Rebecca Patterson, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and former chief investment strategist, continues to discuss the potential for US austerity measures, suggesting they might unfold in an unfavorable manner and that 'something has to give' on fiscal policy.

A new study by the European Council on Foreign Relations indicates a historical high in European skepticism regarding the US's reliability as an ally, alongside growing support for increased military spending.

Das European Council on Foreign Relations hält seine Jahrestagung im Prunksaal der Nationalbibliothek ab.

The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) has published a report analyzing a potential political scenario for Europe, specifically the victory of a far-right candidate in France's 2027 presidential elections.

A voter survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) indicates that Hungarians voted against Orban but not necessarily for Magyar, suggesting a fragile mandate for the 'Messiah' in Budapest after the recent elections.

A recent survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations indicates that most Hungarians, including supporters of Prime Minister Orbán, wish for the country to remain part of the European Union. The poll also revealed divisions and skepticism regarding Ukraine.

The deputy director of the European Council on Foreign Relations' Paris office has spoken to FRANCE 24 about how European nations are already being sucked into the war in Iran.

Clara Gillispie, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, stated that both oil producers and buyers are now exploring long-term alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz. This consideration stems from the possibility of the strait remaining closed or operating at reduced capacity.

A Middle East expert from the German Council on Foreign Relations suggests that Iran's regime has solidified its position and is unlikely to yield, indicating its long-term resilience in the region.

A senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations argues that ecological modernization is crucial for the European Union's long-term economic competitiveness.

Mark Leonard, director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, advises the EU to focus on acting like China rather than adhering to outdated rules. He suggests that China cannot dominate Europe if the EU adopts similar strategic approaches.

A report by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) indicates that more than half of Hungarians are reluctant to reduce their country's dependence on Russian energy. This highlights a significant public sentiment regarding energy policy in Hungary.

NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with Sam Vigersky, an international affairs fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, about the humanitarian impacts of the war in Iran.

Spot The Odd One Out: US Defense Spending By President Since 1997, U.S. defense spending has moved through multiple cycles, but the long-term trajectory is upward. This chart, via Visual Capitalist's Bruno Venditti, tracks National Defense (Function 050) budget authority in constant 2025 dollars and shows how totals changed under each president and party, culminating in a proposed record $1.5 trillion budget for 2027P. Data is sourced from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Historical Tables, Table 5.1 (National Defense budget authority), supplemented by Reuters reporting for the 2027 proposal. It also leverages analysis from the Council on Foreign Relations. Steady Growth Through the 2000s and 2010s In the late 1990s, under President Clinton, U.S. defense spending sat around the mid-$500 billion level in real terms. Spending rose significantly in the 2000s during the Bush years amid the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, reaching levels above $900 billion before 2010. Continued high budgets carried throughout the Obama administration, driven by ongoing post-9/11 commitments and modernization efforts. Fiscal Year Real Budget (2025$) President 1997 $542B Clinton 1998 $535B Clinton 1999 $564B Clinton 2000 $569B Clinton 2001 $609B Bush 2002 $648B Bush 2003 $798B Bush 2004 $837B Bush 2005 $834B Bush 2006 $888B Bush 2007 $971B Bush 2008 $1.04T Bush 2009 $1.05T Obama 2010 $1.06T Obama 2011 $1.03T Obama 2012 $955B Obama 2013 $843B Obama 2014 $846B Obama 2015 $813B Obama 2016 $837B Obama 2017 $862B Trump 2018 $931B Trump 2019 $938B Trump 2020 $963B Trump 2021 $902B Biden 2022 $922B Biden 2023 $908B Biden 2024 $905B Biden 2025 $962B Trump 2026 $962B Trump 2027 (proposed) $1.5T Trump Recent Trends and Record Levels In the early 2020s, spending remained high under Presidents Trump and Biden, with budgets around $900 billion to over $1 trillion in real terms. The 2026 defense budget approved by Congress reached $901 billion, while proposals for 2027 have pushed that figure even higher. Recently, President Donald Trump announced a proposal for a $1.5 trillion military budget in 2027, representing roughly a 50% increase over current levels, aimed at expanding capabilities and accelerating modernization. If you enjoyed today’s post, check out America’s $38 Trillion Mountain of Debt on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist. Tyler Durden Fri, 02/20/2026 - 05:45

President of the Ghana Council on Foreign Relations, Ambassador D.K. Osei, has called for bold and visionary leadership across Africa.

A report by the Council on Foreign Relations suggests that China may have manipulated its trade data, specifically its current account surplus, to mislead the International Monetary Fund.

Richard Haass, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, suggests that any potential agreement between the US and Iran would lead to a 'fake peace' and that the conflict has worsened the situation, not leading to a lasting ceasefire.

A report by the European Council on Foreign Relations indicates that voters of Hungary's "Tisza" party, which won the parliamentary elections, largely oppose providing military or financial assistance to Ukraine.

A study by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) suggests that Hungarian politician Péter Magyar may encounter internal difficulties, advising caution regarding European pressure on Hungary.

Carys Garland is pleased to welcome Ray Takeyh, Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). As war rages in Iran, Mr. Takeyh warns that America's "war of choice" is guided by an improvised military strategy that swings wildly between grand ambitions of regime change and more narrowly framed goals, including disabling Iran’s missile program, neutralising its proxy networks, and permanently ending its nuclear aspirations. All are open-ended commitments and l...