advanced semiconductor chips will sustain...
www.cfr.org
November 22, 2025 at 4:23 PM
🎧 On this episode of The President's Inbox podcast, Chris McGuire sits down with James Lindsay to discuss whether U.S. efforts to deny China advanced semiconductor chips will sustain the U.S. lead in artificial intelligence or unintentionally accelerate Chinese innovation.
President Trump has imposed punitive measures on several countries in the name of curbing what he characterizes as high fentanyl flows into the United States. In reality, supplies of the drug—and related deaths—have sharply declined, though they are still at worrying levels.
How Does Fentanyl Reach the United States?
President Trump has imposed punitive measures on several countries in the name of curbing what he characterizes as high fentanyl flows into the United States. In reality, supplies of the drug—and rel…
www.cfr.org
November 22, 2025 at 1:55 PM
President Trump has imposed punitive measures on several countries in the name of curbing what he characterizes as high fentanyl flows into the United States. In reality, supplies of the drug—and related deaths—have sharply declined, though they are still at worrying levels.
This year's UN climate summit, known as COP30, is wrapping up its final week with little evident progress on critical issues, argue climate experts @alice-c-hill.bsky.social, @profdavidhart.bsky.social, and Daniel B. Poneman.
Here is their analysis of the major themes:
Here is their analysis of the major themes:
COP30: Climate Experts Assess Progress in Brazil And Beyond
Three CFR experts analyze major themes from this year's UN climate summit in Belém, Brazil.
www.cfr.org
November 21, 2025 at 9:18 PM
This year's UN climate summit, known as COP30, is wrapping up its final week with little evident progress on critical issues, argue climate experts @alice-c-hill.bsky.social, @profdavidhart.bsky.social, and Daniel B. Poneman.
Here is their analysis of the major themes:
Here is their analysis of the major themes:
President Vladimir Putin proposed an extension to New START—a nuclear arms treaty that limits the size of U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals. "An unverifiable, 1-year extension is not a substitute for peace in Europe," write John Drennan and Erin Dumbacher.
Putin's Nuclear Offer: How to Navigate a New START Extension
The United States should not fall for Putin's gambit to undercut Ukraine. Before agreeing to an extension, it must secure greater verification guarantees and a commitment to further negotiations.
www.cfr.org
November 21, 2025 at 9:10 PM
President Vladimir Putin proposed an extension to New START—a nuclear arms treaty that limits the size of U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals. "An unverifiable, 1-year extension is not a substitute for peace in Europe," write John Drennan and Erin Dumbacher.
Mohammed bin Salman visited the White House on Tuesday for the first time in 7 years.
The meeting affirmed the importance of the two countries’ partnership in the Middle East, but questions remain over how much influence Saudi Arabia has in broader regional peace efforts, argues Steven Cook.
The meeting affirmed the importance of the two countries’ partnership in the Middle East, but questions remain over how much influence Saudi Arabia has in broader regional peace efforts, argues Steven Cook.
How Significant Is the Latest U.S.-Saudi Embrace?
The first visit of Saudi Arabia's crown prince to the White House in seven years affirmed the importance of the two countries' partnership in the Middle East, but questions remain over how much influ...
www.cfr.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Mohammed bin Salman visited the White House on Tuesday for the first time in 7 years.
The meeting affirmed the importance of the two countries’ partnership in the Middle East, but questions remain over how much influence Saudi Arabia has in broader regional peace efforts, argues Steven Cook.
The meeting affirmed the importance of the two countries’ partnership in the Middle East, but questions remain over how much influence Saudi Arabia has in broader regional peace efforts, argues Steven Cook.
Takaichi Sanae is looking to accelerate the changes that Abe set in motion over a decade ago, despite a host of new challenges, writes Sheila Smith.
Japan's Foreign Policy Under Takaichi: Steady as She Goes
Takaichi Sanae is looking to accelerate the changes that Abe set in motion over a decade ago, despite a host of new challenges.
thediplomat.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Takaichi Sanae is looking to accelerate the changes that Abe set in motion over a decade ago, despite a host of new challenges, writes Sheila Smith.
When she was younger, @inumanak.bsky.social wanted to be an actor. She pivoted to studying the dramatic intricacies global trade relations. Now, she's a senior fellow for international trade at CFR.
Read more about her life, career, and the advice she has for others:
Read more about her life, career, and the advice she has for others:
How I Got My Career in Foreign Policy: Inu Manak
Inu Manak has explored the intricacies of international trade policy in the world of academia and think tanks. She chatted with CFR about navigating different work environments and the benefits of de...
www.cfr.org
November 20, 2025 at 10:07 PM
When she was younger, @inumanak.bsky.social wanted to be an actor. She pivoted to studying the dramatic intricacies global trade relations. Now, she's a senior fellow for international trade at CFR.
Read more about her life, career, and the advice she has for others:
Read more about her life, career, and the advice she has for others:
Are you a mid-career professional passionate about foreign policy? Our International Affairs Fellowship in Canada provides the opportunity to dive into key issues pertinent to the U.S.-Canada partnership.
Learn more about eligibility and how to apply by 11/30 ➡️ https://on.cfr.org/4o3DQMg
Learn more about eligibility and how to apply by 11/30 ➡️ https://on.cfr.org/4o3DQMg
November 20, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Are you a mid-career professional passionate about foreign policy? Our International Affairs Fellowship in Canada provides the opportunity to dive into key issues pertinent to the U.S.-Canada partnership.
Learn more about eligibility and how to apply by 11/30 ➡️ https://on.cfr.org/4o3DQMg
Learn more about eligibility and how to apply by 11/30 ➡️ https://on.cfr.org/4o3DQMg
"There are moments in great-power politics when the tectonic plates seem to shift perceptibly beneath us. The recent summit between President Trump and President Xi Jinping of China was one of those inflection points," writes Rush Doshi.
Opinion | Trump's Trade War Showed That China Can Stand Up to America (Gift Article)
Trump's ill-conceived tariff war exposed U.S. vulnerabilities, strengthened China's leverage and undermined America at a pivotal time.
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:06 PM
"There are moments in great-power politics when the tectonic plates seem to shift perceptibly beneath us. The recent summit between President Trump and President Xi Jinping of China was one of those inflection points," writes Rush Doshi.
The G20, gathering of many of the world’s largest economies, is the premier global forum for discussing international economic issues. Its 2025 summit marks the first time the forum is hosted in Africa, but questions loom about the group’s continued relevance.
What Does the G20 Do?
The Group of Twenty, an informal gathering of many of the world’s largest economies, is the premier global forum for discussing international economic issues. Its 2025 summit marks the first time the…
www.cfr.org
November 19, 2025 at 7:49 PM
The G20, gathering of many of the world’s largest economies, is the premier global forum for discussing international economic issues. Its 2025 summit marks the first time the forum is hosted in Africa, but questions loom about the group’s continued relevance.
"Despite a sharp reduction in humanitarian ambitions since January, the Trump administration’s response to Hurricane Melissa signals that the United States hasn’t entirely abandoned its vital role as global first responder," writes Sam Vigersky.
Trump's Disaster Aid Rebound
The Trump administration's response to Hurricane Melissa offers a glimpse into a possible new paradigm for the deployment of U.S. aid abroad.
www.cfr.org
November 19, 2025 at 5:45 PM
"Despite a sharp reduction in humanitarian ambitions since January, the Trump administration’s response to Hurricane Melissa signals that the United States hasn’t entirely abandoned its vital role as global first responder," writes Sam Vigersky.
To meet growing energy demands while averting climate change, the world must accelerate innovation, argue David M. Hart, Colin Cunliff, Mia Beams, and Akkshath Subrahmanian.
Global Energy Innovation Index
To meet growing energy demands while averting climate change, the world must accelerate innovation. European nations are the leading contributors to global energy innovation, with Canada the only non-European country in the index's top ten. The United S...
www.cfr.org
November 19, 2025 at 4:09 PM
To meet growing energy demands while averting climate change, the world must accelerate innovation, argue David M. Hart, Colin Cunliff, Mia Beams, and Akkshath Subrahmanian.
The Hull Doctrine is dead – drowned in the South China Sea. While the liberal belief that trade raises the cost of war contains a kernel of truth, it is equally true that interdependence can just as easily breed mistrust and rivalry, writes Benn Steil.
Free Trade Can't Bring Peace
For decades, the liberal belief that open trade fosters peace has shaped US foreign policy. It worked while US security guarantees held the system together, but as those commitments weaken and new po...
www.cfr.org
November 18, 2025 at 9:03 PM
The Hull Doctrine is dead – drowned in the South China Sea. While the liberal belief that trade raises the cost of war contains a kernel of truth, it is equally true that interdependence can just as easily breed mistrust and rivalry, writes Benn Steil.
📣 We are now accepting applications for CFR's 2026–27 Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship, a unique opportunity for young professionals studying nuclear security issues.
Learn more: https://on.cfr.org/3JaeQnk
Apply by 11/30
Learn more: https://on.cfr.org/3JaeQnk
Apply by 11/30
November 18, 2025 at 5:56 PM
📣 We are now accepting applications for CFR's 2026–27 Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship, a unique opportunity for young professionals studying nuclear security issues.
Learn more: https://on.cfr.org/3JaeQnk
Apply by 11/30
Learn more: https://on.cfr.org/3JaeQnk
Apply by 11/30