In Iran, America’s Military Readiness Takes a Costly Hit

Analysis
by Ariane Tabatabai

From Venezuela to the Middle East, the Trump administration has not hesitated to use force. But even the world’s most powerful military has its limits.

Military hardware is paraded in Washington to commemorate the Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations.
Jose Luis Magana / AP
Defense and Security

What China Wants and Why: Taiwan, North Korea, and Bipolarity

Analysis
by Evan Medeiros

Trump called Xi his “friend” during a May summit in Beijing. But that doesn’t mean the two leaders see eye to eye.

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and his wife Peng Liyuan arrive at the airport in Pyongyang, Monday, June 8, 2026.
Korean Central News Agency / Korea News Service via AP
Global Politics

G7 Summit 2026: China, Trade, and Economic Security

Podcast
Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

As the G7 prepares to meet, economic security is becoming harder to ignore. Mathieu Duchâtel explains what's behind the push to make supply chains more resilient and where the biggest challenges remain.

Macron
Tom Nicholson / POOL REUTERS
Global Economy

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