Explainers

In Briefs

Succinct rundowns on the world’s most important developments, produced by CFR’s scholars and editorial team. 

In Brief Filters and Cards

Indo-Pacific
Guam’s Strategic Importance in the Indo-Pacific
The island’s proximity to Asia makes it a critical outpost for the U.S. military and a potential hub in the event of regional conflict.
United States
Why Biden Wants to Block the Nippon-U.S. Steel Deal
U.S. President Joe Biden is reportedly planning to block the Japanese takeover of U.S. Steel, raising questions about the administration’s economic and foreign policy priorities.  
Georgia
What Georgia’s Foreign Agent Law Means for Its Democracy
Georgia’s new law reflects rising Russian influence in the country and has prompted backlash from the United States and the European Union, which fear it could harm the Caucasus state’s democratic development.
Afghanistan
How the Taliban’s Rule Is Fueling the Movement to End Gender Apartheid
The Taliban’s outright denial of women’s rights in Afghanistan has spurred a global push to combat gender-based oppression.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Africa and the Gulf Are Growing Closer. Will It Increase Global Tensions?
The Gulf states are angling for closer ties with African countries, and the feeling is mutual. But critics say differences over governance values, labor rights, and ongoing conflicts could stoke tensions.
Australia
Australia’s Growing Defense and Security Role in the Indo-Pacific
Australia’s first comprehensive national defense strategy comes as Chinese coercion around Taiwan and in the South China Sea sparks heightened concerns about Beijing’s intentions and ambitions in the region. 
Israel
Why Israel Wants to Draft the Ultra-Orthodox Into the Military
As Israel fights its war in the Gaza Strip, changes to a decades-old draft exemption for its fastest-growing demographic group threaten to fracture Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition and exacerbate the country’s internal rifts.
Health
Is Africa at a Turning Point for Malaria?
Two new malaria vaccines offer Africans the hope of finally eradicating a disease that has long plagued them disproportionately. Experts say vaccination is just one tool in a much broader fight.
Defense and Security
The Security Challenge at the 2024 Paris Olympics
French authorities are particularly vigilant of the terrorist threat to the games posed by Islamist extremists, a danger the country has endured for decades.
United Kingdom
UK Elections: What to Know
The United Kingdom appears poised for a political shift in response to deep economic concerns, but its foreign policy priorities are likely to remain consistent.
Sudan
What Is the Extent of Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis?
More than a year into the civil war in Sudan, over nine million people have been displaced, exacerbating an already devastating humanitarian crisis.
Labor and Employment
Labor Unions Are Getting Stronger. What Does That Mean for the U.S. Economy?
Organized labor saw a historic resurgence in activity in 2023. Shifting U.S. trade policy under both Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden could continue to prioritize workers regardless of who wins in November.
France
How Will the EU Elections Results Change Europe?
Far-right advances in the European Parliament elections have destabilized politics in France, a longstanding pillar of the European Union, and highlighted fault lines in the bloc.
Lebanon
What Escalating Hezbollah-Israel Tensions and the War in Gaza Mean for Lebanon
Already hobbled by economic struggles, Lebanon now faces the prospect of war as the militant group and political party Hezbollah clashes with Israel in apparent support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Myanmar
How Myanmar Became a Global Center for Cyber Scams
Organized crime groups in Southeast Asia have seized on Myanmar’s instability amid civil war to establish a string of scam centers engaged in global online fraud operations.