Built, Not Given: America at 250

Analysis
by Leslie Vinjamuri

My reflections from the Council's America at 250 Global Forum on the sources that fueled American power and influence and what is now at stake.

A photo of the Council's America at 250 Global Forum Sign US Foreign Policy

The United States Chose Not to Renew the USMCA. What Happens Next?

Analysis
by Julián Ventura

The trilateral trade deal with Mexico and Canada remains in place for now, but the decision raises questions about North America’s economic future.

Trucks line up to cross the border into the United States
Gregory Bull / AP
Global Economy

Can America Still Lead at 250—or Is the World Moving On?

Podcast
Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

As America turns 250, its allies are asking new questions about US leadership. Mark Urban discusses what's changing, what comes next, and what it means for America's role in the world.

US Capitol
Mariam Zuhaib / AP
US Foreign Policy

NATO 3.0: A Tagline in Search of a Concept

In the News
Lawfare
Ariane Tabatabai

"Implementing NATO 3.0 in any meaningful sense requires the administration to name the threat that the alliance exists to deter," Council Vice President of Research for Security and Defense Ariane Tabatabai and John Drennan write.

NATO and US flags wave in the wind outside NATO headquarters in Brussels
Virginia Mayo / AP
US Foreign Policy

Beyond Defense Spending: What's at Stake for NATO in Ankara

Analysis
by Coauthors

Ahead of the 2026 NATO Summit, Council experts examine deeper fractures over threat perception, alliance trust, and Washington's commitment.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks after a meeting of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels
Virginia Mayo / AP
Global Politics

Iran Talks Resume in Qatar: What’s Next?

In the News
Fox 32 Chicago
Leslie Vinjamuri

" Iran would like to see this an integrated peace process, that the ceasefire in Lebanon between Lebanon and Israel needs to be part of the overall deal," Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri says. "That is going to continue to be one of the major blocks to this next phase."

Leslie Vinjamuri appears in studio at Fox 32 US Foreign Policy

Trump Isn’t Actually Abandoning the UN System

In the News
Foreign Policy
Suzanne Nossel

"Despite open enmity toward multilateral institutions, the Trump administration finds itself turning back to these bodies to handle crises, distribute funds, and shoulder burdens," Council Lester Crown Senior Nonresident Fellow Suzanne Nossel writes.

 Donald Trump addresses the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly
Mary Altaffer / AP
US Foreign Policy

UN Agency Pauses Evacuation of Ships Through the Strait of Hormuz After Attack on Vessel

In the News
WTTW
Ariane Tabatabai

Council Vice President of Research Ariane Tabatabai joins "Chicago Tonight" to discuss the war in Iran.

Ariane Tabatabai appears on WTTW. US Foreign Policy

Deep Dish Live: David Sanger on Trump's Phone Call, Iran Deal, and What Comes Next

Podcast
Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

President Trump called NYT’s David Sanger directly to talk about the Iran deal. He shares with us what he learned from those conversations and what he's watching next.

David Sanger
Ana Miyares Photography
US Foreign Policy

Why the US Shouldn't Dismiss Taiwan's Cheng Li-Wun

In the News
The National Interest
Paul Heer

The KMT leader’s recent visit to the United States underscores how rigid US-Taiwan policy has become, Council Senior Nonresident Fellow Paul Heer writes.

Cheng Li-wun speaks to reporters in Washington, DC
Mark Schiefelbein / AP
Global Politics