Council on Foreign Relations[edit]

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a non-profit, non-partisan American think tank and membership organization that focuses on U.S. foreign policy and international affairs. Founded in 1921, CFR is considered one of the leading organizations for foreign policy analysis and public discourse on international relations.

History[edit]

The Council on Foreign Relations was established in 1921 by a group of prominent U.S. figures, including members of the business community, diplomats, and scholars, with the goal of fostering understanding of global issues and U.S. foreign policy. The organization was founded at the initiative of the Rockefeller family and was initially aimed at promoting American internationalism.

In the years following its founding, CFR played an important role in shaping U.S. foreign policy by providing a forum for discussion among policymakers, academics, and business leaders. The organization has also published influential reports and studies on global security, trade, human rights, and international economics.

CFR is headquartered in New York City and has a Washington, D.C., office.

Mission[edit]

The mission of the Council on Foreign Relations is to promote the understanding of global issues and to foster better U.S. foreign policy. CFR aims to provide an informed and thoughtful perspective on international relations through research, publications, and public engagement. The organization seeks to help shape the decisions that influence the global community, with an emphasis on educating and informing leaders and the public.

Activities and Programs[edit]

CFR's activities center around its research, publications, and events. Some of its major programs and activities include:

**Research and Policy Analysis**: CFR conducts in-depth research and analysis on various topics such as international security, global economics, climate change, energy, international trade, human rights, and foreign relations.
**Publications**: CFR is best known for its flagship publication, *Foreign Affairs*, which is one of the most respected journals in the field of international relations. CFR also publishes reports, books, and policy papers on global issues.
**Meetings and Events**: CFR regularly hosts events, discussions, and roundtable meetings featuring prominent leaders from the political, academic, and business worlds. These events focus on major global issues and provide opportunities for dialogue between experts and the public.
**Fellowships and Scholarships**: CFR offers various fellowships, including the International Affairs Fellowship (IAF), to provide opportunities for young professionals and academics to gain experience in foreign policy and international relations.
**Global Conversations**: CFR also organizes programs to engage international audiences through discussions and events aimed at promoting diplomacy and cooperation between nations.

Leadership[edit]

The Council on Foreign Relations is governed by a Board of Directors and managed by its President. CFR’s leadership includes experts in various fields such as foreign policy, economics, international security, and business.

As of March 2025, CFR's President is Richard N. Haass, a well-known diplomat and author who has been serving as the President of CFR since 2003. Haass has written extensively on international relations and foreign policy and has played a prominent role in shaping discussions on global governance.

Membership and Influence[edit]

Membership in the CFR is highly sought after and includes leaders from various sectors, including business, government, academia, and media. CFR members are invited to participate in discussions on important global issues and to contribute to the organization’s research and publications.

The Council’s influence extends across the world, as it regularly hosts foreign dignitaries, scholars, and experts. CFR’s analysis and publications are widely regarded and often cited by policymakers, the media, and other think tanks. Members also have access to exclusive resources, including research reports, special meetings, and policy briefings.

Publications and Media Outreach[edit]

CFR is known for its publications, which are influential in shaping public discourse on foreign policy:

Foreign Affairs – CFR’s flagship publication, which provides in-depth articles on global political, economic, and social issues.
CFR Reports and Studies – In-depth policy papers on key global issues, including security, economic policy, global health, and diplomacy.
CFR Blogs and Interactive Tools – The CFR website features several blogs covering topics such as U.S. foreign policy, global trade, and international law. Additionally, CFR provides interactive tools and resources for tracking international events.

The organization is also frequently cited by the media, and CFR experts regularly appear in major news outlets such as The New York Times, BBC, and CNN to provide commentary on international affairs.

Notable Members[edit]

CFR has a long history of notable members, including former U.S. Presidents, secretaries of state, and influential academics. Some prominent figures associated with CFR include:

Henry Kissinger: Former U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, and a key figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy in the 1970s.
Madeleine Albright: Former U.S. Secretary of State and a prominent expert on international diplomacy.
Bill Clinton: Former U.S. President, who has been involved in various CFR activities and events.
Condoleezza Rice: Former U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor.
David Rockefeller: Banker and philanthropist, who played a significant role in the early history of CFR.

Global Impact and Criticism[edit]

CFR has played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and international relations. Its research and publications are highly respected, and its members have had a considerable influence on both U.S. and global affairs.

However, CFR has also faced criticism from some quarters. Some critics argue that the organization’s membership and influence are too closely tied to elite business and political circles, which they claim may result in policy recommendations that favor the interests of powerful corporations and governments.

External Links[edit]

Official Website: [1](https://www.cfr.org/)
Foreign Affairs: [2](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/)
CFR on YouTube: [3](https://www.youtube.com/user/CouncilonForeignRelations)
CFR on Twitter: [@CFR_org](https://twitter.com/CFR_org)

References[edit]