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US Foreign Policy

How the United States Can Once Again Lead on Human Rights

In the News
Foreign Policy
Suzanne Nossel

"Civic pluralism offers an entry point to repair relationships, restore credibility, and demonstrate Washington’s readiness to help the world tackle common challenges," Council Lester Crown Senior Nonresident Fellow Suzanne Nossel writes in Foreign Policy.

A large United States flag
Julio Cortez / AP
US Foreign Policy

Trump and Xi Agree on "Constructive Strategic Stability," But Differ on What It Means

Analysis
by Paul Heer

Prospects for positive breakthroughs and stabilization of the US-China relationship will remain limited as long as the two sides are focused more on maneuvering for advantage than on working to define the concept.

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping walk along the Colonnade of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington.
Jacquelyn Martin / AP
US Foreign Policy

The Case for Talking to China Is Not a Case for Détente

Analysis
by Evan Medeiros

Summits, like this week’s between Trump and Xi, are never cost-free.

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping shake hands as first lady Melania Trump and China's first lady Peng Liyuan watch, after visiting the National Archives Museum, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Washington.
Julia Demaree / AP
US Foreign Policy

Trump's Meeting with Xi Reveals Limits of Personalistic Foreign Policy

Analysis
by Raymond C. Kuo

The two leaders left the US-China summit without any agreement on technology competition, trade, or Taiwan.

President Donald Trump, from right, and first lady Melania Trump attend a tea with China's President Xi Jinping, from left, and his wife Peng Liyuan in the Red Room of the White House, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Washington.
Jacquelyn Martin / AP
US Foreign Policy

Russia Tests NATO with Aggressive Tactics in Europe

In the News
PBS News Compass Points
Julianne Smith

Key European leaders are sounding the alarm over Russian aggression, warning that Vladimir Putin is planning attacks aimed at testing NATO’s security alliance. Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses those concerns with the Council's Julianne Smith and other experts.

A person speaks on camera US Foreign Policy

Never Mind Trump—If Europe Wants to Save NATO, It Must Win Over the American People

In the News
The Guardian
Leslie Vinjamuri

"At a moment when Europe is focused on persuading Donald Trump to remain committed to NATO, it needs to convince Americans, too," Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri writes.

A group photo of NATO heads of state and government at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey US Foreign Policy

New World Order: Can Canada and Europe Take on Trump?

In the News
Channel 4 News
Leslie Vinjamuri

In this episode of the Fourcast, Leslie Vinjamuri joins to discuss what Canada’s closer ties with the EU could mean—from tighter trade and defense to what Mark Carney calls 'a beacon for other democracies.'

Screenshot of three people on a virtual call US Foreign Policy

The Next Defining Moment of the Iran War

Analysis
by Ariane Tabatabai

As the midterm elections approach, the Trump administration has realized its strategy isn’t working. Will economic measures succeed where military operations failed?

A woman waves an Iranian flag during a pro-government gathering at a square in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
Vahid Salemi / AP
US Foreign Policy

Trump v the World: Is His Economic War Backfiring as Canada and China Escalate?

In the News
Channel 4 News
Leslie Vinjamuri

In another bid to force Iran to succumb to his will, Trump has launched Operation Economic Outcast against Iran—but is it America that is becoming the international pariah? Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri joins the discussion.

Screenshot of someone speaking on screen Global Economy

Rash: US Allies Are Assets. Treat Them That Way.

In the News
The Minnesota Star Tribune
Raymond C. Kuo

Vice President of Research for Geostrategy and Diplomacy Raymond Kuo asks, “If you’re not even willing to do an exercise with a country you’re formally allied to, are you going to show up when North Korea starts firing missiles at South Koreans?”

President Donald Trump meets with Kim Jong Un on June 12, 2018: Trump said earlier this week the U.S. would scale down its annual military exercises with South Korea in deference to his “very good relationship” with the North Korean leader.
Evan Vucci / AP
Geopolitics