AN INITIATIVE OF THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS connecting leading global foreign policy institutes
These briefs are a feature of the Council of Councils initiative, gathering opinions from global experts on major international developments.
After only six weeks in office, President Donald Trump has already sent shockwaves through the world regarding U.S. foreign and economic policy. The Council of Councils Initiative at CFR asked members to reflect on his March 4 address to Congress, and what his words and actions mean for U.S. engagement with their region.
Dozens of wildlife species are endangered, pushed ever closer to extinction by habitat loss and illegal trade. Unfortunately, limiting trade in wild animals and plants can be a contentious process that depends as much on politics as on science. Romy Chevallier and Ross Harvey of SAIIA explain how the debate over elephant conservation elucidates this difficulty and helps demonstrate both how the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora could function better and what could be done to reconcile conflicting positions.
Dozens of wildlife species are endangered, pushed ever closer to extinction by habitat loss and illegal trade. Unfortunately, limiting trade in wild animals and plants can be a contentious process that depends as much on politics as on science. Romy Chevallier and Ross Harvey of SAIIA explain how the debate over elephant conservation elucidates this difficulty and helps demonstrate both how the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora could function better and what could be done to reconcile conflicting positions.
The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling on the South China Sea dispute has left many wondering what the next moves might be for the various stakeholders. Euan Graham of the Lowy Institute for International Policy assesses the legal and strategic factors that will shape this contentious issue going forward, including possible areas for fostering cooperation.
The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling on the South China Sea dispute has left many wondering what the next moves might be for the various stakeholders. Euan Graham of the Lowy Institute for International Policy assesses the legal and strategic factors that will shape this contentious issue going forward, including possible areas for fostering cooperation.
Igor Yurgens of Russia’s Institute for Contemporary Development explains the domestic forces shaping Russia’s stance towards NATO, and, bearing these domestic considerations in mind, maps out a path for a détente between the two.
Igor Yurgens of Russia’s Institute for Contemporary Development explains the domestic forces shaping Russia’s stance towards NATO, and, bearing these domestic considerations in mind, maps out a path for a détente between the two.
Steven Blockmans and Michael Emerson of the Centre for European Policy Studies assess consequences of a British exit and concludes that a "Brexit" could have serious ramifications for not just the United Kingdom, but also the European Union as a whole.
Steven Blockmans and Michael Emerson of the Centre for European Policy Studies assess consequences of a British exit and concludes that a "Brexit" could have serious ramifications for not just the United Kingdom, but also the European Union as a whole.
Japan is hosting the Group of Seven (G7) Ise-Shima Summit on May 26 and 27. Mr. Yasushi Kudo of The Genron NPO outlines some priorities for G7 leaders to discuss.
Japan is hosting the Group of Seven (G7) Ise-Shima Summit on May 26 and 27. Mr. Yasushi Kudo of The Genron NPO outlines some priorities for G7 leaders to discuss.
The effectiveness of the EU-Turkey deal hinges on its implementation and leaves Greece to overcome a “Herculean task.” Silvia Colombo, Senior Fellow at the Institute of International Affairs, outlines the moral and practical challenges of this deal.
The effectiveness of the EU-Turkey deal hinges on its implementation and leaves Greece to overcome a “Herculean task.” Silvia Colombo, Senior Fellow at the Institute of International Affairs, outlines the moral and practical challenges of this deal.
Many believe the war on drugs has failed. At the upcoming United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on the world drug problem, prohibitionist supporters will be confronted by a highly motivated block of Latin American states advocating for regulation and harm reduction strategies. Dr. Jorge Chabot, associate at the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations, says if the global drug regime doesn’t abandon prohibition, it just may fall apart.
Many believe the war on drugs has failed. At the upcoming United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on the world drug problem, prohibitionist supporters will be confronted by a highly motivated block of Latin American states advocating for regulation and harm reduction strategies. Dr. Jorge Chabot, associate at the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations, says if the global drug regime doesn’t abandon prohibition, it just may fall apart.
Although much progress has been made to reduce the threat of terrorists obtaining nuclear weapons since the start of the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) process in 2010, implementation has recently slowed. Artur Kacprzyk of the Polish Institute of International Affairs assesses the progress of the NSS thus far and makes recommendations for the future.
Although much progress has been made to reduce the threat of terrorists obtaining nuclear weapons since the start of the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) process in 2010, implementation has recently slowed. Artur Kacprzyk of the Polish Institute of International Affairs assesses the progress of the NSS thus far and makes recommendations for the future.
As the world slowly emerges from the 2008 financial crisis, the Group of Twenty (G20) must now shift its attention towards long-term economic governance. In this Global Memo, Chen Dongxiao, president of the Shanghai Institute for International Studies, analyzes the challenges facing the G20 and outlines opportunities for China to lead during its presidency.
As the world slowly emerges from the 2008 financial crisis, the Group of Twenty (G20) must now shift its attention towards long-term economic governance. In this Global Memo, Chen Dongxiao, president of the Shanghai Institute for International Studies, analyzes the challenges facing the G20 and outlines opportunities for China to lead during its presidency.
Stewart M. Patrick, senior fellow and director of the International Institutions and Global Governance program at the Council on Foreign Relations, previews seven summits to watch in 2016.
Stewart M. Patrick, senior fellow and director of the International Institutions and Global Governance program at the Council on Foreign Relations, previews seven summits to watch in 2016.
