On the Record

Panelists discuss the situation in Venezuela, including the country’s domestic political, economic, and humanitarian situation, and the possible policy options for the United States.

The CFR Young Professionals Briefing Series provides an opportunity for those early in their careers to engage with CFR. The briefings feature remarks by experts on critical global issues and lessons learned in their careers. These events are intended for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and have not yet reached the age of thirty to be eligible for CFR term membership. Please note only U.S. citizens are eligible for CFR membership.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette discusses the future of American energy strategy.

PLEASE NOTE: CFR members are encouraged to watch the documentary The Perfect Weapon prior to the virtual discussion. A link to view the film will be sent to registrants on Monday, October 5. Please join our panelists for a discussion on how cyber became the weapon of choice for nonstate actors and states alike. Directed by John Maggio and based on the book of the same name by David Sanger, The Perfect Weapon explores the rise of cyber conflict as a primary way in which nations now compete with and sabotage one another.

The United States and the world were unprepared for the COVID-19 pandemic, despite decades of warnings highlighting the inevitability of global pandemics and the need for international coordination. The crisis is not yet over, and has already exacted a heavy human and economic price. Improving Pandemic Preparedness: Lessons From COVID-19, the report of a CFR-sponsored Independent Task Force, outlines a strategy to ensure the United States and the multilateral system perform better in this crisis—and when the next one inevitably emerges.

Matthias Matthijs, senior fellow for Europe at CFR and associate professor of international political economy at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, discusses European integration and Brexit negotiations in the lead-up to the December 31, 2020, deadline.

Charles A. Kupchan discusses his new book, Isolationism: A History of America’s Efforts to Shield Itself From the World. From the founding era until the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States avoided strategic commitments abroad, with brief exceptions during the Spanish-American War and World War I. The United States then abandoned isolationism amid World War II and the Cold War, and instead embraced global engagement. Isolationism, however, is currently making a comeback as Americans pull away from foreign entanglement. Isolationism explores the enduring connection between the isolationist impulse and the American experience across the full arc of U.S. history.

The CFR Fellows’ Book Launch series highlights new books by CFR fellows.

Following the twenty-fifth anniversary of the landmark Beijing Declaration, which set strategic objectives for the advancement of women and gender equality, panelists discuss women's economic security and progress since the adoption of the platform.

This meeting is made possible by the generous support of the ExxonMobil Foundation.

A discussion of the foreign policy challenges awaiting the winner of the 2020 election and the critical issues for Americans to consider as they cast their vote.

The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced it would rescind some methane reporting regulations, a decision now being debated in federal court. Speakers discuss the environmental risks of methane and its effect on climate change, difficulties in detecting emissions, and current efforts in the private sector to curb methane leaks.

Chairman Adam Schiff discusses American intelligence capabilities, the future of great power competition with China, and the role of Congress in pursuing U.S. foreign policy objectives.