On The Record

Join experts Laura DeNardis, a Georgetown professor specializing in technology ethics, Vinh Nguyen, a former NSA AI chief focusing on security, and Miriam Vogel, CEO of EqualAI and author, as they explore the intricate world of AI governance. They dive into the geopolitical challenges of AI, the pressing need for operational responsibility, and the delicate balance between innovation and accountability. From state-linked cyber threats to corporate responsibility, this discussion reveals what it takes to safely navigate the future of artificial intelligence.

Since President Trump first introduced a proposal to end the war in Ukraine, revisions from both sides have led to disagreement, diminishing hopes for a lasting peace. Experts are now examining the recent meeting between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Miami, where efforts were made to finalize a peace plan for presentation to Moscow, as well as the types of security guarantees Ukraine may seek going forward.    Background Reading: This article details Trump’s proposed peace plan and the pitfalls of Washington’s attempt to advance ceasefire discussions between Russia and Ukraine.   Host: Paul B. Stares, General John W. Vessey Senior Fellow for Conflict Prevention and Director of the Center for Preventive Action, CFR   Guests: Liana Fix, Senior Fellow for Europe, CFR   Thomas Graham, Distinguished Fellow, CFR   Steven Sestanovich, George F. Kennan Senior Fellow for Russian and Eurasian Studies, CFR   Want more comprehensive analysis of global news and events straight to your inbox? Subscribe to CFR’s Daily News Brief newsletter.   To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit our YouTube channel: The State of Play in Ukraine.  

Intelligence experts discuss the new frontiers of intelligence gathering, examining how emerging technologies are transforming espionage and reshaping the future of U.S. national security.   Background Reading: This article outlines how growing politicization within the intelligence community threatens the integrity of intelligence assessments and endangers U.S. national security.   Host: Barton Gellman, Senior Advisor to the President, Brennan Center for Justice, NYU Law School   Guests: Robert Cardillo, Former Director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency   Anthony Vinci, Author, The Fourth Intelligence Revolution: The Future of Espionage and the Battle to Save America; Former Chief Technology Officer, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency   Rebecca U. Weiner, Deputy Commissioner, Intelligence and Counterterrorism, New York City Police Department; CFR Member   Want more comprehensive analysis of global news and events straight to your inbox? Subscribe to CFR’s Daily News Brief newsletter.   To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu62quTXCF0   

James D. Taiclet, CEO of Lockheed Martin, discusses the complexities of defense supply chains and the urgent need for transparency. Justin G. Muzinich, former U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary, emphasizes the importance of strategic economic decoupling from China, despite potential costs. Gina M. Raimondo, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, shares insights on the CHIPS Act and the need for targeted government investments in critical technologies. The conversation highlights U.S. vulnerabilities and the necessity for collaboration with allies to bolster economic security.

David Sandalow, a clean energy expert and former U.S. negotiator at the Kyoto conference, teams up with David G. Victor, a distinguished public policy scholar, to dissect global climate negotiations. They reflect on the dramatic Kyoto talks and critique its rigid legal framework. The duo highlights China’s booming clean energy sector and its geopolitical implications, explores financing needs for climate resilience, and discusses how AI could drive emissions reductions. Their insights underscore the urgency for effective multilateral cooperation in climate action.

Measles, whooping cough, and other vaccine-preventable diseases are on the rise around the world. Cuts to foreign aid, coupled with growing vaccine hesitancy, and persistent gaps in vaccine access are fueling outbreaks in poor and wealthy nations alike. In this conversation, global health experts discuss the drivers of these outbreaks and the solutions that can advance vaccine equity and better public health worldwide.   Background Reading: This tracker from CFR’s Think Global Health initiative maps weekly updates of disease outbreaks around the globe. This article unpacks the global decline in immunization coverage. This backgrounder unpacks the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing disease, and the global rise in vaccine hesitancy.   Host: Thomas J. Bollyky, Bloomberg Chair in Global Health and Director of the Global Health Program, Council on Foreign Relations   Guests: Heidi Larson, Founder and Director, The Vaccine Confidence Project   Seth Berkley, Senior Advisor, Pandemic Center; Adjunct Professor of the Practice in the Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health   William John Moss, Executive Director, International Vaccine Access Center; Professor of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health   Want more comprehensive analysis of global news and events straight to your inbox? Subscribe to CFR’s Daily News Brief newsletter.   To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilif8cCwErE   

Qatar is home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East and maintains deep economic ties with Washington, cementing its status as a critical on-NATO ally. But this September, that partnership was put to the test when Israel, largely funded and supported by the United States, launched an attack on Qatar’s capital, Doha. In this conversation, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discusses Qatar’s regional role, including its mediation efforts in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, and its response following the Israeli attack in Doha.   Background Reading: This article discusses how the strikes on Doha could jeopardize future ceasefires in Gaza.   Host: Ayman Mohyeldin, Co-Host, The Weekend: Primetime, MSNBC   Guests: Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qatar   Want more comprehensive analysis of global news and events straight to your inbox? Subscribe to CFR’s Daily News Brief newsletter. To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huTLgmLExc

As great-power competition intensifies and the prospect of conflict with China looms, military strength, technological innovation, and cooperation with allies are essential to ensuring U.S. national security. General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., 21st chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discusses the most pressing geopolitical challenges facing the United States and the world today.   Background Reading: This article outlines the risks of the United States’ dependence on China for critical minerals, and makes suggestions for how the United States can begin to compete in the space.   Host: Michael Froman, President, Council on Foreign Relations   Guests: Charles Q. Brown, Jr., 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; General, U.S. Air Force (Retired)   Want more comprehensive analysis of global news and events straight to your inbox? Subscribe to CFR’s Daily News Brief newsletter.   To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEqSGjfMPy8 

As the war in Ukraine nears its fourth year, uncertainty is growing over the future of international support. Meanwhile, mounting pressure on Russia’s economy and an increase in high-tech, drone-centric warfare continue to bolster Ukraine’s defense. Experts from Ukraine and Europe discuss international financial initiatives to support Ukraine’s reconstruction and revitalize its infrastructure and economy in the aftermath of Russia’s military aggression.   Background Reading:  This report lays out strategies for rebuilding Ukraine, reintegrating workers, and growing the country’s economy post-war.   Host: Heidi Crebo-Rediker, Senior Fellow, Center for Geoeconomic Studies at CFR   Guests: Nadia Calviño, President, European Investment Bank Sergii Marchenko, Minister of Finance, Ukraine Odile Renaud-Basso, President, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development   Want more comprehensive analysis of global news and events straight to your inbox? Subscribe to CFR’s Daily News Brief newsletter.   To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/yySb8cSk7E8.   

U.S. Department of State officials are the foremost representatives of U.S. interests around the world, helping to manage relationships with foreign governments, international organizations, and the people of other countries. Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Dean of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs Keren Yarhi-Milo discuss their new book, Inside the Situation Room, and lessons for future leaders navigating national security crises.   Background Reading:  This post unpacks leaked reform plans that the Donald Trump administration seeks to make to the State Department.   Host: David Westin, Anchor, Bloomberg   Guests: Hillary Rodham Clinton, 67th U.S. Secretary of State Keren Yarhi-Milo, Dean and Adlai E. Stevenson Professor of International Relations, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) John J. Sullivan, Partner, Mayer Brown; Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State   Want more comprehensive analysis of global news and events straight to your inbox? Subscribe to CFR’s Daily News Brief newsletter.   To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juwvr_yrwz4