Skip to main content

Commentary, analysis, and research on issues and current events related to human rights, civil rights, international law, the United Nations (UN), and peacekeeping approaches.

Past Events

Democracy in Exile: A Conversation with Belarus's Opposition Leader

PAST EVENT VIDEO

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discusses the country’s struggle for democracy.

A conversation with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Juliet Sorensen as they discuss the country’s struggle for democracy on stage at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
Ana Miyares Photography

Fixing a Broken Democracy: Lessons from Poland

PAST EVENT VIDEO

Join us for a live stream discussion with Poland’s Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar on safeguarding democratic institutions and maintaining an independent judiciary.

Adam Bodnar stands in front of a sign in Warsaw, Poland on October 12, 2023.
Czarek Sokolowski / AP

Commentary & Analysis

This Era of Hostage Diplomacy Requires New Answers

Podcast
Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

Hostage taking is as old as time, but today the world faces new tactics and unprecedented challenges; what can be done?

Israeli supports show placards with the faces and names of people believed to be taken hostage and held in Gaza.
AP PHOTOS
Human Rights

Gaza: Epicenter of the Israel-Hamas War

Podcast
Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

Explore the complex history of the Gaza Strip, the rise of Hamas, and the implications for the current conflict.

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on Wednesday.
AP PHOTOS
Defense and Security

Research

The Atlas of Impunity

RESEARCH
Report by Coauthors

The Atlas of Impunity, a joint effort of David Miliband, the Eurasia Group, and the Council, comprehensively tracks abuse of power across five key dimensions.

Katherine Starr, David Miliband, Monica Pinto and others discussing the Atlas of Impunity Human Rights

Most Americans Willing to Work with Autocrats to Protect the US

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

The public is more concerned about national security than promoting human rights and democracy abroad, Council polling shows.

Participants arrive at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Reuters
Public Opinion