Council of Councils
Think Global Health
Online Store
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.
Explainers
Backgrounders
Explainers Video Filters and Cards
Papal Succession in the Catholic Church
The election of pope to lead the world’s one billion Catholics stirs debate over the spiritual authority of the pontiff and the church’s role in the world.
Debt, Deficits, and the Defense Budget
As the Pentagon attempts to refocus the U.S. military strategy toward Asia, the department is facing major budget constraints. Experts disagree on how to balance the fiscal challenge with the country’s national security priorities.
Germany’s Central Bank and the Eurozone
Germany’s Bundesbank remains an influential actor in eurozone policymaking, and its recent disagreements with the ECB raise concerns about managing the zone’s debt crisis. This Backgrounder explains.
Congress and U.S. Foreign Policy
U.S. foreign policy is largely directed by presidents, but Congress does have considerable influence, as this CFR Backgrounder explains.
Food Price Volatility and Insecurity
Global food prices are being driven up by a number of factors including bad weather, low stocks, and unstable commodities markets. Combating price volatility and protecting food security will take increased agriculture production and better food distribution, experts say.
U.S. Patents and Innovation
The U.S. patent system has generated growing debate over whether it helps foster innovation or stifles it through unnecessary protections, as this Backgrounder explains.
What Is the Fiscal Cliff?
While congressional action lags, a series of year-end fiscal measures could derail the U.S. recovery.
Gasoline Prices
With the Middle East unrest ongoing and the global economy recovering, gasoline prices are rising considerably. But policies to ease U.S. consumer impact take time and policymakers are divided over the course of action.
Palestinian Statehood at the UN
The quest by Palestinian officials for statehood recognition could have major repercussions for the Mideast peace process. This Backgrounder outlines the potential impact of the UN vote.
European Foreign Policy and the Euro Crisis
The eurozone crisis has consequences far beyond the continent’s economic performance, such as the EU’s ability to forge coherent defense and foreign policy.
Poland’s Economic Model
Poland has maintained economic growth despite the global financial crisis and eurozone woes, while asserting itself as a leading advocate for greater European integration.
The Candidates on U.S.-Iran Policy
Deterring Iran’s nuclear weapons program is a foreign policy priority for the United States. Candidates for the 2012 presidential elections debate the best options, including a military strike.
The Candidates on North Korea
President Obama has expanded sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear ambitions while making attempts to engage with it, but Mitt Romney has criticized the engagement policy as weak.
The Candidates on U.S.-Russia Relations
This CFR Issue Tracker looks at the United States’ relationship with Russia and presidential candidates’ stances on the issue.
The Candidates on Democracy Promotion in the Arab World
The presidential candidates generally agree on support for democracy and human rights in Arab states, but have differed on several policy particulars, such as military intervention in Libya and Syria.