Upcoming Events

September 11 and the Remaking of American National Security

Hybrid EVENT

Lieutenant General Frank Kearney (Ret.) and Ari Tabatabai reflect on how the post-9/11 era transformed American warfare and continues to shape US national security 25 years later.

The Tribute in Light shines above a reflecting pool at the National September 11 Memorial in New York City on September 11, 2012.
Mark Lennihan / AP
Sep
17

The State of American Opinion: The 2026 Chicago Council Survey

Hybrid EVENT

John Lapinski and Dina Smeltz unpack what the results of the 2026 Chicago Council survey tell us about Americans’ foreign policy priorities heading into the midterms.

Voters cast their ballots at a polling station in Olbrich Gardens in Madison, WI on August 11, 2026.
Nam Y. Huh / AP
Oct
1

Past Events

Roundtable with Kentucky Senator Rand Paul

PAST EVENT

Kentucky Senator Rand Paul joins the Council for a private roundtable discussion on US foreign policy priorities.

Photo of Rand Paul
Stephanie Scarbrough / AP

After US-Israel Strikes: What Comes Next for Iran and the Region?

PAST EVENT VIDEO
Rapid Response

A live stream with Lisa Anderson, Daniel Byman, and Leslie Vinjamuri on the emerging developments following the joint US-Israel coordinated strikes on Iran.

US Missile Strike
US Central Command / AP

Commentary

The Next Defining Moment of the Iran War

Analysis
by Ariane Tabatabai

Six months into the war against Iran, the Trump administration has realized its strategy isn’t working. Will economic measures succeed where military operations failed?

A woman waves an Iranian flag during a pro-government gathering at a square in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
Vahid Salemi / AP
US Foreign Policy

Trump v the World: Is His Economic War Backfiring as Canada and China Escalate?

In the News
Channel 4 News
Leslie Vinjamuri

In another bid to force Iran to succumb to his will, Donald Trump has launched Operation Economic Outcast against Iran - but is it America that is becoming the international pariah? Leslie Vinjamuri joins the discussion.

Screenshot of someone speaking on screen Global Economy

Research

Gen Z Isn't Concerned About China

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

Most younger Americans don't see China as a critical threat to the United States and favor a policy of friendly cooperation and engagement.

A flag of China is shown between lanterns hanging in Chinatown in San Francisco
Jeff Chiu / AP
Public Opinion

7 in 10 Americans Say Iran War Not Worth Fighting

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

New polling finds 68 percent of Americans believe the costs of the war with Iran have outweighed the benefits, though Republicans stand apart.

Demonstrators rally outside the White House to protest US military action in Iran
Jose Luis Magana / AP
Public Opinion

Experts

Rachel Bronson 

Lester Crown Senior Nonresident Fellow, Energy and Geopolitics, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Photo of Rachel Bronson

Joshua Busby 

Senior Nonresident Fellow, Public Opinion and Foreign Policy, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
headshot of Joshua Busby