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The G8 Agenda: Mideast Push
Mideast upheaval was a top issue at the G8, which is winding down today in France, along with nuclear safety, leadership of the IMF, and aid to Africa. This Backgrounder profiles the eight participants and their priorities.
Confronting the Cyber Threat
Foreign governments, non-state actors, and criminal networks are targeting the digital networks of the United States with increasing frequency and sophistication. U.S. cybersecurity has made progress, but relies heavily on the private sector to secure infrastructure critical to national security.
Oil Market Volatility
Though shifts in demand and reduced production by some major producers have influenced oil prices, investor behavior is also increasing market volatility.
The ISI and Terrorism: Behind the Accusations
Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, faces persistent accusations of links to terrorism, despite repeated denials.
Islam and Politics in Pakistan
Pakistan is bracing for more turbulence in the wake of Osama bin Laden’s killing. This Backgrounder looks at how state support for Islamist militants has led to growing religious intolerance in society.
Nuclear Power Expansion Challenges
The scramble for energy alternatives has brought new focus on nuclear power in the United States, but its revival faces political and practical obstacles.
U.S. Internet Providers and the ’Great Firewall of China’
U.S. Internet companies have long been accused of helping Beijing censor content. But aided by a U.S. government push for Internet freedom, some private-sector-led groups are working toward ensuring greater respect for privacy and free speech.
Outsourcing Jobs and Taxes
Outsourcing remains a contentious political issue as lawmakers, analysts, and business leaders debate its effect on U.S. job creation and the role of corporate tax policy in shipping jobs overseas, explains this Backgrounder.
Militant Extremists in the United States
Violent acts by homegrown militant extremists in the U.S. have declined, but "lone wolf" attacks are on the rise. The post-9/11 legal and political landscape poses new challenges to law enforcement authorities seeking to prevent such attacks.
U.S. Deepwater Drilling’s Future
The Gulf of Mexico oil spill spotlights the growth of deepwater drilling and the challenges of balancing strong environmental regulation with efforts to expand U.S. domestic oil production.
The Debate Over Airport Security
New screening measures at U.S. airports are being called overly intrusive by some passengers and civil rights groups. National security experts advise using a system that relies more on intelligence, behavioral profiling, and empowering passengers.
Sharia and Militancy
Experts say Islamic law, or sharia, holds wide appeal for Muslim populations in many countries and is beginning to spread via democratic means, but it is also being used as a tool of Islamic militancy and extremism.
Foreign Policy and the 2010 Midterms: New START and Arms Control
A new arms control agreement with Russia has met political opposition in the U.S. Senate, and some analysts believe its fate is tied to the outcome of the 2010 midterm elections. This Backgrounder examines the Senate debate.
The U.S.-India Nuclear Deal
A proposed groundbreaking nuclear deal between the United States and India is raising questions and concern in both countries.
2010 Midterms and Foreign Policy
This series of Backgrounders examines foreign policy issues in light of the 2010 midterm elections.