Significant patterns emerged or continued across the world this year. CFR scholars share the charts, graphs, and maps that offer a window into 2020 and beyond.
Nyancho NwaNri/Reuters
China
Thomas Peter/Reuters
Xi Jinping and China’s leaders are seeking to export their development model to the rest of the world. Here’s how.
WTO
With President Trump skeptical of the WTO’s usefulness and Doha negotiations stalled, the future of global trade rules is in doubt.
Ukraine
The summit will feature the highest-profile talks in years on the war between Ukraine and Russia-backed separatists, but the parties will have to bridge major divides to find a permanent end to the conflict.
Ukraine has been dogged by corruption scandals, economic mismanagement, and Russian interference since it achieved independence in 1991. At the same time, it has cultivated relations with the United States and Europe.
From podcasts to position trackers, CFR has a wealth of resources to help you understand foreign policy and the presidential campaign.
CFR on the Record
Watch this conversation with the former Fed chairman, who died Dec. 8, on his extraordinary career and ongoing economic challenges.
Panelists discuss upcoming cases for the Supreme Court’s 2019–2020 term, and how the current makeup of the Supreme Court could affect landmark decisions.
Senator Bennet discusses his proposed changes to U.S foreign policy and how the United States can best meet the challenges of this century.
Expert Spotlight
Explainers
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Climate Change
UN Climate Talks
Since 1992, when the United Nations recognized climate change as a serious issue, negotiations among countries have produced notable accords, including the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement. But leaders have struggled to maintain momentum and failed to slow global temperature rise.
Brazil
Deforestation in the Amazon
The Amazon rainforest absorbs more greenhouse gases than any other tropical forest. But in Brazil, deforestation has claimed nearly a fifth of its tree cover, which threatens biodiversity and contributes to climate change.
China
Belt and Road Tracker
This tracker shows how the Belt and Road Initiative has changed countries’ bilateral economic relationships with China over time.
Trade
The Truth About Tariffs
Tariffs have been applied over the years to protect homegrown industries and target competitors who are seen as using unfair trade practices. They impose costs on both importers and exporters and had been in decline until the recent U.S.-China trade spat.
Experts in the News
Featured Publications
A rising India wants a seat at the table of global powers, and is ready to set its own terms on everything from defense to climate to trade. Ayres considers how a fiercely independent India seeks its place as a leading power, and how the United States should respond.
Public Health Threats and Pandemics
Global health expert Thomas J. Bollyky explores the paradox in our fight against infectious disease: the world is getting healthier in ways that should make us worry.
Stares proposes a comprehensive new strategy for how the United States can manage an increasingly turbulent world and reduce the risk of costly military commitments.