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How Effective is America's Middle East Strategy? Apr 11, 2019

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Concerns over Iran’s increasing influence in the Middle East have placed high on the US foreign policy agenda. The alliance with Saudi Arabia, withdrawing from the JCPOA, and recent decision to retain over 2,000 troops in Syria, reflect Washington’s wider effort to contain Tehran. Yet, foreign policy experts warn that America’s new strategy may be missing the bigger picture, namely the changing geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. New power shifts, such as Turkey’s pivot toward Iran and Russia, and Putin’s increasing role as a mediator in Syria, could weaken America’s influence in the region. How effective is the United States’ current strategy in the Middle East? And how would America’s further disengagement from that part of the world impact its reputation as a global leader?

Ghana's Growth and Progress Apr 01, 2019

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The Republic of Ghana is widely considered to be a shining star in Sub-Saharan Africa. With growing economic strength and a strong democratic political system that recently experienced another peaceful transition of power, Ghana’s successes mean further prosperity for its people, the West African region, and the African continent. Please join us at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs as we discuss Ghana’s future with President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Putin's World: Russia Against the West and with the Rest Mar 28, 2019

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Is Russia back? Following a decade of post-Soviet malaise, Russia has reemerged under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin as a chief player on the world stage. Indeed, Putin’s Russia has been ever more assertive in testing—and defying—the liberal international order created after World War II. From its annexation of Crimea and intervention in eastern Ukraine, to its burgeoning partnership with China and steady military buildup in the Arctic, Russia is presenting new challenges to the US and its partners around the world. Yet, with a petro-economy the size of Italy’s, few close allies, and military spending eclipsed by that of the US, has Russia truly resumed its Soviet superpower status? How will Russia’s role in the world change in the wake of the US retreat from global leadership?

The Artificial Intelligence Arms Race Mar 18, 2019

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In the coming years, artificial intelligence could fuel tensions between the United States and China, argues quantitative futurist, Amy Webb. Today, nine giant corporations—six American, three Chinese—control the bulk of the data and advances in computing that underpin these technologies. But while the US tech titans face little oversight and report primarily to shareholders, the Chinese government closely supervises the work of its tech companies, guiding research and investment in ways that are beneficial to the state. With competition between these superpowers intensifying, will China’s centralized, top-down approach give it the edge in the race for technological supremacy? How can the White House, Pentagon, and Silicon Valley craft a shared national strategy for AI?

US and China: Economic Powers at Odds Mar 13, 2019

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Trade tensions rose sharply in 2018 between the United States and China as both sides imposed steep tariffs on imports of certain goods. The mounting tension between the world’s two largest economies caused global markets to drop, and uncertainty remains as to whether negotiators will be able to break the impasse and end the trade war. What can we expect in 2019 for US-China economic relations? What happens if the United States and China fail to reach a final agreement on trade issues? Join the Council on Global Affairs as trade experts Phil Levy and Derek Scissors discuss the state of trade relations between the United States and China and the implications for the global economy.

A Brave New World: Democracy and Big Data Mar 09, 2019

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Next year China is expected to implement a far-reaching Social Credit system, using data collected from a multitude of digital sources to score the "trustworthiness" of its citizens. For many in the West, such all-encompassing surveillance might sound darkly Orwellian. But the platforms and devices used by the Chinese system are proliferating, and today the United States government and tech giants like Facebook and Google, possess previously unimaginable troves of information on the public’s activities and interests. How can democratic societies prevent this mass collection of data from being misused in ways that undermine rights and freedoms, or leave public opinion open to manipulation? Where do we draw the line between privacy and transparency in the digital age?

International Women's Day Call with Melanne Verveer - March 7, 2019 Mar 07, 2019

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Women's rights have become increasingly important to development efforts. On the eve of International Women's Day 2019, Melanne Verveer joined the Council's Katelyn Jones to consider progress made, to acknowledge past and present challenges, and to identify future policy avenues on the path to gender equality nationally and globally.

The Third Pillar: Are Communities Being Left Behind? Mar 06, 2019

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We're doing it wrong. As government and the market economy, two highly debated and complex pillars of our society, become more sophisticated and powerful, the core of society, the community, the third pillar, is being lost. When the gap between communities and the political and economic elite grows too wide, it has manifested itself in violence and populism. With communities left out of the equation, Raghuram Rajan suggests that we are "doing it wrong." In an era of globalization and digital connectivity, what does a healthy third pillar look like? Will a shift to strengthening and empowering local communities be the answer to growing economic disparity and political unrest?

Captain America and Hip-Hop: American Soft Power Diplomacy Dissected Feb 26, 2019

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In the 1980s Joseph Nye coined the term “soft power,” referring to a country’s ability to attract rather than coerce. For many years America has enticed the world through the appeal of its cultural outputs, even when US foreign policy is unpopular. It has unleashed an attractive arsenal of Hollywood blockbusters, genre-shaping tunes, and mega brands such as McDonald’s and Apple. As these cultural phenomena spread globally, so did US influence, attracting partners and support. Yet, in the age of the “America First” modus operandi, is US soft power—expressed through culture, education, diplomacy and aid—declining? And to what extent is the American story being eclipsed by a rising China, the world's other movie hubs, Bollywood and Nollywood, and even K-pop bands?

Security: Israeli, Palestinian, and US Regional Strategies Feb 21, 2019

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In an era of decentralized terrorism, digital threats, and an unpredictable political climate, national security tactics are being put to the test. This is especially true concerning Israel, Palestine, and the United States, where shifts are happening as fast as policy can be developed. How are these actors staying up-to-date with regional and domestic challenges ranging from nuclear dangers, to demographic and societal changes, and political factionalism? And what impact has America’s recent foreign policy shift had in the region? Join the Council, Chuck Freilich, and Shibley Telhami for an exploration of Israel’s national security focus, the current situation in Palestine, US relations, and the impact of Russia’s growing influence in the region.

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