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

What China Wants and Why: Taiwan, North Korea, and Bipolarity

Analysis
by Evan Medeiros

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

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and his wife Peng Liyuan arrive at the airport in Pyongyang, Monday, June 8, 2026.
Korean Central News Agency / Korea News Service via AP
Global Politics

The Iran War's Rising Price Tag

In the News
The New Republic
Ariane Tabatabai

"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.

President Donald Trump departs from making remarks on the Iran war
Alex Brandon / Pool via AP
US Foreign Policy

G7 Summit 2026: China, Trade, and Economic Security

Podcast
Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

As the G7 prepares to meet, economic security is becoming harder to ignore. Mathieu Duchâtel explains what's behind the push to make supply chains more resilient and where the biggest challenges remain.

Macron
Tom Nicholson / POOL REUTERS
Global Economy

The Challenges of Charting a New Order

Analysis
by Raymond C. Kuo

At 250, America is attempting to redefine its position in the global system. Can it convince others to follow?

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.
Alex Brandon / AP
US Foreign Policy

Will America Be Back?

Analysis
by Ariane Tabatabai

Allies are not planning for the return of a past iteration of the United States. It would behoove Americans to start doing the same.

President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
Matt Rourke / AP
US Foreign Policy

At 250, America Faces a Global Hunger Test

Analysis
by Ertharin Cousin

How the United States shows up in the world matters. Nowhere is that more evident than in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.

Food items wait to be packaged and distributed at a Feeding America food bank
Michael Clubb / AP
Food and Agriculture

Israel and Iran Halt Fire amid Standoff over Lebanon

In the News
CNN
Leslie Vinjamuri

The recent strikes could complicate US efforts to negotiate a deal with Tehran, Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri tells CNN. "This sort of escalatory violence, if there's a return to that, it gets that much more difficult."

Leslie Vinjamuri speaks with a CNN journalist Defense and Security

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a Pitch for Global Politics

Analysis
by Coauthors

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

AT&T Stadium, where upcoming World Cup soccer matches are scheduled to be played
Tony Gutierrez / AP
Global Politics