On the Record

By Council on Foreign RelationsNews

On the Record episodes

October 03, 2025On the Future of the U.S. Economy
In September 2025, the U.S. Federal Reserve approved a quarter-point interest rate cut. The move came amid a softening labor market, above-target inflation, heightened uncertainty about Trump’s trade and tariff policy, and other conditions that present significant challenges to monetary policymakers. Against this backdrop, Susan M. Collins, the president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, discusses the United States’ current economic outlook.

Background Reading:
This backgrounder unpacks the role of the U.S. Federal Reserve, and its ongoing struggles with inflation and political scrutiny.

Host: Seema Mody, Technology and Global Markets Correspondent, CNBC

Guest: Susan M. Collins, President and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

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To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJgEznKrwKY
1 hr
September 26, 2025UN High Commissioner Volker Türk On Human Rights
From Sudan to the war in Gaza, 2025 has seen the continuation of major humanitarian crises across the globe. Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, examines a range of these crises, while also exploring issues such as financing, reform, and declining multilateral consensus.

This conversation was hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations during the 80th United Nations General Assembly.

Background Reading:
This expert brief outlines the Trump administration's move away from UN human rights standards.
This post discusses the most recent U.S. report on Human Rights Practices.

Host: Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations

Guest: Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

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To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/Hami3lD8MeY?si=8Uzbhk09q45hB8jC
1 hr 1 min
September 24, 2025South African President Cyril Ramaphosa On Trade, Reform, and the BRICS Alliance
Long before Trump retook the Oval Office, policymakers were concerned that South Africa's growing ties with Russia and China could undermine Washington’s strategic interests in the region. Against the backdrop of these concerns, President Cyril Ramaphosa examines South Africa’s domestic priorities, its bilateral trade relations with the United States, the future of BRICS, and the country’s role in Southern Africa.

This conversation was hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations during the 80th United Nations General Assembly.

Background Reading:
This post unpacks the confrontational meeting between South African President Ramaphosa and U.S. President Trump in May 2025.

Host: Richard Stengel, Political Analyst at MSNBC; Former Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of State

Guest: Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa

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To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD93mvqbnDI
51 min
September 22, 2025Canadian PM Mark Carney On NATO, Trade, and the Middle East
The U.S.-Canadian relationship boasts a history of cooperation, peaceful borders, and strong trade ties. However, the partnership has come under strain during the second Trump administration, in part due to sweeping tariffs that have called into question Canada’s economic ties to Washington. Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Mark Carney discusses Canada’s role in NATO, the ongoing war in Gaza, Canada’s foreign policy priorities, and the new global economy.

This conversation was hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations during the 80th United Nations General Assembly.

Background Reading:
This backgrounder unpacks Canada’s fraught trade relationship with the United States.
This timeline highlights the U.S.-Canada partnership over the last century, and how trade tensions and territorial disputes have strained relations in recent years.

Host: Michael Froman, President, Council on Foreign Relations

Guest: Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

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To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYYjz2hABZk
1 hr 2 min
September 19, 2025On U.S. National Security Challenges
Since the start of the second Trump administration, the National Security Council (NSC) has seen its staff reduced from around 350 employees to fewer than 100, with dozens of policy experts abruptly dismissed or placed on administrative leave this May. Former U.S. National Security Advisors Thomas E. Donilon, Stephen J. Hadley, and Susan E. Rice unpack how the recent reorganization could affect U.S. foreign policy decision-making.

Background Reading:
This backgrounder from CFR Education outlines the role of the U.S. National Security Council.

Host: Michael Froman, President, Council on Foreign Relations

Guests: Susan E. Rice, Former National Security Advisor (2013–17); CFR Member

Thomas E. Donilon, Former National Security Advisor (2010–13); Member, Board of Directors, Council on Foreign Relations

Stephen J. Hadley, Former National Security Advisor (2005–09); CFR Member

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To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTvZJxAGnW4
1 hr 3 min
September 12, 2025On Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis
Former UN Undersecretary-General Sigrid Kaag discusses the state of humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the role of the international community in supporting relief efforts.

Background Reading:
Malnutrition has reached alarming levels in Gaza, with famine declared in the territory’s most populated region. As Israel continues to block aid from entering Gaza, this backgrounder explains how hunger is now reportedly affecting more than just civilians on the ground.
As the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip continues, some countries have announced their intent to recognize the Palestinian territories as a sovereign nation, but full independence and UN membership remain elusive. This backgrounder unpacks the quest for Palestinian statehood.

Host: Steven Kalin, Foreign Correspondent at the Wall Street Journal

Guest: Sigrid Kaag, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process; Former United Nations Undersecretary-General

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To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPUiqLythfc
59 min
August 12, 2025 On Pope Leo XIV’s First 100 Days
Experts discuss Pope Leo XIV’s foreign policy priorities during his first 100 days and the Vatican’s evolving role in international diplomacy.

Host: Claire Giangravé, Vatican Reporter for Religion News Service

Guests: Thomas J. Reese, Senior Analyst for Religion News Service

Stephen Schneck, Commissioner of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

George Weigel, Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center

Want more comprehensive analysis of global news and events straight to your inbox? Subscribe to CFR’s Daily News Brief newsletter.

To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYbURipvtj0
1 hr 8 min
June 23, 2025 Media Briefing: The U.S. Strikes Iran
CFR experts discuss the U.S. strikes on three of Iran's key nuclear sites, Iran's possible response, and implications for the region.
1 hr 1 min
June 17, 2025 Religion and Foreign Policy Webinar: AI’s Religious and Policy Implications
Ilia Delio, founder of the Center for Christogenesis and a Franciscan sister of Washington, DC, and Noreen Herzfeld, the Nicholas and Bernice Reuter professor of science and religion at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, discuss how religious worldviews and spiritual traditions can inform global AI policy and explore the role of faith leaders in shaping inclusive, ethical, and internationally responsible governance of artificial intelligence.
1 hr 4 min
April 30, 2025 Religion and Foreign Policy Webinar: Indigenous Faith and Climate Policy
Amelia Marchand, executive director of the L.I.G.H.T. Foundation, explores the intersection of Indigenous faith and climate action, discussing the role of faith-based Indigenous leaders in combating environmental challenges and advancing sustainable solutions for future generations.
1 hr 2 min

About On the Record

From the publisher's feed

A curated selection of thought-provoking events from the Council on Foreign Relations, featuring expert panels, keynote conversations, and global policy discussions.