CFR.org - Analysis Brief

The Debate Over Anti-Piracy Laws

Toni Johnson — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:21:21 -0500

Two controversial U.S. anti-piracy bills have spotlighted the growing challenge of how to protect intellectual copyrights, particularly across international borders, without compromising Internet freedom.

Eurozone Fears Permeate Davos

Christopher Alessi — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:05:47 -0500

Political and business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos are focused on the ongoing eurozone sovereign debt crisis, with some cautioning that Germany is not doing enough to resolve the crisis and facilitate growth.

Can Sanctions Bring Iran to the Table?

Jayshree Bajoria — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:13:03 -0500

The EU's oil embargo is part of a larger Western effort to pressure Iran to reengage over its disputed nuclear program, but some debate the merits of intensified diplomacy with the regime in Tehran.

A U.S. Sovereign Debt Crisis?

Jonathan Masters — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:18:43 -0500

Fears of a U.S. sovereign debt crisis akin to some eurozone economies may be overblown, but a large deficit poses serious challenges for policymakers struggling to balance short-term economic recovery with debt reduction in the long term.

Averting a Disorderly Greek Default

Christopher Alessi — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:04:45 -0500

Policymakers and market actors are increasingly concerned about a disorderly Greek default, while many analysts question the wisdom of Germany's strict austerity approach to the escalating eurozone sovereign debt crisis.

The Bid to Bundle U.S. Trade Agencies

Jonathan Masters — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:46:11 -0500

President Obama's plans for a consolidated trade and commerce department underscores his goal of doubling U.S. exports by the end of 2014, but some question how creating a larger organization will increase efficiency.

Is Peace With the Taliban Possible?

Jayshree Bajoria — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:30:31 -0500

A potential Taliban office in Qatar has raised hopes for a negotiated end to the Afghan war. But numerous challenges remain even as a new controversy over U.S. troop behavior threatens to derail talks.

The Iran Deterrence Debate

Jayshree Bajoria — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:09:29 -0500

The latest revelations over Iran's uranium enrichment activities have triggered debate over a slew of policy options from more sanctions to preventive strikes.

Eurozone Doubts for Banks

Christopher Alessi — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:22:47 -0500

Another eurozone mini-summit is underway today but investors continue to doubt EU leaders' ability to address the sovereign debt crisis, even as banks face a liquidity crunch.

The Pentagon Pivots to Asia

Jonathan Masters — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:00:08 -0500

The Pentagon's new strategic review signals a shift toward the Asia-Pacific region and calls for a leaner fighting force at a time when the United States must exercise fiscal restraint.

Persian Gulf Storm Clouds

Robert McMahon — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:17:19 -0500

Sanctions over Iran's nuclear program have triggered threats involving the strategic Strait of Hormuz and new debate over the methods chosen to pressure Tehran.

In Iowa Polls, Eyeing Economic Signals

Toni Johnson — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:54:01 -0500

With the contest for GOP presidential contenders formally underway, both parties' prescriptions for economic growth and debt reduction are set to come under intensifying scrutiny.

Issue Guide: The World in 2011

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:26:46 -0500

The year 2011 was packed with unforeseen challenges for U.S. foreign policy. This guide lists a range of CFR materials on the year's most consequential developments and their implications, and expert forecasts on political and economic trends in 2012.

The Debate over Aviation Emissions

Toni Johnson — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:43:43 -0500

Will an EU plan requiring all airlines to join its carbon market starting in 2012 spark a trade war and prove financially harmful to a struggling airline industry?

Can Washington Fix Its Debts and Deficits?

Jonathan Masters — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:46:26 -0500

The payroll tax debate caps a year of legislative battles that call into question the ability of U.S. lawmakers to pass crucial long-term fiscal reforms in 2012.

Eleven Foreign Policy Insights from 2011

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:44:16 -0500

From James Baker on Egypt to Laurie Garrett on food insecurity, read CFR.org Editor's Picks of eleven notable interviews in 2011.

Weighing a European Fiscal Compact

Christopher Alessi — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:12:19 -0500

EU leaders are moving forward with a new fiscal compact, but doubts persist over the agreement's legality and its ability to stem the tide of eurozone sovereign debt contagion.

Vaclav Havel's Lasting Words

Robert McMahon — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:10:01 -0500

Vaclav Havel went from designing theater sets to choreographing the Czech Republic's entry into NATO. One constant in his improbable rise to president was a steely commitment to human rights, as reflected in selected excerpts.

How Russia Can Benefit from the WTO

Christopher Alessi — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:12:47 -0500

Russia's pending membership in the World Trade Organization could alter its global economic standing and boost trading partners. But experts say Moscow must restructure its economy to benefit from joining the club.

Issue Guide: One Year of 'Arab Spring' Upheavals

Jonathan Masters and Aimee Rawlins — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:02:17 -0500

One year since the eruption of protests convulsed the Arab world, countries in the region continue to endure the pangs of revolution--some further along the road to democracy than others.

A New Fiscal Union for Europe

Christopher Alessi — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:31:39 -0500

At a Brussels summit, EU leaders agreed to develop a new fiscal union in an effort to preserve the indebted eurozone. Analysts say Britain's decision to opt out of the plan could dramatically reshape the path of European integration.

Can Iran's Central Bank Be Sanctioned?

Jayshree Bajoria — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:41:50 -0500

There is growing support in the U.S. Congress to sanction Iran's central bank in response to new nuclear revelations. Some experts say such a move could backfire and help the regime.

Afghanistan's Crucial Economic Transition

Jayshree Bajoria — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:41:21 -0500

Global discussions on Afghanistan tend to be dominated by security issues, but a conference marking ten years since the ouster of the Taliban must focus on economic growth and development, say experts.

Assessing Myanmar's Reforms

Jayshree Bajoria — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:01:35 -0500

Secretary Clinton is in Myanmar to gauge recent reforms by the military-backed regime. Experts are calling for further democratization, including strengthening the rule of law and reconciliation with ethnic minority groups.

Tenuous Ties on 'AfPak' Frontier

Jayshree Bajoria — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:26:59 -0500

One casualty of the latest U.S.-Pakistani frictions is the cutoff of critical supply routes for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, raising questions about cooperation in the region.

Egypt's Uncertain Vote

Toni Johnson — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:47:11 -0500

Egyptians began voting in parliamentary elections despite ongoing protests. But experts say the continuing strife over military rule and fears over Islamist parties threaten stability.

Worries Over U.S. Fiscal Process

Jonathan Masters — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:16:40 -0500

The failure of the bipartisan supercommittee adds to a pattern of legislative gridlock that has left critics and international investors doubting Congress's ability to address the nation's looming fiscal challenges.

Weighing Occupy Wall Street's Impact

Christopher Alessi — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:08:13 -0500

The international Occupy movement faces crackdowns in several cities, but continues to spur public discourse over economic inequality. But there is sharp debate over how to translate protest into policy changes.

How the U.S. Should Stay Relevant in Asia

Jayshree Bajoria — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:16:46 -0500

President Obama will end his Asia tour at the East Asia Summit in Bali, reinforcing U.S. commitments to allies. But experts say Washington must fix the U.S. economy to retain any long-term leadership role in the region.

U.S.-Australia Alliance and China

Jayshree Bajoria — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:40:38 -0500

In Canberra, President Obama announced an expansion of defense ties, but it has prompted debate among Australian analysts over balancing a strategic U.S. alliance with growing economic ties with Beijing.