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BACKGROUNDERS
Current political and economic issues succinctly explained.
Updated: February 23, 2010
Debating global warming policy has moved to the top of agendas worldwide, but some skeptics still question whether action is necessary or possible.
See more in Energy/Environment, Climate Change
February 17, 2010
The Obama administration says its 2009 stimulus package saved jobs and boosted growth, but Republicans and some economists worry it dampened consumer and business spending and added to long-term debt.
See more in Economics, U.S. Strategy and Politics
February 10, 2010
Peru has avoided the development problems seen in other extraction-dependent economies, but experts say the country faces governance hurdles, especially on the environment.
See more in Peru, Energy/Environment, Natural Resources Management
February 1, 2010
Financial pressures have weakened al-Qaeda's tactical abilities, but analysts say affiliated networks are finding new ways to raise and spend money, complicating efforts to squeeze a savvy foe.
See more in Middle East, Terrorist Organizations, Terrorist Financing
January 22, 2010
The global financial crisis prompted Congress to press for stronger U.S. financial regulations. But experts debate what level of government involvement will help the economy long term.
See more in United States, Financial Crises
January 20, 2010
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.
See more in United States, Health, Science, and Technology
Updated: January 14, 2010
A profile of the Pakistani militant group India blames for some of the most severe terror attacks it has suffered in recent years, including the Mumbai assault of November 2008.
See more in Pakistan, Terrorist Organizations
Updated: January 14, 2010
Interest in nuclear power is increasing, but securing adequate uranium supplies for nuclear fuel faces challenges ranging from a flagging mining sector to fears of nuclear weapons proliferation.
See more in United States, Arms Industries and Trade, Energy, Natural Resources Management
Updated: January 11, 2010
Despite changes in both U.S. and Cuban leadership since early 2008, experts do not anticipate any normalization of U.S.-Cuba relations in the near to medium term.
Updated December 21, 2009
Loss of forests is a major contributor to greenhouse-gas emissions. Plans to devise a policy tool for using trees for carbon dioxide sequestration are now under way.
See more in United States, Energy/Environment, Natural Resources Management
Access CFR's high-level on-the-record discussions—with world leaders, U.S. government officials, CEOs, policy analysts, and others—through select videos, audio recordings, and unedited transcripts at the following links:
What is likely to be the most interesting development in international politics over the next decade? All undergraduates are invited to respond in the inaugural Foreign Affairs essay contest.
In Paradise Beneath Her Feet, Isobel Coleman shows how Muslim women and men are fighting back with progressive interpretations of Islam to support women's rights in a growing movement of Islamic feminism.
In this compelling book, Charles A. Kupchan explores how adversaries can transform enmity into amity, and exposes prevalent myths about the causes of peace.
With the insights of geopolitical experts and investors, the authors examine Israel's adversity-driven culture to offer prescriptions for a global economy on the rebound.
Complete list of CFR Books
Bronwyn E. Bruton takes on one of today's most vexing foreign policy challenges, offering concise analysis and thoughtful recommendations grounded in a realistic assessment of U.S. and international interests and capabilities in Somalia.
James M. Goldgeier takes a sober look at what NATO and its members must do to maintain the alliance's relevance in the face of today's strategic environment.
Complete list of Council Special Reports
The report of this bipartisan Task Force makes the case that maintaining America's political and economic leadership depends on attracting talented and hard-working immigrants, and on securing the country's borders in a smart, effective, and humane way.
This report makes recommendations on how to ensure the safety, security, and reliability of the U.S. deterrent nuclear force, prevent nuclear terrorism, and strengthen the nuclear nonproliferation regime.
About Independent Task Forces at CFR
Complete list of Task Force reports
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