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Ukraine

Here’s How Much Aid the United States Has Sent Ukraine

Ten charts illustrate the extraordinary level of support the United States has provided Ukraine in its war against Russian invaders.

Article by Jonathan Masters and Will Merrow March 11, 2025
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.

Article by Molly Carlough , Benjamin Harris and Abigail McGowan February 27, 2025
United States

Young Professionals Briefing: Securing the Future—Navigating Careers in Defense and National Security

Panelists discuss careers in defense and security within the U.S. government and the many forms they can take. The CFR Young Professionals Briefing Series provides an opportunity for those early in their careers to engage with CFR. The briefings feature remarks by experts on critical global issues and lessons learned in their careers. These events are intended for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and have not yet reached the age of thirty to be eligible for CFR term membership. We are pleased to extend this invitation to you through the recommendation of a CFR member. If you no longer wish to receive these invitations, please let us know by replying to this email.

Virtual Event by Stephanie Ahern, Peter I. Belk and Tammy S. Schultz January 8, 2025

Experts in this Topic

Richard K. Betts

Adjunct Senior Fellow for National Security Studies

Stephen Biddle

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Defense Policy

Nathan M. Colvin

Military Fellow, U.S. Army

Michael C. Horowitz

Senior Fellow for Technology and Innovation

Thomas P. O’Donnell

Military Fellow, U.S. Navy

Jonathan Panter

Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow

Sub-Saharan Africa

The Ruse of Sovereignty

Getting rid of foreign military presence may be the least of African countries’ problems.

Post by Ebenezer Obadare January 6, 2025 Africa in Transition
U.S. Foreign Policy

Mitch McConnell's Foreign Policy Wisdom

Sen. Mitch McConnell has an important new article in Foreign Affairs (January-February 2025 issue) entitled “The Price of American Retreat: Why Washington Must Reject Isolationism and Embrace Primacy.”

Post by Elliott Abrams December 16, 2024 Pressure Points
Syria

Will Iran Become More Dangerous After Assad’s Ouster in Syria?

The Bashar al-Assad regime’s rapid collapse deals a heavy blow to Iran’s “axis of resistance” and its ability to project power in the region, and it raises fears Iran will focus more on developing its nuclear program.

Expert Brief by Ray Takeyh December 8, 2024 Middle East Program

Iran

What Are Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Capabilities?

Iran’s nuclear program and missile arsenal have garnered increased international scrutiny amid its flaring conflict with Israel.

Article by Jonathan Masters and Will Merrow November 26, 2024
United States

Transforming Terrain—How AI is Shaping the Future of Geospatial Intelligence: A Conversation With Frank Whitworth

Vice Admiral Frank ‘Trey’ Whitworth, director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), explores the NGA’s current initiatives and how AI is transforming the field of geospatial intelligence. Please note there is no virtual component to this meeting. The audio, video, and transcript of this virtual meeting will be posted on the CFR website.

Event with Frank Whitworth III and Massimo Calabresi November 21, 2024
United States

Young Professionals Briefing With CFR Military Fellows

CFR Military Fellows discuss ways their respective branches are meeting the challenges of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, climate change, and an evolving global threat landscape. The CFR Young Professionals Briefing Series provides an opportunity for those early in their careers to engage with CFR. The briefings feature remarks by experts on critical global issues and lessons learned in their careers. These events are intended for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and have not yet reached the age of thirty to be eligible for CFR term membership. We are pleased to extend this invitation to you through the recommendation of a CFR member. If you no longer wish to receive these invitations, please let us know by replying to this email. If you wish to attend virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question and answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio, video, and the transcript of this hybrid meeting will be posted on the CFR website.

Virtual Event by Nathan M. Colvin, Thomas P. O'Donnell, Tina J. Peña, Todd E. Randolph, Wilfred Rivera and Meena Bose November 20, 2024
Ukraine

Ukraine’s ATACMS: What Will the U.S. Missiles Mean for the War?

President Joe Biden has given the green light for Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied missile systems to strike deep inside Russian territory. What could it mean for the course of the war?

Expert Brief by Max Boot November 18, 2024 National Security and Defense Program
Israel

Missile Defense: How Vulnerable Is Israel to Iran’s Attacks?

Israel and its allies have successfully defended against Iran’s missile attacks thus far, but it has required an extraordinary level of cooperation, and the challenge is likely to only get harder if the conflict escalates.

Expert Brief by Jonathan Panter October 16, 2024
United States

A Conversation With General CQ Brown, Jr.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown, Jr. reflects on his first year as chairman and discusses his vision for the joint forces over the coming years. The David A. Morse Lecture was inaugurated in 1994 and supports an annual meeting with a distinguished speaker. It honors the memory of David A. Morse, an active Council on Foreign Relations member for nearly thirty years.

Virtual Event by CQ Brown, Jr. and Michael Froman September 23, 2024 David A. Morse Lecture
United Kingdom

The UK Foreign Secretary Makes His First Speech

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has just given his first set speech, but it wasn't about foreign policy. He is miscast in his current role.

Post by Elliott Abrams September 19, 2024 Pressure Points
Military Operations

"The Houthis Have Defeated the U.S. Navy," or, What is a Navy For?

The mission of the U.S. Navy has for centuries been to keep the sea lines of communication open, but the United States is abandoning that task in the Middle East today.

Post by Elliott Abrams August 31, 2024 Pressure Points
United States

A Conversation With Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) Christopher G. Cavoli

General Cavoli discusses the Euro-Atlantic Partnership, security challenges in the region, Russia's war in Ukraine, and his takeaways from the NATO Summit in Washington.

Event with Christopher G. Cavoli and Ivo H. Daalder August 15, 2024