What the New World Screwworm Outbreak Reveals About US Agricultural Security

Analysis
by Deborah Rosenblum

The parasite's reappearance for the first time in decades is emblematic of broader vulnerabilities in the agricultural sector.

Cattle graze near a sterile fly dispersal station placed by the US Department of Agriculture to combat the spread of the New World screwworm
Eric Gay / AP
Food and Agriculture

What a Road Trip Across America Reveals About the Country Today

Podcast
Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

From Sing Sing prison to Mar-a-Lago, The Economist's John Prideaux traveled across the country to find out what America looks like at 250.

US Flags
Julie Jacobson / AP
US Foreign Policy

ā€˜Iran Is Turning to Old Tactics and the US Is Taking the Bait'

In the News
CNN
Leslie Vinjamuri

Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri speaks with Christiane Amanpour about what options are on the table as the US-Iran ceasefire crumbles.

Christiane Amanpour and Leslie Vinjamuri US Foreign Policy

How Russia's War on Ukraine is Reshaping Europe's Defense Strategy

Analysis
by Armida van Rij

The conflict offers lessons for how to bolster European security with less support from the United States.

A Ukrainian serviceman shoots towards a drone during training at the polygon, in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine.
Andriy Andriyenko / AP
Defense and Security

What the Defense Industry Discussed at the NATO Summit

Analysis
by Coauthors

North American and European industry representatives met in Ankara to discuss how to enhance the alliance’s capabilities through increased production, cooperation, and joint procurement.

Participants walk near displays during the NATO Defense Industry Forum
Hussein Malla / AP
Defense and Security

President Trump Says Ceasefire with Iran is Over. What Happens Next?

In the News
NPR
Ariane Tabatabai

"Ultimately, I don't think that either the United States or Iran wants to return to March, when we had large-scale operations," says Council Vice President of Research for Security and Defense Ariane Tabatabai. "And so this, in my mind, is the new steady state for the foreseeable future."

President Donald Trump speaks during a media conference at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
Emrah Gurel / AP
US Foreign Policy

Trump Threatens More Iran Strikes

In the News
Bloomberg
Leslie Vinjamuri

Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri joined Bloomberg Open Interest to explain why President Trump's latest Iran threats are aimed at gaining negotiating leverage rather than launching a full-scale war.

Leslie Vinjamuri appears on Bloomberg Open Interest. US Foreign Policy

NATO's Most Complicated Member: Turkey

Podcast
Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

As NATO adapts to wars in Europe and the Middle East, Turkey is becoming harder to ignore. Aslı Aydıntaşbaş explains how Turkey is balancing its alliances, expanding its influence, and positioning itself as a middle power.

Erdogan
Hussein Malla / AP
Defense and Security

What a Le Pen Presidency Could Mean for France, Europe, and NATO

Analysis
by Ariane Tabatabai

Far-right National Rally party leader Marine Le Pen has joined the French presidential race. Her victory would spark a complete departure fromĀ French foreign policy under Macron.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen walks outside the courtroom during a short break in her appeals trial in Paris, on Jan. 20, 2026.
Michel Euler / AP
Global Politics

Inside the NATO Summit in Ankara: Ukraine, Iran, and Turkey's F-35 Bid

Analysis
by Ariane Tabatabai

From Turkey's F-35 ambitions to Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump, Council expert Ariane Tabatabai unpacks how burden sharing, Ukraine's evolving role, and unresolved tensions over Iran shaped this year's summit.

A member of protocol arranges U.S. flags prior to a media conference at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Hussein Malla / AP
Global Politics