Results for:
America at 250

Why 'America First' Has Prevailed—Despite Public Opinion

Analysis
by Bruce W. Jentleson

American public opinion is increasingly at odds with US President Donald Trump’s approach to foreign policy. Fifty years of Chicago Council on Global Affairs polling reveals why the "America First" agenda has prevailed—and where it might break down.

The U.S. Capitol is seen from the base of the Washington Monument shortly before sunset, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, in Washington.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson / AP
America at 250

The American Political Environment Is Ripe for a New Foreign Policy Vision

Analysis
by Jordan Tama

Fifty years of Chicago Council on Global Affairs polling reveals significant reservoirs of cross-party agreement and a strong base of public support for a more cooperative approach to world affairs.

An early morning pedestrian is silhouetted against sunrise as he walks through the U.S. Flags on the National Mall and past the US Capitol Building in Washington.
J. David Ake / AP
America at 250

Perhaps the Pendulum Will Swing Back

Analysis
by Daniel W. Drezner

Since the days before its independence, America has gone to the extremes of foreign economic policy.

The US Capitol building pictured in the reflection on water
Jacquelyn Martin / AP
US Foreign Policy

America: The Prodigal Friend

Analysis
by Suzanne Nossel

As it prepares to turn 250, the once-respected nation is becoming harder to recognize. Yet America retains the capacity for reinvention.

Two people shake hands
Markus Schreiber / AP
US Foreign Policy

Geography, Choice, and Power Will Define America's Future

Analysis
by Craig Kafura

As it enters its 250th year, the United States faces an international political system it can neither dominate nor disregard. American leaders will have to do something they have long resisted: learn how to actually play the game.

A man walks into a merchandise store displaying Chinese and United States' national flags
Andy Wong / AP
US Foreign Policy

Even in Retreat, America Will Remain Globally Consequential

Analysis
by Alexander Cooley

The world will continue to watch the outcomes of US elections, cultural conflicts, and social protests, which will shape global debates about justice, identity, education, and democratic possibility.

A person in a crowd holds a pole with the American flag hung upside down
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Global Politics

The World Is Going Electric, with or Without the United States

Analysis
by Joshua Busby

As the current administration tries to hold back the tide on energy innovation, China is dominating in the production and sale of clean technologies.

Solar panels sit on a hillside
Sam McNeil / AP
Tech and Science

The Unshared Futures of the United States and Europe

Analysis
by Armida van Rij

America and Europe have been bound together for more than 250 years. Whose ideology will define their future?

An American flag and an European Union flag fly in a night sky
Virginia Mayo / AP
US Foreign Policy

America at 250: A Nation Under God?

Analysis
by Ariel Schwartz

There has long been a mutual imbrication of Christian values and ideals with US foreign policy. Through “America Prays,” Trump is doubling down.

A person wears a hat saying "God Bless America" on the rim
Oliver de Ros / AP
US Foreign Policy

Clarity, Not Volatility, Should Define America's Posture in the World

Analysis
by Paul Staniland

The unipolar moment is over. In its 250th year, the United States must establish a more workable balance between stability and flexibility to safeguard its global position.

A crowd of protestors holding signs with various messages
Jose Luis Magana / AP
US Foreign Policy