The Chicago Council for Global Affairs

Millennial and Generation Z Americans have come of age during a time of technological change, economic upheaval, and strategic overreach.

Trump celebrated his 80th birthday with a UFC fight and a preliminary deal with Iran, kicking off a 60-day clock for negotiations.

Trump called Xi his “friend” during a May summit in Beijing. But that doesn’t mean the two leaders see eye to eye.

With the tournament set to kick off at a moment of geopolitical strain, authoritarian powers are seizing an opportunity.

Alliances have long been one of America's greatest strategic advantages. At 250, the United States must redefine its partnerships for a transformed geopolitical and technological era.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is up for review in 2026. In its pursuit of a strong economy, the United States would be smart to renew its trade partnership with its North American neighbors.

Since the days before its independence, America has gone to the extremes of foreign economic policy.

Recent history suggests that when the United States leads, others follow. And when it retreats, others take cover.

"By demonstrating how AI can render democracies more efficient and better able to deliver, the United States can offer a counterweight to China’s authoritarian efficacy," Council Lester Crown Senior Nonresident Fellow Suzanne Nossel writes.

"Once you start a conflict, you don't always end it on your terms," Council Vice President of Research on Security and Defense Ariane Tabatabai tells The Daily Blast podcast.

"It’s hard for politicians to look past the next election," Council Senior Nonresident Fellow Cécile Shea tells Today, Explained. "But we should also be thinking about what kind of relationship we want with Cuba 15 years from now."