On the Record
A curated selection of thought-provoking events from the Council on Foreign Relations, featuring expert panels, keynote conversations, and global policy discussions.
Episodes
On AI Policy: Global Stakes, Local Governance
In this episode, Margaret Woolley Busse discusses the regulatory environment for artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States, with particular focus on its implications at the state and local level. She is joined by Adam Segal, who assesses the global AI race and why these dynamics matter for U.S. national security and strategic competition with China.
Host: Irina A. Faskianos, vice preside
On Pope Leo XIV and Human Dignity in the Age of AI
In this episode, Kim Daniels, Michael Baggot, Erin D. Dumbacher, and Brian Green discuss Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical on artificial intelligence and human dignity.
Host: Kim Daniels, Director, Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, Georgetown University
Guests: Michael Baggot, Associate Professor of Bioethics, Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum; Adjunct Professor of Theology,
Yechiel Leiter on the U.S.-brokered Israel-Lebanon Agreement
In this episode, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter discusses the recent trilateral framework agreement among the United States, Israel, and Lebanon, as well as the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship amid the Iran war.
Host: Steven A. Cook, Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies
Guests: Yechiel Leiter, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotent
On the State of U.S.-Cuba Relations
In this episode, panelists discuss the impact of U.S. sanctions, the potential for U.S. military action, and the ongoing energy crisis in Cuba.
Host: Kezia McKeague, Managing Director, McLarty Associates; CFR Member
Guests: Ricardo Herrero, Executive Director, Cuba Study Group; CFR Member
Maria Werlau, Cofounder and Executive Director, Free Society Project/Cuba Archive
Jorge R. Piñón, Ener
On the Hormuz Crisis and the Global Energy Landscape
In this episode, Fatih Birol examines how the Hormuz crisis is reshaping the global energy landscape and explores how countries may increasingly favor domestic energy sources that reduce reliance on fuel imports.
Host: Vijay V. Vaitheeswaran, Philip D. Reed Senior Fellow and Director of the Energy Security and Climate Change Program
Guests: Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energ
From the Archives: A Conversation With Lindsey Graham
This episode revisits a 2011 CFR event featuring U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away at age 71.
Host: Jonathan Karl, Chief Washington Correspondent, ABC News
Guests: Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator, South Carolina
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On the Best and Worst Decisions in U.S. Foreign Policy
In this episode, panelists discuss the best and worst decisions in U.S. foreign policy as a part of the CFR Young Professionals Briefing Series.
Host: Kelebogile Zvobgo, Mansfield Associate Professor of Government and Director, International Justice Lab, College of William and Mary; CFR Term Member
Guests: Kathryn E. David, Historian, Office of the Historian, U.S. Department of State; CFR Term
On the Gulf After the Iran War
In this episode, panelists discuss the growing economic and security threats facing Persian Gulf countries and the future of U.S. engagement in the region.
Host: Karen E. Young, Senior Research Scholar, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University; CFR Member
Guests: Joseph L. Votel, Distinguished Chair, Combating Terrorism Center at West Point; Former Commander, U.S. Central Command (2
From the Archives: Alan Greenspan on the U.S. Economy in 2015
This episode revisits a 2015 CFR event featuring former Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan, who passed away at age 100.
Host: Steve Liesman, Senior Economics Reporter, CNBC
Guests: Alan Greenspan, Former Chairman, Federal Reserve Board
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On AI, Quantum, and the Future of American Science
In this episode, Under Secretary Gil discusses the Genesis Mission, and what the federal government’s bet on AI and quantum computing for scientific discovery means for American competitiveness and global collaboration.
Host: Nicholas F. Beim, Partner, Venrock; Member, Board of Directors, Council on Foreign Relations
Guests: Darío Gil, Under Secretary for Science, U.S. Department of Energy
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On U.S. Democracy, Belonging, and Power
In this episode, panelists discuss what American democracy has and hasn't delivered on equality, access, and opportunity, and whether that internal reckoning is now inseparable from the country's standing and credibility as a world leader.
Host: Meena Bose, Executive Dean, Public Policy and Public Service Programs and Director, Peter S. Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency, Ka
On the Iran War’s Global Economic Effects
On this episode, panelists provide an update on the geoeconomic consequences of the Iran war and the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, including disruptions to oil, gas, and other commodity markets, and the longer-term implications for the petrodollar system and the energy transition.
Host: Edward Fishman, Senior Fellow and Director of the Maurice R. Greenberg Center for Geoeconomics, Council on F
On U.S. Trade Policy with Jamieson Greer
In this episode, U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer discusses recent developments in the administration’s global economic trade strategy.
Host: Michael Froman, President, Council on Foreign Relations, Former U.S. Trade Representative (2013-17)
Guest: Jamieson Greer, Ambassador, U.S. Trade Representative
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On the Future of American Power
In this moment of renewed debate over the United States’ role in the world, CFR launches the Future of American Strategy Initiative, a multiyear effort to develop a strategic vision for U.S. foreign policy and answer a defining question: Where does America go from here?
Led by Senior Fellow Rebecca Lissner, a leading U.S. foreign policy practitioner and scholar, the Future of American Strategy I
On the Iran War’s Economic Impact in Asia
In this episode, Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda discusses the economic impact of the Middle East conflict on Asia and the Pacific, ADB’s response, and the need for countries to strengthen resilience against future shocks.
Host: Brad W. Setser, Whitney Shepardson Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations
Guests: Masato Kanda, President, Asian Development Bank
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On Europe’s Response to the Iran War
In this episode, panelists discuss European responses to the war in Iran, efforts in conflict resolution, and the implications for the transatlantic relationship, EU cohesion, and Europe’s long-term strategic direction.
Host: Serge Schmemann, Editorial Writer, New York Times; CFR Member
Guests: Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer, Chief Executive Officer and President, German Marshall Fund of the Unite
On U.S. Policy Options in War with Iran
In this episode, panelists assess the evolving situation in Iran, identify U.S. policy options for ending the conflict, and examine the implications of each potential next step.
Host: Janine Zacharia, Carlos Kelly McClatchy Lecturer, Stanford University; CFR Member
Guests: Brian H. Hook, Vice Chairman, Cerberus Global Investments, LP; Former U.S. Special Representative for Iran and Senior Pol
Rafael M. Grossi on Nuclear Challenges and the Future of the United Nations
In this episode, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael M. Grossi discusses his candidacy for UN secretary-general, his plans and priorities for the future of the United Nations, and the challenges facing nuclear security, nuclear energy, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty regime.
Host: Esther Brimmer, James H. Binger Senior Fellow in Global Governance, Council on Forei
On Rethinking Humanitarian Partnerships in an Age of Crisis
In this episode, panelists examine how multilateral partnerships, innovative approaches, and strengthened financing can scale recovery and humanitarian efforts, enhance inclusion, and deliver durable outcomes for crisis-affected communities.
Host: Shannon K. O'Neil, Senior Vice President of Studies and Maurice R. Greenberg Chair, CFR
Guests: Reem Alabali Radovan, Federal Minister for Economic
Odd Lots Live at CFR: On How European Industry Is Getting Crushed
In this episode, former Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo discusses her view that European industry is being hollowed out by China and that the only path forward is a unified global trading bloc excluding China—an idea she said is being thwarted by the Trump administration. The episode also covers the legacy of the CHIPS Act and Raimondo’s fears that artificial intelligence could create mass unempl
On U.S.-China Relations and the Global Economy
In this episode, panelists discuss the implications of U.S.-China relations on the international economy, including how tariff negotiations, supply chain restructuring, and technological competition effect global business.
Host: Michael Froman, President, Council on Foreign Relations
Guests: Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Office, Pfizer, Inc; CFR Member
Gina M. Raimondo, Disti
Anwar Gargash on the Iran War and the Challenges It Presents to Gulf States
In this episode, Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the president of the United Arab Emirates, discusses the rapidly evolving conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States and its implications for the Middle East, including the diplomatic and security challenges facing Gulf states.
Host: Ethan Bronner, Israel Bureau Chief and Senior Editor, Bloomberg; CFR Member
Guests: Anwar Ga
On the Iran War’s Economic Fallout
In this episode, panelists discuss the ongoing geoeconomic consequences of the conflict in Iran, including global energy flows and oil prices, economic development and AI buildout in the Gulf region, and sanctions on Russia. They also explore inflation and interest rates as markets respond to the crises.
Background Reading:
In this article, CFR president Michael Froman discusses the unfolding g
On the U.S.-Israeli War in Iran
In this episode, panelists discuss Iran’s current political climate, concerns for civilians on the ground, and how the country’s rapidly evolving internal dynamics are shaping U.S. objectives as well as broader regional and international considerations.
Background Reading:
In this article, International Affairs Fellow Sam Vigersky discusses the global economic disruption caused by the Iran war
On U.S. National Defense Strategy
In this episode, Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby discusses the U.S. National Defense Strategy under the Donald Trump administration.
Background Reading:
In this article, seven CFR experts consider the implications of the National Security Strategy document released on December 5, 2025, by the Trump administration.
Host: Michael Froman, President, Council on Foreign Relatio
On the U.S. Vision for Ukraine
In this episode, panelists explore three critical issues for securing Ukraine’s future: achieving a just and durable peace, ensuring long-term security, and helping the country rebuild and recover from the ravages of war.
Background Reading:
This article offers concrete recommendations by five CFR experts for securing the future of Ukraine and Europe.
Host: Jonathan Karl, ABC News chief Wash
On International Economics
In this episode, John C. Williams, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, discusses monetary policy and the economic outlook for the year ahead.
Background Reading:
This article highlights the trade policies four CFR experts will be monitoring this year.
Host: Abby Joseph Cohen, Professor of Business, Columbia Business School
Guests: John C. Williams, President and CEO
On America’s Grand Strategy for the Future of Global Leadership
In this episode, experts discuss the new Council Special Report, America Revived: A Grand Strategy of Resolute Global Leadership, which defines U.S. vital national interests, summarizes the history of U.S. grand strategy, and proposes an alternative that combines military strength with international legitimacy.
Background Reading:
This report outlines the conceptual pillars of five grand strate
On Sudan’s Humanitarian Emergency
Since civil war erupted on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, Sudan has become the site of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. More than ten million people have been displaced, over half of the population needs humanitarian assistance, and over 750,000 people are facing catastrophic levels of hunger. In this episode, experts discuss ongo
On Congress’s Approach to China
In this episode, Senators Christopher Coons and Pete Ricketts—members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations—discuss the role of Congress in formulating, resourcing, and creating the institutional basis for China policy.
Background Reading:
This article outlines CFR President Michael Froman’s take on artificial intelligence competition between the United States and China
Host: Rush Dos
On the 2026 Q1 World Economic Update
CFR’s World Economic Update highlights the quarter’s most important and emerging trends. This episode covers changes in the global marketplace, with a special emphasis on current economic events and their implications for U.S. policy.
Host: Sebastian Mallaby, Paul A. Volcker Senior Fellow for International Economics, CFR
Guests: Jan Hatzius, Chief Economist and Head of Global Investment Resear
On Greenland and U.S. Strategic Interests in the Arctic
In this episode, experts discuss the United States’ renewed interest in Greenland—which the Trump administration argues is vital to U.S. national security—and what it means for Arctic security, the NATO alliance, and great power competition.
Background Reading:
This article unpacks Trump’s increasingly assertive push to bring Greenland under U.S. control and what that means for the NATO allianc
On the Best and Worst U.S. Foreign Policy Decisions
For two-and-a-half centuries, the United States has faced a challenging world. Some of its responses have made Americans proud. Others have not. CFR asked members of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations what they considered the best and worst U.S. foreign policy decisions. In this episode, panelists discuss the results of the project and the evolution of America’s role in the w
On Iran's Protests
In this episode, panelists discuss the latest unrest in Iran, the economic pressures that have sparked nationwide protests, and the implications for U.S. policy amid ongoing regional tensions.
Background Reading:
This article discusses how the Iranian regime is facing one of its largest protest movements in years, leading Tehran to shut down internet and telephone communications.
Host: Missy
On Immigration Policy and the U.S. Economy
Immigrants significantly benefit the U.S. economy by growing the labor force, filling essential jobs in sectors like services, construction, and tech. In this episode, panelists discuss the effects of recent refugee and immigration policy developments on the U.S. economy.
Background Reading:
This article outlines the critical role immigrants have long played in boosting the U.S. economy and GDP
On Forecasting Humanitarian Risk for 2026
In this episode, David Miliband, president and chief executive officer of the International Rescue Committee, discusses the new IRC Emergency Watchlist report. The report highlights the countries at highest risk of humanitarian crisis in 2026, and evaluates the international community’s progress and shortcomings.
Background Reading:
This article discusses Venezuela’s dire humanitarian landscape
On Presidential Leadership and Moral Responsibility
In this episode, panelists discuss examples of U.S. presidents leveraging executive power to confront political violence, human rights abuses, and other global challenges, highlighting the ways in which presidential leadership has shaped the United States’ legacy of responsibility.
Host: Jacob M. Weisberg, Executive Chair, Pushkin Industries; Chair, Committee to Protect Journalists
Guests: Mee
President Bill Clinton on U.S. Foreign Policy
In this episode, former U.S. President Bill Clinton looks back on critical issues in U.S. foreign policy during his presidency, and shares lessons for sustaining American diplomatic engagement abroad.
His remarks were delivered as part of the inaugural Martin S. Indyk Memorial Lecture, held in collaboration with the Clinton Global Initiative.
Host: Richard Haass, President Emeritus, Council on
On Innovation at the National Institutes of Health
In this episode, Director of the National Institutes of Health Jay Bhattacharya discusses the latest developments in biomedical innovation and how they will shape the future of public health research.
Background Reading:
This CFR event discusses emerging threats to public health and how journalists are covering new outbreaks across the United States.
Host: Sylvia Mathews Burwell, Senior Prof
On Governing the Rules of AI
In this episode, experts discuss the geopolitical implications of transformative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), including how decision-makers are navigating governance, balancing innovation with risk, and addressing questions of equity and accountability.
Background Reading:
This article assesses whether AI investments have contributed meaningfully to U.S. economic growth.
This
On a Ukraine–Russia Peace Deal
Since President Trump first introduced a proposal to end the war in Ukraine, revisions from both sides have led to disagreement, diminishing hopes for a lasting peace. Experts are now examining the recent meeting between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Miami, where efforts were made to finalize a peace plan for presentation to Moscow, as well as the types of security guarantees Ukraine may seek go
On Espionage and Intelligence Gathering
Intelligence experts discuss the new frontiers of intelligence gathering, examining how emerging technologies are transforming espionage and reshaping the future of U.S. national security.
Background Reading:
This article outlines how growing politicization within the intelligence community threatens the integrity of intelligence assessments and endangers U.S. national security.
Host: Barton
On U.S. Economic Security and Competition
Today, U.S. economic leadership is at a crossroads. An overconcentration of critical supply chains in China, underinvestment in important sectors at home, and strategic competition over the next generation of foundational technologies has exposed vulnerabilities in U.S. economic security.
In its new report, U.S. Economic Security: Winning the Race for Tomorrow’s Technologies, the CFR Task Force
On COP30 and the Future of Climate Negotiations
As leaders gather in Brazil to discuss international climate policy at this year’s COP30 summit, major questions remain regarding a warming climate and investments in renewable energy. In this conversation, experts discuss the future of global climate negotiations and reflect on lessons learned from past climate diplomacy, including the legacy of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol adopted at COP3.
Backgrou
On the Rise of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Measles, whooping cough, and other vaccine-preventable diseases are on the rise around the world. Cuts to foreign aid, coupled with growing vaccine hesitancy, and persistent gaps in vaccine access are fueling outbreaks in poor and wealthy nations alike. In this conversation, global health experts discuss the drivers of these outbreaks and the solutions that can advance vaccine equity and better pu
On Qatar's Future
Qatar is home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East and maintains deep economic ties with Washington, cementing its status as a critical on-NATO ally. But this September, that partnership was put to the test when Israel, largely funded and supported by the United States, launched an attack on Qatar’s capital, Doha. In this conversation, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdu
On U.S. Military Leadership in a New Era of Defense
As great-power competition intensifies and the prospect of conflict with China looms, military strength, technological innovation, and cooperation with allies are essential to ensuring U.S. national security. General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., 21st chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discusses the most pressing geopolitical challenges facing the United States and the world today.
Background Readi
On Ukraine’s Reconstruction
As the war in Ukraine nears its fourth year, uncertainty is growing over the future of international support. Meanwhile, mounting pressure on Russia’s economy and an increase in high-tech, drone-centric warfare continue to bolster Ukraine’s defense. Experts from Ukraine and Europe discuss international financial initiatives to support Ukraine’s reconstruction and revitalize its infrastructure and
On Navigating Crises Inside the Situation Room
U.S. Department of State officials are the foremost representatives of U.S. interests around the world, helping to manage relationships with foreign governments, international organizations, and the people of other countries. Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Dean of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs Keren Yarhi-Milo discuss their new book, In
On the Future of the U.S. Economy
In September 2025, the U.S. Federal Reserve approved a quarter-point interest rate cut. The move came amid a softening labor market, above-target inflation, heightened uncertainty about Trump’s trade and tariff policy, and other conditions that present significant challenges to monetary policymakers. Against this backdrop, Susan M. Collins, the president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Bost
UN High Commissioner Volker Türk On Human Rights
From Sudan to the war in Gaza, 2025 has seen the continuation of major humanitarian crises across the globe. Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, examines a range of these crises, while also exploring issues such as financing, reform, and declining multilateral consensus.
This conversation was hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations during the 80th United Nations General Assem
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa On Trade, Reform, and the BRICS Alliance
Long before Trump retook the Oval Office, policymakers were concerned that South Africa's growing ties with Russia and China could undermine Washington’s strategic interests in the region. Against the backdrop of these concerns, President Cyril Ramaphosa examines South Africa’s domestic priorities, its bilateral trade relations with the United States, the future of BRICS, and the country’s role in
Canadian PM Mark Carney On NATO, Trade, and the Middle East
The U.S.-Canadian relationship boasts a history of cooperation, peaceful borders, and strong trade ties. However, the partnership has come under strain during the second Trump administration, in part due to sweeping tariffs that have called into question Canada’s economic ties to Washington. Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Mark Carney discusses Canada’s role in NATO, the ongoing war in Gaza,
On U.S. National Security Challenges
Since the start of the second Trump administration, the National Security Council (NSC) has seen its staff reduced from around 350 employees to fewer than 100, with dozens of policy experts abruptly dismissed or placed on administrative leave this May. Former U.S. National Security Advisors Thomas E. Donilon, Stephen J. Hadley, and Susan E. Rice unpack how the recent reorganization could affect U.
On Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis
Former UN Undersecretary-General Sigrid Kaag discusses the state of humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the role of the international community in supporting relief efforts.
Background Reading:
Malnutrition has reached alarming levels in Gaza, with famine declared in the territory’s most populated region. As Israel continues to block aid from entering Gaza, this backgrounder explains how hunger
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