The Chicago Council for Global Affairs
Global Politics
US Foreign Policy
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US Foreign Policy
A US oil blockade has brought Cuba to the negotiating table. That gives Washington an “extraordinary opportunity” to influence the island’s trajectory and its relationship with the United States. Will Trump’s power play get in the way?
Global Economy
As the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement heads toward its first review in 2026, Julián Ventura shares what’s at stake for the region’s economies.
Tech and Science
Anthropic implicitly acknowledges the two faces of Claude: one with the firm ethical constraints embodied in its constitution, and a second available to do just about anything the Pentagon says—just as long as it can do it well.
Global Politics
The widening conflict in the Middle East underscores the recurrent vulnerability of fossil fuel energy systems—and why a pivot to renewables is critical.
America at 250 High School Essay Competition
The Council is inviting high school juniors and seniors across the Midwest to weigh in on a defining question: As the US marks its 250th anniversary, how do you see the Midwest advancing America's global engagement in the next generation? Submissions are due by April 26, 2026.
Council in the News
Global Economy
"Europe is clearly not happy. It's not a war that they were consulted about. It's not a war that they've chosen," says Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri.
US Foreign Policy
"It really puts Europe in a difficult position. On the one hand, they're frustrated that they've been left out in the cold for this entire operation," says Council Distinguished Nonresident Fellow Julianne Smith. "On the other hand, . . . they're also recognizing that they need the strait to be open."
Global Economy
"With the sanctions against Russia, it adds to the concern about scarcity of oil," says Council Distinguished Nonresident Fellow Lord Jim O'Neill. "It's not surprising that the markets are freaked out about this."
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