On the Record

In this episode, experts discuss the United States’ renewed interest in Greenland—which the Trump administration argues is vital to U.S. national security—and what it means for Arctic security, the NATO alliance, and great power competition.   Background Reading: This article unpacks Trump’s increasingly assertive push to bring Greenland under U.S. control and what that means for the NATO alliance...

For two-and-a-half centuries, the United States has faced a challenging world. Some of its responses have made Americans proud. Others have not. CFR asked members of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations what they considered the best and worst U.S. foreign policy decisions. In this episode, panelists discuss the results of the project and the evolution of America’s role in the w...

In this episode, panelists discuss the latest unrest in Iran, the economic pressures that have sparked nationwide protests, and the implications for U.S. policy amid ongoing regional tensions.   Background Reading: This article discusses how the Iranian regime is facing one of its largest protest movements in years, leading Tehran to shut down internet and telephone communications.   Host: Missy R...

Immigrants significantly benefit the U.S. economy by growing the labor force, filling essential jobs in sectors like services, construction, and tech. In this episode, panelists discuss the effects of recent refugee and immigration policy developments on the U.S. economy.   Background Reading: This article outlines the critical role immigrants have long played in boosting the U.S. economy and GDP....

In this episode, David Miliband, president and chief executive officer of the International Rescue Committee, discusses the new IRC Emergency Watchlist report. The report highlights the countries at highest risk of humanitarian crisis in 2026, and evaluates the international community’s progress and shortcomings.   Background Reading: This article discusses Venezuela’s dire humanitarian landscape,...

In this episode, panelists discuss examples of U.S. presidents leveraging executive power to confront political violence, human rights abuses, and other global challenges, highlighting the ways in which presidential leadership has shaped the United States’ legacy of responsibility.   Host: Jacob M. Weisberg , Executive Chair, Pushkin Industries; Chair, Committee to Protect Journalists   Guests: Me...

In this episode, former U.S. President Bill Clinton looks back on critical issues in U.S. foreign policy during his presidency, and shares lessons for sustaining American diplomatic engagement abroad.   His remarks were delivered as part of the inaugural Martin S. Indyk Memorial Lecture, held in collaboration with the Clinton Global Initiative .   Host: Richard Haass , President Emeritus, Council...

In this episode, Director of the National Institutes of Health Jay Bhattacharya discusses the latest developments in biomedical innovation and how they will shape the future of public health research.   Background Reading: This CFR event discusses emerging threats to public health and how journalists are covering new outbreaks across the United States.   Host: Sylvia Mathews Burwell , Senior Profe...

In this episode, experts discuss the geopolitical implications of transformative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), including how decision-makers are navigating governance, balancing innovation with risk, and addressing questions of equity and accountability.   Background Reading: This article assesses whether AI investments have contributed meaningfully to U.S. economic growth. This...

Since President Trump first introduced a proposal to end the war in Ukraine, revisions from both sides have led to disagreement, diminishing hopes for a lasting peace. Experts are now examining the recent meeting between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Miami, where efforts were made to finalize a peace plan for presentation to Moscow, as well as the types of security guarantees Ukraine may seek go...

Intelligence experts discuss the new frontiers of intelligence gathering, examining how emerging technologies are transforming espionage and reshaping the future of U.S. national security.   Background Reading: This article outlines how growing politicization within the intelligence community threatens the integrity of intelligence assessments and endangers U.S. national security.   Host: Barton G...

Today, U.S. economic leadership is at a crossroads. An overconcentration of critical supply chains in China, underinvestment in important sectors at home, and strategic competition over the next generation of foundational technologies has exposed vulnerabilities in U.S. economic security.    In its new report, U.S. Economic Security: Winning the Race for Tomorrow’s Technologies, the CFR Task Force...

As leaders gather in Brazil to discuss international climate policy at this year’s COP30 summit, major questions remain regarding a warming climate and investments in renewable energy. In this conversation, experts discuss the future of global climate negotiations and reflect on lessons learned from past climate diplomacy, including the legacy of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol adopted at COP3.   Backgrou...

Measles, whooping cough, and other vaccine-preventable diseases are on the rise around the world. Cuts to foreign aid, coupled with growing vaccine hesitancy, and persistent gaps in vaccine access are fueling outbreaks in poor and wealthy nations alike. In this conversation, global health experts discuss the drivers of these outbreaks and the solutions that can advance vaccine equity and better pu...

Qatar is home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East and maintains deep economic ties with Washington, cementing its status as a critical on-NATO ally. But this September, that partnership was put to the test when Israel, largely funded and supported by the United States, launched an attack on Qatar’s capital, Doha. In this conversation, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdu...

As great-power competition intensifies and the prospect of conflict with China looms, military strength, technological innovation, and cooperation with allies are essential to ensuring U.S. national security. General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., 21st chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discusses the most pressing geopolitical challenges facing the United States and the world today.   Background Readi...

As the war in Ukraine nears its fourth year, uncertainty is growing over the future of international support. Meanwhile, mounting pressure on Russia’s economy and an increase in high-tech, drone-centric warfare continue to bolster Ukraine’s defense. Experts from Ukraine and Europe discuss international financial initiatives to support Ukraine’s reconstruction and revitalize its infrastructure and...

U.S. Department of State officials are the foremost representatives of U.S. interests around the world, helping to manage relationships with foreign governments, international organizations, and the people of other countries. Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Dean of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs Keren Yarhi-Milo discuss their new book, In...

In September 2025, the U.S. Federal Reserve approved a quarter-point interest rate cut. The move came amid a softening labor market, above-target inflation, heightened uncertainty about Trump’s trade and tariff policy, and other conditions that present significant challenges to monetary policymakers. Against this backdrop, Susan M. Collins, the president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Bost...

From Sudan to the war in Gaza, 2025 has seen the continuation of major humanitarian crises across the globe. Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, examines a range of these crises, while also exploring issues such as financing, reform, and declining multilateral consensus.    This conversation was hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations during the 80th United Nations General Assem...

Long before Trump retook the Oval Office, policymakers were concerned that South Africa's growing ties with Russia and China could undermine Washington’s strategic interests in the region. Against the backdrop of these concerns, President Cyril Ramaphosa examines South Africa’s domestic priorities, its bilateral trade relations with the United States, the future of BRICS, and the country’s role in...

The U.S.-Canadian relationship boasts a history of cooperation, peaceful borders, and strong trade ties. However, the partnership has come under strain during the second Trump administration, in part due to sweeping tariffs that have called into question Canada’s economic ties to Washington. Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Mark Carney discusses Canada’s role in NATO, the ongoing war in Gaza,...

Since the start of the second Trump administration, the National Security Council (NSC) has seen its staff reduced from around 350 employees to fewer than 100, with dozens of policy experts abruptly dismissed or placed on administrative leave this May. Former U.S. National Security Advisors Thomas E. Donilon, Stephen J. Hadley, and Susan E. Rice unpack how the recent reorganization could affect U....

Former UN Undersecretary-General Sigrid Kaag discusses the state of humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the role of the international community in supporting relief efforts.   Background Reading: Malnutrition has reached alarming levels in Gaza, with famine declared in the territory’s most populated region. As Israel continues to block aid from entering Gaza, this backgrounder explains how hunger...