Molly Carlough

CFR Staff

Molly Carlough

Program Coordinator, Center for Preventive Action

Molly Carlough is a program coordinator for the Center for Preventive Action (CPA) at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). She was previously a research associate for CPA. Before joining CFR, she was a research assistant at American University and interned at CFR, the German Marshall Fund of the United States, and the U.S. Department of State. She holds an MA in U.S. foreign policy and national security, with a concentration in terrorism, from American University and an MA in international relations from the University of St. Andrews.

United States

A Guide to Trump’s Second-Term Military Strikes and Actions

Since returning to office, Trump has steadily expanded his use of military force abroad. Many of his actions mirror those of previous administrations, but diverge from the president’s past opposition to foreign military commitments.

by Abi McGowan, Molly Carlough and Natalie Caloca January 13, 2026
Wars and Conflict

Five Takeaways From CFR’s 2026 Conflict Risk Assessment

Every year, the Preventive Priorities Survey asks experts to rank thirty conflict scenarios in terms of likelihood and potential impact. This year’s results paint a picture of a more violent and dangerous world in 2026.

by Natalie Caloca, Molly Carlough and Abi McGowan December 18, 2025 Center for Preventive Action
North Korea

How North Korea Has Bolstered Russia’s War in Ukraine

North Korean troops and weapons have played an unexpectedly crucial role in sustaining Russia’s grinding military campaign in Ukraine. In exchange, Pyongyang has been able to upgrade its outdated Soviet-era military.

by Molly Carlough and James Kennedy November 25, 2025
China Strategy Initiative

China in Russia and Ukraine: September 2025

In September, China and Russia strongly signaled their opposition to the Western-led global order by expanding their diplomatic, economic, and military ties.

by Sam Bowden and Molly Carlough October 29, 2025 China Strategy Initiative
China Strategy Initiative

China in Russia and Ukraine: August 2025

In August, China and Russia displayed their partnership’s enduring strength while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy categorically rejected proposals for Chinese involvement in postwar Ukraine.

by Molly Carlough September 4, 2025 China Strategy Initiative
China Strategy Initiative

China-Russia-Ukraine: June 2025

In June, China and Russia publicly highlighted their strong partnership, even as a leaked intelligence document exposed underlying distrust. At the same time, China's support for Russia in Ukraine persists, while Taiwan draws lessons from Ukraine's military tactics for a potential conflict with China.

by Molly Carlough and Sebastian Ratzan July 8, 2025 China Strategy Initiative
Ukraine

Comparing the Size and Capabilities of the Russian and Ukrainian Militaries

Russia holds a sizable advantage over Ukraine on troop numbers and weaponry yet the two sides have fought to a standstill. Russia this spring has ramped up attacks on civilian targets while resisting U.S. ceasefire calls.

by Molly Carlough and Benjamin Harris June 3, 2025
China Strategy Initiative

China-Russia Relations: February 2025

This month, China and Russia reaffirmed their partnership, while China navigated the shifting political landscape around the war in Ukraine.

by Anya Konstantinovsky and Molly Carlough March 5, 2025 China Strategy Initiative
Europe

Where Are U.S. Forces Deployed in Europe?

The start of U.S.-Russia talks on a possible agreement to end the war in Ukraine has spurred discussion about whether U.S. military forces in Europe will be reduced—a decision that would signal a significant shift in security on the continent.

by Molly Carlough, Benjamin Harris and Abi McGowan February 27, 2025
China Strategy Initiative

China-Russia Relations: November 2024

As North Korean troops mobilized to fight in Ukraine this month, the United States and its NATO allies urged China to intervene and prevent further escalation. However, China remained passive and continued to present itself as an arbiter of peace on the global stage as its close diplomatic and military cooperation with Russia advanced unimpeded.

by Anya Konstantinovsky and Molly Carlough November 22, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
Ukraine

Why the U.S. Presidential Election Matters for Ukraine

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump offer sharply different approaches on U.S. policy toward Ukraine’s war with Russia, reflecting broader disagreement toward NATO and U.S. alliances.

by Paul B. Stares and Molly Carlough October 9, 2024
China

China-Russia Relations: September 2024

China and Russia have strengthened ties, despite tensions in the financial sector. The United States is closely monitoring their activity and increasing Chinese support for Russia's war effort in Ukraine. We can anticipate continuing advances in cooperation in the coming months.

by Anya Konstantinovsky and Molly Carlough September 27, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
Liana Fix

European Union

The Trajectory of U.S.-EU Relations in a Tumultuous Year (in Spanish)

Featuring Liana Fix and Molly Carlough via Elcano Royal Institute July 15, 2024
Liana Fix

Election 2024

The Trajectory of U.S.-EU Relations in a Tumultuous Year (in English)

Featuring Liana Fix and Molly Carlough via Elcano Royal Institute July 22, 2024
Sub-Saharan Africa

Turning Crisis Into Opportunity: Building Supply Chain Resilience in Africa

with Jendayi E. Frazer and Molly Carlough via Think Global Health November 20, 2023

Iran

The Islamic Republic’s Power Centers

Who calls the shots in Iran on economic policy, security, and domestic calls for reform? A look at the government’s organization chart indicates how complicated the answer is.

by CFR Editors January 9, 2026

Climate Change

Paris to Kyoto: The History of UN Climate Agreements

International efforts, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But experts say countries aren’t doing enough to limit dangerous global warming.

by Lindsay Maizland and Clara Fong January 9, 2026 Renewing America

Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Freedoms: What China Promised and How It’s Cracking Down

Beijing has tightened its grip on Hong Kong in recent years, dimming hopes that the financial center will ever become a full democracy.

by Lindsay Maizland and Clara Fong December 15, 2025

Top Stories on CFR