Council on Foreign Relations
@cfr.org
🌏 CFR is a resource for foreign policy news and analysis.
CFR takes no institutional positions on policy. Follows, reposts, likes ≠ endorsements.
✉️ Subscribe to our newsletters: http://cfr.org/newsletters
CFR takes no institutional positions on policy. Follows, reposts, likes ≠ endorsements.
✉️ Subscribe to our newsletters: http://cfr.org/newsletters
Citizens in Bangladesh and Nepal head to the polls on February 12 and March 5 for the first general elections since Gen Z-led protests toppled both countries’ governments.
Young people make up a majority of the population in these countries—and millions will be voting for the very first time.
Young people make up a majority of the population in these countries—and millions will be voting for the very first time.
After Gen Z Protests, Bangladesh and Nepal Head to the Polls | Council on Foreign Relations
A global wave of Gen Z-led protests have called for a fundamental restructuring of government and politics. Upcoming elections in Bangladesh and Nepal could offer young voters an opportunity for meani...
www.cfr.org
February 11, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Citizens in Bangladesh and Nepal head to the polls on February 12 and March 5 for the first general elections since Gen Z-led protests toppled both countries’ governments.
Young people make up a majority of the population in these countries—and millions will be voting for the very first time.
Young people make up a majority of the population in these countries—and millions will be voting for the very first time.
The Iranian regime, solidifying control after a bloody crackdown, is pursuing nuclear talks that so far have offered few concessions despite the looming threat of U.S. military action, argues expert Ray Takeyh.
Iran Regime Attempts Creative Negotiating Stance | Council on Foreign Relations
The Iranian regime, solidifying control after a bloody crackdown, is pursuing nuclear talks that so far have offered few concessions despite the looming threat of U.S. military action.
www.cfr.org
February 11, 2026 at 4:41 PM
The Iranian regime, solidifying control after a bloody crackdown, is pursuing nuclear talks that so far have offered few concessions despite the looming threat of U.S. military action, argues expert Ray Takeyh.
A closer look at trade data shows that fears of tariffs that never materialized—rather than actual tariffs—drove October’s trade deficit down, argues economics expert Brad Sester.
Understanding the Low October 2025 Trade Deficit | Council on Foreign Relations
A closer look at trade data shows that fears of tariffs that never materialized--rather than actual tariffs--drove October's trade deficit down.
www.cfr.org
February 11, 2026 at 1:58 PM
A closer look at trade data shows that fears of tariffs that never materialized—rather than actual tariffs—drove October’s trade deficit down, argues economics expert Brad Sester.
Jimmy Lai, a high-profile pro-democracy activist and media tycoon in Hong Kong, was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Get the background on Beijing's recent crackdown on Hong Kong's freedoms:
Get the background on Beijing's recent crackdown on Hong Kong's freedoms:
Hong Kong's Freedoms: What China Promised and How It's Cracking Down | Council on Foreign Relations
Beijing has tightened its grip on Hong Kong in recent years, dimming hopes that the financial center will ever become a full democracy.
www.cfr.org
February 10, 2026 at 11:53 PM
Jimmy Lai, a high-profile pro-democracy activist and media tycoon in Hong Kong, was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Get the background on Beijing's recent crackdown on Hong Kong's freedoms:
Get the background on Beijing's recent crackdown on Hong Kong's freedoms:
Iran’s nuclear program and missile arsenal have garnered increased international scrutiny. Despite U.S. strikes on Iranian bases last year, nuclear talks between the two countries are now back on the table.
Get the background:
Get the background:
What Are Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Capabilities? | Council on Foreign Relations
Iran’s nuclear program and missile arsenal have garnered increased international scrutiny. Despite U.S. strikes on Iranian bases last year, nuclear talks between the two countries are now back on the ...
www.cfr.org
February 10, 2026 at 9:04 PM
Iran’s nuclear program and missile arsenal have garnered increased international scrutiny. Despite U.S. strikes on Iranian bases last year, nuclear talks between the two countries are now back on the table.
Get the background:
Get the background:
President Donald Trump has set out to rewrite the rules of trade one deal at a time, say economic expert @inumanak.bsky.social and Allison Smith.
Explore CFR's new tracker, which breaks down the content of the deals to date:
Explore CFR's new tracker, which breaks down the content of the deals to date:
Tracking Trump's Trade Deals | Council on Foreign Relations
The president has set out to rewrite the rules of trade, one deal at a time.
www.cfr.org
February 10, 2026 at 7:49 PM
President Donald Trump has set out to rewrite the rules of trade one deal at a time, say economic expert @inumanak.bsky.social and Allison Smith.
Explore CFR's new tracker, which breaks down the content of the deals to date:
Explore CFR's new tracker, which breaks down the content of the deals to date:
End-of-year estimates convey how much global health funding changed in 2025.
Find out more from Think Global Health:
Find out more from Think Global Health:
One Year Post-USAID, Global Health Funding Stuck in Limbo | Think Global Health
End-of-year estimates convey how much global health funding changed in 2025
www.thinkglobalhealth.org
February 10, 2026 at 4:08 PM
End-of-year estimates convey how much global health funding changed in 2025.
Find out more from Think Global Health:
Find out more from Think Global Health:
The expiration of New START, a treaty that limited the number of nuclear warheads the U.S. and Russia could deploy on strategic systems, coincides with growing threats to European sovereignty and security—both from Russia and the United States.
Europe Faces Uncertainty as New START Ends | Council on Foreign Relations
With the expiration of New START looming, Europe braces for a world without arms control. With the loss of the traditional U.S. nuclear shield and Russia’s continued threats , Europe has little recour...
www.cfr.org
February 10, 2026 at 11:47 AM
The expiration of New START, a treaty that limited the number of nuclear warheads the U.S. and Russia could deploy on strategic systems, coincides with growing threats to European sovereignty and security—both from Russia and the United States.
New START, the last remaining treaty between the U.S. and Russia limiting nuclear weapons, expired on February 5, 2026.
Expert Erin Dumbacher spoke with 4 arms control experts on whether the end of the treaty could trigger an arms race or risk other miscalculations.
Expert Erin Dumbacher spoke with 4 arms control experts on whether the end of the treaty could trigger an arms race or risk other miscalculations.
Nukes Without Limits? A New Era After the End of New START | Council on Foreign Relations
New START expired on February 5, ending decades of U.S.-Russia cooperation to reduce each country's nuclear weapons on alert. Four arms control experts provide insight on whether the end of the treaty could trigger an arms race or risk other miscalculat...
www.cfr.org
February 9, 2026 at 10:23 PM
New START, the last remaining treaty between the U.S. and Russia limiting nuclear weapons, expired on February 5, 2026.
Expert Erin Dumbacher spoke with 4 arms control experts on whether the end of the treaty could trigger an arms race or risk other miscalculations.
Expert Erin Dumbacher spoke with 4 arms control experts on whether the end of the treaty could trigger an arms race or risk other miscalculations.
On this day in 1898, the publication of a diplomat’s confidential criticism of President McKinley helped propel the U.S. into the Spanish-American War, which marked its emergence as a world power, writes James Lindsay.
How a Stolen Letter Helped Trigger the Spanish-American War | Council on Foreign Relations
The publication of a diplomat’s confidential criticism of President William McKinley helped propel the United States into the war that marked its emergence as a world power.
www.cfr.org
February 9, 2026 at 9:30 PM
On this day in 1898, the publication of a diplomat’s confidential criticism of President McKinley helped propel the U.S. into the Spanish-American War, which marked its emergence as a world power, writes James Lindsay.
This weekend's Thai election "does call into question whether Gen Z protests in Asia or elsewhere can translate into the ballot box," writes Josh Kurlantzick.
Thai Voters Look for Stability as People's Party Implodes | Council on Foreign Relations
Bhumjaithai's mastery of constituency politics in Thailand's elections this weekend has exposed the limits of the People Party's strategy--as well as Gen Z–driven momentum for reform.
www.cfr.org
February 9, 2026 at 7:10 PM
This weekend's Thai election "does call into question whether Gen Z protests in Asia or elsewhere can translate into the ballot box," writes Josh Kurlantzick.
The costs of hosting the Olympics have skyrocketed, while the economic benefits are far from clear, leading to criticism of the host city selection process.
Here's what to know about the economics of hosting the Olympic Games—and what's being done about it:
Here's what to know about the economics of hosting the Olympic Games—and what's being done about it:
The Economics of Hosting the Olympic Games | Council on Foreign Relations
The costs of hosting the Olympics have skyrocketed, while the economic benefits are far from clear. The 2024 Paris Olympics could be a test of whether reforms to the process have made hosting a better deal.
www.cfr.org
February 9, 2026 at 5:10 PM
The costs of hosting the Olympics have skyrocketed, while the economic benefits are far from clear, leading to criticism of the host city selection process.
Here's what to know about the economics of hosting the Olympic Games—and what's being done about it:
Here's what to know about the economics of hosting the Olympic Games—and what's being done about it:
China reported that its banking system bought $100 billion in month of December.
Economics expert Brad Sester breaks down what this means.
Economics expert Brad Sester breaks down what this means.
The PBOC, The State Banks, and Backdoor Intervention | Council on Foreign Relations
A post only a true balance of payments geek, a currency trader, or a U.S. Treasury hand can love; as Paul Krugman used to say, wonkish.
www.cfr.org
February 9, 2026 at 2:21 PM
China reported that its banking system bought $100 billion in month of December.
Economics expert Brad Sester breaks down what this means.
Economics expert Brad Sester breaks down what this means.
"It has been more than a month since Operation Absolute Resolve led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, but neither President Donald Trump nor his administration have clearly outlined next steps for the country—or the United States’ involvement there," writes expert Roxanna Vigil.
Trump's Venezuela Policy Isn't Any Clearer a Month After Maduro's Capture | Council on Foreign Relations
Outside the determination to control Venezuelan oil sales, much of the Trump administration's plan for post-Maduro Venezuela seems improvised.
www.cfr.org
February 8, 2026 at 9:53 PM
"It has been more than a month since Operation Absolute Resolve led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, but neither President Donald Trump nor his administration have clearly outlined next steps for the country—or the United States’ involvement there," writes expert Roxanna Vigil.
"President Donald Trump’s repeated criticisms of U.S. allies tap into a longstanding vein of doubt in American political thinking about the value of alliances," writes expert James Lindsay.
How a Treaty With France Helped Secure American Independence | Council on Foreign Relations
The Continental Congress’s success in negotiating a military alliance with France was pivotal to the colonies’ successful effort to overthrow British rule.
www.cfr.org
February 8, 2026 at 5:31 PM
"President Donald Trump’s repeated criticisms of U.S. allies tap into a longstanding vein of doubt in American political thinking about the value of alliances," writes expert James Lindsay.
Rebecca Patterson pivoted from a career in journalism covering the financial sector to working in it.
She sat down with CFR to discuss how her days as a reporter helped her be a better financial analyst and the advice she has for young people interested in foreign policy and financial markets.
She sat down with CFR to discuss how her days as a reporter helped her be a better financial analyst and the advice she has for young people interested in foreign policy and financial markets.
How I Got My Career in Foreign Policy: Rebecca Patterson | Council on Foreign Relations
Rebecca Patterson pivoted from a career in journalism covering the financial sector to working in it. She sat down with CFR to discuss how her days as a reporter helped her be a better financial analy...
on.cfr.org
February 8, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Rebecca Patterson pivoted from a career in journalism covering the financial sector to working in it.
She sat down with CFR to discuss how her days as a reporter helped her be a better financial analyst and the advice she has for young people interested in foreign policy and financial markets.
She sat down with CFR to discuss how her days as a reporter helped her be a better financial analyst and the advice she has for young people interested in foreign policy and financial markets.
"If the 'mighty middle powers' can band together, they may not miss the era of American dominance — but Americans likely will," writes expert Max Boot.
Opinion | America is alienating what could become a superpower
If the “mighty middle powers” coordinate, they can reshape the global balance.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 7, 2026 at 10:11 PM
"If the 'mighty middle powers' can band together, they may not miss the era of American dominance — but Americans likely will," writes expert Max Boot.
"January marked the second time in as many Trump administrations that the United States has pushed to break up with the World Health Organization," write global health expert Thomas Bollyky Elena Every.
The WHO Could Mend Its U.S. Breakup By Playing the Waiting Game | Think Global Health
The World Health Organization still has a trump card to play in its contested separation with the United States
www.thinkglobalhealth.org
February 7, 2026 at 11:24 AM
"January marked the second time in as many Trump administrations that the United States has pushed to break up with the World Health Organization," write global health expert Thomas Bollyky Elena Every.
Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has called a snap election in the hopes of attracting sufficient votes to put her party, the Liberal Democratic Party, back in the majority.
"This realignment of parties has broader ramifications for governance," writes expert Sheila Smith and Chris Baylor.
"This realignment of parties has broader ramifications for governance," writes expert Sheila Smith and Chris Baylor.
Japan's 2026 Election: Political Reform | Council on Foreign Relations
Japan's age‑old frustration with money in politics and the broader push for political reform offer important insights into the issues informing the country's 2026 election.
www.cfr.org
February 6, 2026 at 9:50 PM
Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has called a snap election in the hopes of attracting sufficient votes to put her party, the Liberal Democratic Party, back in the majority.
"This realignment of parties has broader ramifications for governance," writes expert Sheila Smith and Chris Baylor.
"This realignment of parties has broader ramifications for governance," writes expert Sheila Smith and Chris Baylor.
The New START nuclear arms control agreement between Russia and the United States expired on February 5 with no deal by the Trump administration to accept President Vladimir Putin’s proposed 1-year extension.
Trace the history of U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control in this timeline:
Trace the history of U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control in this timeline:
U.S.-Russia Nuclear Arms Control | Council on Foreign Relations
1949 – 2026
The nuclear arms race was perhaps the most alarming feature of the Cold War competition between the United States and Soviet Union. Over the decades, the two sides signed various arms cont...
www.cfr.org
February 6, 2026 at 5:54 PM
The New START nuclear arms control agreement between Russia and the United States expired on February 5 with no deal by the Trump administration to accept President Vladimir Putin’s proposed 1-year extension.
Trace the history of U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control in this timeline:
Trace the history of U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control in this timeline:
A U.S. strategic turn inward is alienating the Indo-Pacific, straining ties with Japan, India, and others—and leaving Asian allies questioning Washington’s reliability, argues Southeast Asia expert Josh Kurlantzick.
Trump Is Abandoning the United States’ Indo-Pacific Partners | Council on Foreign Relations
A U.S. strategic turn inward is alienating the Indo-Pacific, straining ties with Japan, India, and others, and leaving Asian allies questioning Washington’s reliability.
www.cfr.org
February 6, 2026 at 1:41 PM
A U.S. strategic turn inward is alienating the Indo-Pacific, straining ties with Japan, India, and others—and leaving Asian allies questioning Washington’s reliability, argues Southeast Asia expert Josh Kurlantzick.
The United States cannot out-mine and out-process China, argue Heidi Crebo-Rediker and Mahnaz Khan in a new report.
Instead, it should leapfrog China’s dominance by scaling disruptive innovation, recovery, and recycling, they write.
Instead, it should leapfrog China’s dominance by scaling disruptive innovation, recovery, and recycling, they write.
Leapfrogging China’s Critical Minerals Dominance | Council on Foreign Relations
The United States cannot out-mine and out-process China. Instead, it should leapfrog China’s dominance by scaling disruptive innovation, recovery, and recycling.
www.cfr.org
February 5, 2026 at 7:21 PM
The United States cannot out-mine and out-process China, argue Heidi Crebo-Rediker and Mahnaz Khan in a new report.
Instead, it should leapfrog China’s dominance by scaling disruptive innovation, recovery, and recycling, they write.
Instead, it should leapfrog China’s dominance by scaling disruptive innovation, recovery, and recycling, they write.
"The political dynamics in Washington on foreign policy as well as domestic policy will obviously look much different if one or both houses of Congress go blue in November," writes expert James Lindsay.
Midterm Elections Are Nine Months Away | Council on Foreign Relations
Divided government seems likely to return to Washington next January.
www.cfr.org
February 5, 2026 at 1:46 PM
"The political dynamics in Washington on foreign policy as well as domestic policy will obviously look much different if one or both houses of Congress go blue in November," writes expert James Lindsay.
Washington’s latest diplomatic overtures to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger send the wrong message about U.S. tolerance of bad behavior in the region, argues Africa expert Ebenezer Obadare.
A Dubious Turn in the Sahel | Council on Foreign Relations
Washington’s latest diplomatic overtures to the three junta-led Sahelian states send the wrong message about U.S. tolerance of bad behavior in the region.
www.cfr.org
February 4, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Washington’s latest diplomatic overtures to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger send the wrong message about U.S. tolerance of bad behavior in the region, argues Africa expert Ebenezer Obadare.
"An ever more formidable, authoritarian China remains determined to replace the United States as the leading nation in Asia and eventually the world. The need for an effective U.S. grand strategy to deal with that threat, among others, is accordingly urgent,” argues Robert D. Blackwill in a report:
America Revived | Council on Foreign Relations
Executive Summary The United States faces the most dangerous international circumstances since the end of World War II, and perhaps in its history. An ever more formidable, authoritarian China remains...
www.cfr.org
February 4, 2026 at 3:03 PM
"An ever more formidable, authoritarian China remains determined to replace the United States as the leading nation in Asia and eventually the world. The need for an effective U.S. grand strategy to deal with that threat, among others, is accordingly urgent,” argues Robert D. Blackwill in a report: