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

Iran
Could a U.S.-Iran Deal Lead to a Nuclear Thaw?
News of Iran’s upcoming release of U.S. nationals and the unfreezing of Iranian assets has stirred speculation of a new nuclear deal. But there are many obstacles to such a breakthrough.
North Korea
The Perils of a Renewed North Korea-Russia Relationship
Warming relations between the two pariah states could foster a mutually beneficial weapons and technology trade and raise tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Thailand
Thailand’s Turbulence: Implications for the Region and the World
Thailand’s national elections saw a resounding vote for democratic change, but the ruling elite have maneuvered to preserve power, potentially setting in motion another round of political upheaval.
China
President Biden Has Banned Some U.S. Investment in China. Here’s What to Know.
The Joe Biden administration says the restrictions are directed at protecting national security, not stifling economic competition.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s Flawed Election Results Meet With Regional Skepticism
Voter suppression and intimidation directed by the government marred Zimbabwe’s elections, which reaffirmed incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa’s power and will likely prolong the country’s dysfunction and severe economic woes.
Russia
Who Killed Yevgeny Prigozhin?
Numerous competing theories are likely to surface about the demise of the Russian paramilitary commander—all of which help explain Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
Arctic
What Would Greenland’s Independence Mean for the Arctic?
Climate change is fueling geopolitical competition in the Arctic. An independent Greenland could play an important role in years to come.
Niger
The Niger Coup Could Threaten the Entire Sahel
The coup in Niger, once seen as the cornerstone of U.S. counterterrorism efforts in West Africa, now threatens wider regional instability and could potentially open the door to further Russian influence.
Syria
Defeated and Detained, Islamic State Still Poses Extremism Threat
Years after defeating the Islamic State on the battlefield, world governments are now grappling with what to do with the thousands of war-related detainees in Syria.
Germany
A More Strategic German Foreign Policy?
Germany’s new strategies are important foreign policy markers, but they shy away from establishing the country as a leader among European powers.
Israel
Israel’s Judicial Reforms: What to Know
The Israeli parliament’s new legislation limiting Supreme Court oversight of government policies has raised alarm over deepening societal divisions and potential democratic backsliding.
Cambodia
Cambodia’s Elections: No Surprises, but an Uncertain Leadership Future
Prime Minister Hun Sen retained his grip on power after Cambodia’s stage-managed elections, with his party winning 120 out of 125 seats. But his long-awaited succession plan could create chaos and confusion in the country.
Russia
How Frozen Russian Assets Could Pay for Rebuilding in Ukraine
Will Ukraine’s international backers use billions of dollars in seized Russian assets to support rebuilding the war-ravaged country?
South Africa
Will South Africa’s Power Crisis Sink Its Green Ambitions?
A devastating power crisis is plaguing South Africa, battering its economy and threatening to sink its climate goals amid the global race to renewables.
Food and Water Security
Russia Killed the Black Sea Grain Deal. These Countries Could Suffer Most. 
Moscow’s exit from the deal generated alarm in a number of populous lower-income countries dependent on Ukrainian grain.