CFR.org - Backgrounders

Campaign 2012: The Candidates on U.S.-Russia Relations

Council on Foreign Relations — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:59:26 -0500

This CFR Issue Tracker looks at the United States' relationship with Russia and presidential candidates' stances on the issue.

U.S. Trade Policy

Council on Foreign Relations — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:49:33 -0500

Trade accounts for an increasing portion of the U.S. economy, and the Obama administration has embraced a ramped up export strategy. But debate persists over the merits of a vigorous free trade agenda.

The Arab League

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:38:43 -0500

Founded as a loose confederation of states in 1945, the Arab League has struggled to overcome dysfunction and disunity among its members. The Arab revolts of 2011 offer the League a new opportunity to pursue necessary reforms, increase legitimacy, and prove its relevance.

Targeted Killings

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Targeted killings have become a central component of U.S. counterterrorism operations around the globe. Despite pointed criticism over transparency and accountability issues, analysts say the controversial practice seems likely to expand in the future.

Campaign 2012: The Candidates on U.S. Policy toward China

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:51:14 -0500

U.S. presidential candidates mostly share a wary posture toward China, out of concern over trade imbalances and its regional assertiveness. Yet, many also consider China a potential partner.

Campaign 2012: The Candidates on Energy Policy

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:46:51 -0500

Increasing domestic energy resources and the debate over subsidies and environmental regulations have emerged as central themes of the 2012 presidential campaign.

The Global Regime for Armed Conflict

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:00:44 -0500

A broad-sweeping look at international efforts to prevent armed conflict. This is part of the Global Governance Monitor, an interactive feature tracking multilateral approaches to several global challenges.

The Credit Rating Controversy

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:27 -0500

U.S.-based rating agencies--still reeling from a loss of credibility for being too lenient with risky financial institutions in the run-up to the global financial crisis--are once again under intense scrutiny following S&P's unprecedented downgrade of U.S. debt. The move comes on the heels of intense criticism by EU officials, who contend the raters have accelerated the European sovereign debt crisis.

Campaign 2012: The Candidates on Immigration

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:21:07 -0500

The economic climate and border security concerns have thrust the question of immigration reform into the spotlight in the 2012 presidential campaign.

Campaign 2012: The Candidates on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:12:20 -0500

Most GOP presidential candidates have been emphatic in their support of Israel and critical of the Obama administration's handling of the peace process with the Palestinians.

Campaign 2012: The Candidates on U.S.-Iran Policy

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:05:39 -0500

Deterring Iran's nuclear weapons program is a foreign policy priority for the United States. Candidates for the 2012 presidential elections debate the best options, including a military strike.

Campaign 2012: The Candidates on North Korea

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:28:25 -0500

2012 presidential candidates largely call for added pressure on North Korea to denuclearize while working to contain aggressive behavior.

Oil's Trouble Spots

Council on Foreign Relations — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:16:01 -0500

With oil supplies tight, regions most vulnerable to oil supply disruptions present a significant economic concern, particularly threats to the Strait of Hormuz and unrest in Nigeria, explains this Backgrounder.

Campaign 2012: The Candidates on the United Nations

Council on Foreign Relations — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:07:11 -0500

President Obama has been supportive of the UN mission, while concerned about its effectiveness. Many of the Republican candidates are highly critical of the organization.

Campaign 2012: The Candidates on Nuclear Proliferation

Council on Foreign Relations — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:16:26 -0500

Among Republican presidential candidates, the issue of nuclear proliferation has centered on Iran's ambitions, while President Obama kicked off his presidency with high-profile nuclear initiatives.

Boko Haram

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:14:52 -0500

While widening violence by Nigeria's Islamist group Boko Haram has caused concerns about its possible links to international terrorist groups, some experts argue it's best to focus on addressing the crippling poverty, political corruption, and police abuses that are at the root of the violence.

Campaign 2012: The Candidates on Homeland Security

Council on Foreign Relations — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:23:04 -0500

U.S. presidential candidates vary on the policy details of such homeland security issues as the Patriot Act provisions, border security, waterboarding, and military spending.

North Korea After Kim

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:44:05 -0500

Kim Jong-il's death has prompted discussion about the future of the isolated country and its nuclear weapons program. Experts cited in this CFR Backgrounder believe a post-Kim regime in North Korea would remain a tough nuclear negotiator.

Campaign 2012: The Candidates on Democracy Promotion in the Arab World

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:16:48 -0500

While the presidential candidates generally agree on supporting democracy and human rights in Arab states, they differ on the level of U.S. commitment to those goals.

Pakistan's New Generation of Terrorists

Council on Foreign Relations — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:03:24 -0500

Pakistan has emerged as a terrorist sanctuary for some of the world's most violent groups, including al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and homegrown militants, that threaten the stability of Pakistan as well as the region.

The Eurozone in Crisis

Council on Foreign Relations — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:29:48 -0500

The eurozone, once seen as a crowning achievement in the decades-long path of European integration, is buffeted by a sovereign debt crisis of nations whose membership in the currency union has been poorly policed.

The Lengthening List of Iran Sanctions

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:17:12 -0500

Decades of economic and diplomatic sanctions have failed to substantively alter the actions of the Iranian regime, especially regarding its nuclear program. But experts say they remain an important tool to isolate and pressure Iran.

Closing Guantanamo?

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:17:04 -0500

President Obama vowed in January 2009 to close the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay. Two years later, the White House continues to face challenges to that promise, leaving critics to suggest the facility will remain open for the foreseeable future.

Defense Spending and the Deficit Debate

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:30:07 -0500

Lawmakers are considering sharp cuts to defense spending as part of mandated deficit-reduction efforts. This Backgrounder discusses the effects of such major cuts and implications for U.S. military strategy.

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

A resurgent al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula is reportedly exploiting the mounting political unrest in Yemen. This Backgrounder profiles the group and discusses U.S. counterterrorism operations against its members.

The Debate over Greenhouse Gas Cap-and-Trade

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:25:32 -0400

Greenhouse gas trading is now a multibillion-dollar international business and is expected to continue to grow, despite uncertainty about a post-2012 international climate regime.

Confronting U.S.-China Economic Imbalances

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:20:32 -0400

An undervalued Chinese yuan remains a contributing factor to the U.S.-China trade imbalance, but experts warn that labeling China a "currency manipulator" will not rein in mounting U.S. deficits.

Human Rights in Iran

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:42:34 -0400

Iran's record on human rights is markedly deteriorating amid a regime power struggle and growing international pressure linked to its nuclear program. Analysts say the international community must intensify the spotlight on Iran's rights abuses.

Palestinian Statehood at the UN

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:24:29 -0400

The quest by Palestinian officials for full UN membership has major repercussions for the peace process with Israel and the future of the Mideast. This Backgrounder outlines the procedures and potential impact of the UN vote.

Islam: Governing Under Sharia

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Sharia, or Islamic law, is increasingly in the spotlight as its political and economic role expands in the Muslim world and even in the West.