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Latest | Global Insight

How America's Retreat from Refugee Protection Undermines Global Stability

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Global Insight by John Slocum

In reshaping its approach to asylum and refugee resettlement, the United States is signaling a departure from the principles it once championed and risking erosion of international norms.

A Central American migrant woman cries in frustration before being removed by police from a house controlled by human smugglers, to transfer her and other occupants to a government shelter from which they will be returned to their native country, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Saturday, July 3, 2021.
Christian Chavez / AP
Migration

Can the US Reduce its Dependence on China for Critical Minerals?

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Global Insight by Karl Friedhoff

Critical minerals are central to innovation and security. The United States is dependent on China for them. Karl Friedhoff explains why that is becoming a problem.

A person holding refined tellurium at the Rio Tinto Kennecott refinery in Magna, Utah.
Rick Bowmer / AP
Tech and Science

Will the Gaza Ceasefire Last? What History Tells Us About Making Peace Stick

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Global Insight by Bruce W. Jentleson

Bruce W. Jentleson analyzes the promise of the latest deal, the roles played by global leaders, and the importance of the human element in fostering peace.

People observe buildings that were destroyed during the Israeli ground and air operations in the northern of Gaza Strip as they visit a sightseeing area in Sderot, southern Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025.
Leo Correa / AP
US Foreign Policy

At UNGA, Trump's Rejection of Multilateralism Takes Center Stage

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Global Insight by Thomas G. Weiss

While we have been here before, the financial and political standing of the world organization and multilateral cooperation have reached a new nadir in Washington.

President Donald Trump delivers his address at UNGA 2025.
AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura
Global Politics

The UN is Turning 80. Is It Still Relevant?

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Global Insight by Coauthors

From peace and security to climate and technology, Council experts weigh in on whether the United Nations can still deliver on its founding mission.

United Nations metal logo sign
John Angelillo / AP
Global Politics

Lee Touted South Korea as 'Pacemaker' in US-North Korea Relations—Why That Matters

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Global Insight by Karl Friedhoff

In a meeting with Trump, South Korea’s president named his intention for the nation to serve as the beating heart of diplomatic relations in the region.

US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung sitting in a meeting.
Alex Brandon / AP
US Foreign Policy

Ten Global Affairs Reads of 2024

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Global Insight by Paul Poast

Nonresident Fellow Paul Poast shares his top 10 book recommendations of 2024.

A person wearing a backpack browses shelves at a bookstore.
Darwin Vegher
US Foreign Policy

Can You Get Rid of Forever Chemicals? More Countries are Finding Out

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Global Insight by Hope O'Dell

While many PFAS chemicals are unregulated worldwide, more countries are acting to limit them, since they have been found in soil, water, and even people’s bloodstreams.

An illustration of an egg shaped like a beaker in a frying pan
Elizabeth Sokolich
Tech and Science

Why Are There Logos on Foreign Aid?

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Global Insight by Coauthors

As organizations fight for funding and countries vie for international clout, the “soft power” move behind branded aid is beginning to show.

Collage aid organization logos
Lizzie Sokolich with AP photos
Global Economy

How Much US Land Do China and Other Countries Really Own?

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Global Insight by Coauthors

As of 2021, China owned less than 1% of all foreign-held land in the U.S. Canada, by contrast, held more than the entire area of Vermont and New Hampshire combined.

An illustration of an aerial view of farm land
Lizzie Sokolich
Global Economy