The Strategic Challenges of the US Military Campaign Against Iran

Analysis
by Rachel Bronson

US President Donald Trump has called for regime change, the destruction of Iranian military capability, and the degradation of proxy groups. But an operation with multiple goals carries greater risk.

A motorcycle drives past a picture of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along an empty street in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, March 1, 2026, following the confirmed death of Khamenei in U.S. and Israeli strikes.
Vahid Salemi / AP
US Foreign Policy

In Iran, Trump Abandons a US Strategy of Coercive Diplomacy

Analysis
by Leslie Vinjamuri

The United States and Israel attacked Iran, signaling a departure from nuclear negotiations.

Smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
AP Photo
US Foreign Policy

The Deeper Consequences of Trump's Tariff Strategy

Analysis
by Jim O'Neill

Even before the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn most of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, historic allies had begun actively exploring economic relationships with other nations.

President Donald Trump departs after signing an executive order at an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden of the White House, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Washington.
Evan Vucci / AP
Global Economy

How the US Public Sees the State of the Union Amid Worsening Global Tensions

Analysis
by Dina Smeltz

Recent surveys show a rise in American skepticism of the Trump administration’s approach to domestic and foreign policy. The Council explores where they stand on the economy, immigration, alliances, and more.

The chamber of the House of Representatives is seen at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Feb. 3, 2020, as it is prepared for President Donald Trump to give his State of the Union address Tuesday night
J. Scott Applewhite / AP
Public Opinion

The Ukraine War, Already One of Modern Europe's Longest, Has No End in Sight

Analysis
by Paul Poast

Four years into the conflict, the battle lines have barely moved and peace remains elusive.

Smoke rises from the Cabinet of Ministers building after a Russian strike in Kyiv
Evgeniy Maloletka / AP
Defense and Security

From Munich to the Board of Peace, the Trump Administration Struggles to Reassure its Transatlantic Partners; The Supreme Court Pushes Back  

Analysis
by Leslie Vinjamuri

The United States and Europe are scrambling to reform their partnership. It is an open question as to whether the transatlantic partnership can continue to be an anchor for international order as the rest of the world presses rapidly ahead.

President Donald Trumpl listens during a Board of Peace meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace
Mark Schiefelbein / AP
US Foreign Policy

A Healthier Alternative to Trump's Tariff Obsession

Analysis
by Jim O'Neill

The US Supreme Court struck down US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. History offers a potential path forward for the economy.

President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden
Mark Schiefelbein / AP
Global Economy

A New and Dangerous Era for US-China Ties

Analysis
by Evan Medeiros

With Washington prioritizing deal-making over competition, Beijing’s confidence is growing—and the risk of miscalculation is rising. Could China use America’s time-out from strategic competition to surpass it economically, technologically, and geopolitically?

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk in front of people waving American and Chinese flags
Andrew Harnik / AP
US Foreign Policy

Olympic Officials Want the Games to Be Politically Neutral—Can They Be?

Analysis
by Alexander Cooley

By barring Russian athletes from competing under the Russian flag, the International Olympic Committee demonstrated its power as a global norm-maker. Now, sporting federation leaders are seeking to distance their games from geopolitics.

Ukraine's Vladyslav Heraskevych holds up his crash helmet during a press conference following a skeleton training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026.
Steve Moore / AP
Global Politics

What Takaichi's Win Means for Japan's Foreign Policy Priorities

Analysis
by Craig Kafura

With her party now holding a majority in the Lower House, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi turns to managing Japan's relationships with the United States, China, and Korea.

President Donald Trump, with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, speaks to members of the military aboard the USS George Washington, an aircraft carrier docked at an American naval base, in Yokosuka, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025.
Mark Schiefelbein / AP
Global Politics