Advancing progressive national security policies that are grounded in respect for democratic values: accountability, rule of law, and human rights.
Representatives of the U.N. Security Council members raise their hands to vote in favor of a draft resolution at the U.N. headquarters in New York, September 30, 2021. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)
Democracies around the globe—including our own—face threats not seen in generations. We work to bolster the guardrails of democracy around the world, strengthening the rule of law and accountability, and in so doing, we add our voice to the chorus pushing against authoritarian forms of government.
Revitalizing diplomacy
The United States’ most enduring advantage is our network of alliances. Alliances and relationships are increasingly important components of U.S. national power, furthering economic, security, and humanitarian aims. We develop and support approaches for revitalizing diplomacy to further U.S. engagement in improving lives at home and around the world.
Putting climate at the center of U.S. foreign policy
Climate change threatens global security, stability, and humanity, bringing sweeping changes to our world. We are working to center climate in our international efforts and policies by transforming strategy, culture, and budgets; outlining collective responses; and defining new bilateral and multilateral alliances that can advance collective solutions to these urgent problems confronting the country and the world.
Redefining American security in today’s threat environment
Many of today’s most foreseeable threats are those that affect daily life and prospects for prosperity: COVID-19, climate change, systemic inequality, racism, and global disinformation aimed at undermining rights and democratic practices. We are working to reconceptualize what national security means in the 21st century and how U.S. national security institutions and foreign policy priorities can adapt to protect Americans and safeguard human security for all.
Seeking a New Balance for U.S. Policy in the Middle East
The Biden administration signaled an effort to shift overall U.S. policy by prioritizing diplomacy and making some modest shifts on the military front, but key human security challenges loom on the horizon.
What the European Union’s Proposed Trade Tax on Carbon Means for the United States
The European Union’s innovative carbon border adjustment mechanism offers lessons for the United States about which industries to cover and whether to credit nontax emissions controls when limiting the carbon content of imports.
Advancing Gender Equality at Home and Abroad by Leveraging Women, Peace, and Security
To achieve even greater gains in gender equity and equality around the world, the Gender Policy Council should leverage and expand the U.S. government’s existing women, peace, and security mandate and architecture.
Citizens in the World’s Leading Economies Want a Fast Recovery Post-Pandemic
New polling of adults across G-7 nations plus Australia highlights key lessons learned from the coronavirus pandemic and the need for better-prepared, more equal societies.
Redefining Homeland Security: A New Framework for DHS To Meet Today’s Challenges
To meet the challenges of today, the Biden administration and Congress should reform the Department of Homeland Security around a mission that highlights safety and services alongside its traditional protecting roles.
U.S. opposition to EU defense efforts since the 1990s has been a strategic mistake that has undermined both the EU and NATO. It’s time for a new U.S. approach that encourages ambitious EU defense strategies.
Northern Syria Security Dynamics and the Refugee Crisis
Ensuring stability in northern Syria will require international engagement that balances humanitarian concerns with the moral hazard created by Turkey’s occupation.
The Challenges Facing the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2021
Denis McDonough, the new secretary of Veterans Affairs, must work to address his department’s many challenges while supporting the veterans who return from war.
Beijing recently released modest near-term climate targets that will make it more difficult for China to meet its own carbon neutrality goal—and for other nations to meet global climate stabilization goals.
