A New Era of Competition Is Here. What Will Define the Winners?

In the News
World Economic Forum
Leslie Vinjamuri

The most successful leaders of the next decade "will be innovators, capable of thinking and acting outside the box and of working around institutions that are no longer fit for purpose," Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri writes.

A globe in motion
Kin Cheung / AP
Global Politics

Don’t Let China Stack the Deck

In the News
Foreign Policy
Suzanne Nossel

"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.

Artificial Intelligence robots demonstrate working on power grid control units in China
Andy Wong / AP
Tech and Science

The Iran Deal Reveals the Limits of American Power 

Analysis
by Leslie Vinjamuri

The desire to unlock the Strait of Hormuz will continue to focus the mind of the United States and its allies. 

Tankers and cargo vessels are seen in the Gulf of Oman, along shipping routes linking the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea, Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
AP Photo
US Foreign Policy

Saudi Arabi and the US: A Marriage of Convenience Under Strain

In the News
ABC Radio National
Rachel Bronson

Lester Crown Senior Nonresident Fellow Rachel Bronson joins the Rear Vision podcast to unpack the highs and lows of US-Saudi relations.

American and Saudi Arabia flags
Jacquelyn Martin / AP
US Foreign Policy

Summer Davos: What Does China Want?

Podcast
Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

What does China want from the global economy? As leaders gather for this year's Summer Davos meeting, The Economist's Simon Rabinovitch explains what Beijing is trying to achieve and why the world is paying attention.

China Robots
Andy Wong / AP
Global Economy

Can a Trade Deal Steady the US-India Relationship?

In the News
India Today
Craig Kafura

"If they work through the trade deal and get something signed, I think that would be a sign of real progress," Council Director of Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Craig Kafura tells India Today.

Craig Kafura speaks on India Today alongside graphics Global Politics

Trumpism and TikTok: The Factors Shaping Young Americans’ Foreign Policy Views

Analysis
by Coauthors

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

teens hold their cell phones
Rick Rycroft / AP
Public Opinion

The United States and Iran Reach a Deal but Agree to Little

Analysis
by Ariane Tabatabai

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

The Jordan flagged cargo ship "Baghdad" sails in Persian Gulf towards Strait of Hormuz in United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
AP Photo
US Foreign Policy

The G7’s Overriding Goal: Getting Through

Analysis
by Leslie Vinjamuri

Despite geopolitical turmoil, France is using the G7 to ensure Europe remains relevant as the United States and China pursue further bilateral diplomacy.

A French police officer walks past G7 logos in Evian-les-Bains
Baz Ratner / AP
Global Politics

In Iran, America’s Military Readiness Takes a Costly Hit

Analysis
by Ariane Tabatabai

From Venezuela to the Middle East, the Trump administration has not hesitated to use force. But even the world’s most powerful military has its limits.

Military hardware is paraded in Washington to commemorate the Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations.
Jose Luis Magana / AP
Defense and Security