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

What North American Publics Expect from the 2026 World Cup

BLOG
Running Numbers by Craig Kafura

Americans and Mexicans think the tournament will be economically beneficial, while Canadians are concerned about costs.

Fans arrive for the announcement of the United States men's national soccer team roster
Eduardo Munoz Alvarez / AP
Public Opinion

Can Middle Powers Make the US-Led G20 Relevant?

Analysis
by Leslie Vinjamuri

The forum combines middle powers ambition with great power access. But the US presidency promises a narrow agenda and unpredictable leadership.

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stand as leaders pose for a group photo, on the opening day of the G20 Leaders' Summit, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.
Yves Herman / AP
US Foreign Policy

What a Snap Election Could Mean for Israel and Netanyahu

Analysis
by Joel Braunold

Disputes within the Knesset over a military draft bill could prompt a change in Israel's leadership. What would it take to get there?

Israeli lawmakers in the Israeli parliament, during a session considering a bill to dissolve the government in Jerusalem, Wednesday, May 20,2026.
Ohad Zwigenberg / AP
Global Politics

Rise of Middle Powers: 'A New Order Is Gradually Being Born'

Podcast
Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

The US and China dominate the conversation about global power, but they aren't the whole story. Anne-Marie Slaughter explains why middle powers may play a bigger role in shaping what comes next.

WEF Carney
Markus Schreiber / AP
Global Politics

Secretary Marco Rubio Testifies Before Congress

In the News
BBC News
Leslie Vinjamuri

"Secretary Rubio is in an incredibly difficult position of trying to articulate a strategy for ending the war when there is no good strategy for ending the war," Council President & CEO Leslie Vinjamuri tells BBC News.

Leslie Vinjamuri speaks on BBC News. US Foreign Policy