Issues

Geopolitics

The forces shaping global power and security, from defense and security issues to the strategic competition, alliances, and regional dynamics influencing the global order.  

An American flag in front of the US Capitol building
Mapping the Global Future An initiative that brings together leading scholars and thought leaders to identify the trends shaping international order and to examine how domestic politics shapes US foreign policy.
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Upcoming Events

Redefining Britain's Identity for an Age of Change: A Conversation with David Lammy

Hybrid EVENT

Former UK Foreign Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy joins Leslie Vinjamuri to discuss the forces transforming Britain and the nation’s place in an uncertain world.

Register Today
David Lammy signing a note on UK-Cyprus relations on July 4, 2025.
Philippos Christou / AP
Oct
26

Roundtable with Ukraine's Former President Viktor Yushchenko

In-Person EVENT

Former President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko joins the Council's President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri for a special roundtable conversation on the future of Ukraine.

Viktor Yushchenko at a press conference in Kiev on January 12, 2010
Efrem Lukatsky / AP
Oct
30
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Past Events

Roundtable with Congressman Jason Crow on the Use of Force

PAST EVENT

US Congressman Jason Crow joins Council Senior Advisor to the CEO Eric Pierce to discuss national security and the use of force.

Oct 16
Jason Crow speaks into a microphone
Gabriela Passos / AP

Roundtable with WSJ China Bureau Chief Jonathan Cheng

PAST EVENT

Jonathan Cheng joins the Council for a private roundtable on US-China relations and his experiences as a journalist in Asia.

Oct 13
American and Chinese Flags in a row.
Mark Schiefelbein / AP
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Commentary

Can the Russian Threat Keep the Transatlantic Alliance Together?

Analysis
by Coauthors

At the Warsaw Security Forum, Trump’s diesel deal and domestic tensions clouded conversations between European and American leaders.

People watch Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a large screen as he speaks at the Warsaw Security Forum in Warsaw, Poland, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026.
Attila Husejnow / AP
Geopolitics

Ukraine at a Crossroads: US Tensions and Iran

In the News
Bloomberg
Leslie Vinjamuri

Leslie Vinjamuri discusses the stakes for Ukraine, Europe, and Republicans heading into the midterms and how the Iran war is affecting US politics.

A screenshot of Leslie Vinjamuri on screen US Foreign Policy
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Research

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

Strong Bipartisan Support for NATO Ahead of 2026 Summit

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Dina Smeltz

A new Chicago Council survey finds bipartisan majorities support the NATO alliance, including US troop deployments in Germany and Poland.

Flags flap in the wind outside NATO headquarters in Brussels
Virginia Mayo / AP
Public Opinion
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Experts

Rachel Bronson 

Lester Crown Senior Nonresident Fellow, Energy and Geopolitics, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Photo of Rachel Bronson
Expertise
Middle East and North Africa
Geopolitics
US Foreign Policy

Ivo H. Daalder 

President Emeritus, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Headshot of Ivo H. Daalder
Expertise
North America
Europe
Geopolitics
Global Politics
US Foreign Policy
Social Media
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