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

Ukraine
Has Russia Just Started a Wider War With Ukraine?
President Putin’s deployment of troops in two separatist Ukrainian regions has nearly shut the door on diplomacy and intensified a showdown over European security.
Russia
Russia’s Energy Role in Europe: What’s at Stake With the Ukraine Crisis
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has brought European dependence on Russian energy into sharp relief and set off a scramble for alternatives.
Canada
Canada’s Trucker Protests: What to Know About the ‘Freedom Convoy’
Protests against pandemic restrictions in Canada have shut down a vital economic link with the United States and inspired copycats around the world. Here’s what to know.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s Presidential Election: What to Know
The two leading candidates to emerge from a large field reflect voters’ concerns about economic malaise and corruption, but there’s little sign of the upheaval seen in other regional elections.
Eastern Europe
Why the U.S. Ramped Up Its Information War With Russia
Fearing an invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. government is vigorously trying to head off alleged Russian plots and misinformation campaigns. The efforts have opened a new front for competition between the two powers.
Ukraine
How Do the Militaries of Russia and Ukraine Stack Up?
Russia’s extraordinary show of force in and around Ukraine underscores the military imbalance between the two countries. 
Middle East and North Africa
Killing of Islamic State Leader Signals Why U.S. Presence in Mideast Will Continue
The death of Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi is unlikely to pose a major setback for the group, which has already mounted serious attacks in Iraq and Syria this year.
South Sudan
Understanding South Sudan’s Postwar Struggle for Democracy and Accountability
In the wake of its civil war, South Sudan has struggled to build democratic institutions and deliver justice for human rights abuses and atrocity crimes.
United States
Why Biden Is Restarting the Trump-Era ‘Remain in Mexico’ Program
Tens of thousands of migrants have been sent back to Mexico under the Trump-era program. President Biden calls it “inhumane” but has so far been unable to end it.
China
Why China’s Global Image Is Getting Worse
The Chinese government’s increasingly aggressive diplomacy has hurt its image in much of the world. It’s unlikely to improve anytime soon.
Russia
Can U.S.-Russia Diplomacy Ease Ukraine Tensions?
Russia has demanded security guarantees that U.S. and NATO officials cannot accept, but there could still be room for building a sustainable dialogue on European security.
Terrorism and Counterterrorism
A Year After January 6, Is Accelerationism the New Terrorist Threat?
Far-right extremists are attempting to incite an insurrection to hasten the downfall of what they see as a deeply corrupt U.S. government. Some could resort to deadly acts of terrorism.
Ukraine
The Russia-Ukraine Crisis: A Scorecard on Biden’s Response
U.S. officials have preserved NATO unity in the face of Russian military threats, but they have not yet defined a clear negotiating agenda—or put Moscow on the rhetorical defensive.
COVID-19
What Is the Defense Production Act?
Presidents Trump and Biden have turned to the Defense Production Act to procure critical medical supplies during the coronavirus pandemic. What does the law do?
North Korea
How Kim Jong-un Advanced North Korea’s Military in a Decade
Kim Jong-un’s first ten years as North Korea’s leader were marked by economic failures, halting nuclear diplomacy, and a steady ramp-up of military power.