Laura Grego

Mercosur: South America’s Fractious Trade Bloc

Three decades after its founding, Latin America’s largest trade bloc continues to seek new global agreements. The recent conclusion of a deal with the European Union could help, but it faces roadblocks.

Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors December 12, 2024

Trade

What Are Tariffs?

U.S. Presidents Trump and Biden have both turned to tariffs to support local industries amid economic confrontation with China. Here’s how these taxes work and how they’ve been used historically.

Backgrounder by Andrew Chatzky, Anshu Siripurapu and Noah Berman November 26, 2024 Renewing America

International Criminal Court

The Role of the ICC

The International Criminal Court was created to bring justice to the world’s worst war criminals, but debate over the court still rages.

Backgrounder by Claire Klobucista and Mariel Ferragamo November 22, 2024

Top Stories on CFR

France

What Does France’s Political Instability Mean for Europe?

The fall of the French government, along with political uncertainty in Germany, has upped the pressure on President Emmanuel Macron amid growing European tensions over migration, Ukraine, and energy policy.

Expert Brief by Matthias Matthijs December 17, 2024

Ukraine

Tighter Sanctions Can Help End the Russia-Ukraine War

Donald Trump has promised to secure a just peace between Russia and Ukraine in his second term. His success or failure will depend on whether the West can give Russia a reason to negotiate in good faith —by mustering the will to tighten sanctions.

Article by Edward Fishman December 13, 2024

Asia

A Big Year for Asian Elections, but Not Necessarily for Democracy

The year 2024 likely saw the highest number of people voting in recorded history. But in Asia, where most people voted, elections did not mean progress for democracy, which has been on a decade-plus-long regression.

Expert Brief by Joshua Kurlantzick December 12, 2024