As the United States prepares for a presidential transition, the incoming Donald Trump administration will face significant foreign policy challenges — from ongoing conflicts and shifting global alliances to emerging technological threats. Council on Foreign Relations experts and Foreign Affairs contributors provide essential analysis and resources to help understand critical global issues and the U.S.’s evolving role in the world.

Trump and the Future of the USMCA

Shannon O’Neil and Julia Huesa

President-elect Trump has threatened new tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico. His trade plans threaten the future of the United States’ largest free trade agreement, which is under mandatory review in 2026. Shannon O’Neil and Julia Huesa explain how the plans threaten the agreement.

What to Expect From Trump’s Early Executive Orders

Jonathan Masters and Diana Roy

Trump has promised to commence his new term with executive actions across a range of policy issues, including immigration, trade, energy, health, and others. Learn which ones to watch

A Report the Incoming Administration Should Read

James M. Lindsay

“Trump will try to remake U.S. foreign policy, but he will not be able to do so as he pleases,” writes James M. Lindsay. The latest Preventive Priorities Survey, prepared by the Center for Preventive Action, gauges the likelihood of contingencies and their impact on U.S. national interests. Read more on The Water’s Edge

Repealing the IRA Has Trade-Offs, Tweaking It Has Advantages

Helena Kopans-Johnson and Sophia Vaccaro

With over a third of the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) funding set to expire by the end of Trump’s next term, Congress should prioritize the legislation’s most impactful initiatives: manufacturing and energy security. Read more on RealEcon

AI Priorities For the Next Trump Administration

Sebastian Elbaum and Adam Segal

The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been breathtaking and American firms are leading the way. However, Sebastian Elbaum and Adam Segal argue that rivals like China are gaining ground, with major consequences for the U.S. economy and security. Read their expert opinions

Unpacking the China-Russia No-Limits Partnership

Clara Fong and Will Merrow

In the years ahead, China and Russia will challenge the U.S.-led world order that has defined the post–World War II era. Beijing’s and Moscow’s relationship has strengthened militarily, economically, and diplomatically in the past two decades, demonstrating their commitment to a “no limits” partnership. Explore the countries’ strategic partnership

Foreign Policy Moments From Trump’s First Term

CFR Editors

Trump’s first presidential term marked a sharp departure from previous approaches to U.S. leadership in areas such as diplomacy and trade. Explore moments from his first four years in office

Joe Biden’s Disappearing Legacy

Richard Haass

“U.S. presidents leave with mixed legacies,” writes Richard Haass, but Biden’s remains mixed. Read more on Project Syndicate

Twelve Things You Probably Do Not Know About U.S. Presidential Inaugurations

James M. Lindsay

Ahead of the sixtieth presidential inauguration in the United States on Monday, James M. Lindsay offers twelve lesser-known facts about the ceremony. Read more on The Water’s Edge

For Educators: Global Issues Facing the Trump Administration

CFR Education offers a list of resources to help students understand the positions of the incoming Trump administration and what issues will likely take center stage for the president-elect. Expore the list

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