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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
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Iran’s Ballistic Missile Program
Despite concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, the Obama administration has assessed that Tehran is years from a developing a long-range missile capable of delivering a nuclear weapon. But past Iranian secrecy and testing bombast have led some experts to remain skeptical of Tehran’s capabilities and ambitions.
The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision
Controversies over too-big-to-fail financial institutions continue to mount. The Basel Accords represent the latest effort to ease risk and restore confidence, as this Backgrounder explains.
Brazil on the International Stage
Brazil’s economic dynamism has given it a stronger voice on global trade and energy issues. Experts say Washington can advance its regional interests more effectively through a more sophisticated relationship with Brazil.
Syria’s Leaders
As international attention focuses on the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad, cfr.org profiles some of the nation’s top leaders.
Aum Shinrikyo
A profile of the Japanese religious cult that carried out the 1995 subway sarin attack.
Greek Elections and the Eurozone’s Future
Greek elections this weekend could render a verdict on the country’s eurozone future, with analysts fearing serious consequences for the global economy, says this CFR Backgrounder.
al-Qaeda (a.k.a. al-Qaida, al-Qa’ida)
A profile of the international terrorist network that the United States has singled out as the most serious threat to U.S. security.
U.S. Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital
In the face of persistently high unemployment, policymakers and workers look to innovation and entrepreneurship to create new jobs. This Backgrounder discusses how entrepreneurs create and finance the startups that power U.S. job growth, and the ramifications of policies such as the JOBS Act.
Uighurs and China’s Xinjiang Region
As China continues to transform its economy, rising tensions and spates of violence within its primarily Muslim Uighur community is causing regional instability both internally and with Pakistan.
Healthcare Costs and U.S. Competitiveness
Some analysts say healthcare costs hinder U.S. industry competitiveness in the global marketplace, but it’s unclear whether proposed health reforms will offer any cost relief.
Combating Maritime Piracy
A surge in pirate attacks off the Somali coast in recent years has prompted the deployment of an international coalition of navies. But experts say that military force alone cannot address the underlying issue of failed Somali governance.
U.S. Trade Policy
Trade accounts for an increasing portion of the U.S. economy, and the Obama administration has embraced a ramped up export strategy. But debate persists over the merits of a vigorous free trade agenda.
U.S. Deficits and the National Debt
The Obama administration’s 2013 budget plan has revived debate over the sustainability of U.S. spending. As the United States emerges from a deep recession, it must maintain a tricky policy balance.
Oil’s Trouble Spots
With oil supplies tight, regions most vulnerable to oil supply disruptions present a significant economic concern, particularly threats to the Strait of Hormuz and unrest in Nigeria, explains this Backgrounder.
North Korea After Kim
Kim Jong-il’s death has prompted discussion about the future of the isolated country and its nuclear weapons program. Experts cited in this CFR Backgrounder believe a post-Kim regime in North Korea would remain a tough nuclear negotiator.