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

Hong Kong
How Is Congress Trying to Support the Hong Kong Protesters?
If passed, a new bill would signal U.S. support for the protesters and put pressure on China’s leaders.
South Africa
What’s Behind South Africa’s Recent Violence?
Recent attacks that appeared to target immigrants have underscored South Africa’s struggle to combat violence and limit tensions with the rest of the region.
Turkey
Amid Tensions, Trump-Erdogan Meeting Changes Little
Trump and Erdogan resolved few of the sharp U.S.-Turkish differences over defense and Middle East policy but the visit likely boosted Erdogan’s stature at home.
Bolivia
Bolivia’s Power Vacuum: What to Know
Election fraud allegations have prompted President Evo Morales to resign with no clear successor, plunging Bolivia into political uncertainty.
Taiwan
How China Is Interfering in Taiwan’s Election
Beijing is spreading disinformation to influence Taiwan’s election in January, but that doesn’t necessarily mean President Tsai Ing-wen will get voted out.
Syria
Who’s Who in Northern Syria?
With Turkey’s latest military offensive, here’s a rundown of the different forces in the region.
Chile
What’s Behind the Chile Protests?
Political unrest is sweeping Chile, as impatience with inequality grows in what has been one of Latin America’s most prosperous and stable countries.
Iraq
The Deadly Protests Shaking Iraq: What to Know
Iraq’s struggling economy and government corruption sparked the protests, in which hundreds have died. The governing elite appears shaky, and the stability of the country is at stake.
Islamic State
After Baghdadi: What Hurts the Islamic State May Help Al-Qaeda
Al-Qaeda could benefit from the death of the Islamic State’s leader, potentially regaining its worldwide reach and influence.
Islamic State
Islamic State Leader’s Death Does Little to Ease Syria Concerns
A U.S. military operation that eliminated Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is welcome but fails to allay worries about the security vacuum caused by the removal of U.S. troops from northern Syria.
Canada
Canada’s Election: What to Watch
Canada’s federal election poses a stiff test for the governing Liberal Party, with implications for its global role on issues such as climate change.
Haiti
What’s Driving the Protests in Haiti?
Anti-government protests could mean humanitarian crisis in Haiti, a country with a long history of instability.
Turkey
NATO’s Turkey Ties Must Change
The Turkish invasion in northern Syria is the latest example of the country’s disregard for NATO values. It’s time to do something about it.
Hungary
Hungary’s Populists Face New European Test
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s party has become the symbol of European populism. How will Europe’s mainstream parties respond?
Terrorism and Counterterrorism
Halle Shooting: The New Terrorism Reality
The attack in eastern Germany is another alarming example of how the terrorist threat is evolving, with more far-right perpetrators attempting to broadcast their brutality.