On The Record

Thomas J. Reese, senior analyst for Religion News Service; Stephen Schneck, commissioner of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom; and George Weigel, senior fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, discuss Pope Leo XIV’s foreign policy priorities during his first 100 days and the Vatican’s evolving role in international diplomacy. Claire Giangravé, Vatican reporter for Religion News Service, moderates the conversation.

CFR experts discuss the U.S. strikes on three of Iran's key nuclear sites, Iran's possible response, and implications for the region.

Ilia Delio, founder of the Center for Christogenesis and a Franciscan sister of Washington, DC, and Noreen Herzfeld, the Nicholas and Bernice Reuter professor of science and religion at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, discuss how religious worldviews and spiritual traditions can inform global AI policy and explore the role of faith leaders in shaping inclusive, ethical, and internationally responsible governance of artificial intelligence.

Amelia Marchand, executive director of the L.I.G.H.T. Foundation, explores the intersection of Indigenous faith and climate action, discussing the role of faith-based Indigenous leaders in combating environmental challenges and advancing sustainable solutions for future generations.

Dario Amodei, CEO and co-founder of Anthropic and former VP of research at OpenAI, shares insights on the future of AI leadership in the U.S. He discusses the evolution of AI models, emphasizing safety and national security concerns. The dialogue dives into the implications of export controls on advanced chips and the complex U.S.-China AI relationship. Amodei highlights AI’s transformative potential in public health and the hidden threats of illicit trade. He also explores the essence of humanity amid rapid technological advancements.

Panelists discuss the future of climate and energy policy under the new Trump administration, examining lessons from President Trump’s previous term, anticipated shifts from the policies of the Biden administration, and the trajectory of U.S. energy industries, including oil, solar, and wind, and natural gas. This meeting is part of CFR’s Transition 2025 series, which examines the major foreign policy issues confronting the Trump administration. If you wish to attend virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question and answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio, video, and transcript of this hybrid meeting will be posted on the CFR website.

Panelists discuss the February German election results and their implications for Germany’s domestic policies, NATO commitments, and the broader European landscape, with insights into how Germany’s new leadership could reshape alliances and influence the continent’s future. CFR’s Stephen M. Kellen Term Member Program is pleased to be hosting this event with the American Council on Germany’s Young Leaders Program. **This is a virtual meeting through Zoom. Log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question and answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio, video, and transcript of this virtual meeting will be posted on the CFR website.

Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, shares his insights on current energy market dynamics and the challenges posed by geopolitical changes, particularly following the war in Ukraine. He highlights the importance of transatlantic energy cooperation and discusses TotalEnergies’ shift towards LNG and renewables in the U.S. The conversation also addresses corporate governance diversity, the need to tackle methane emissions, and balancing national security with sustainable energy solutions, emphasizing innovative strategies for the future.

Panelists discuss transatlantic ties under a second Trump administration, NATO burden-sharing, and the future of European strategic autonomy.  This meeting is part of CFR’s Transition 2025 series, which examines the major foreign policy issues confronting the Trump administration.

CFR experts provide insights and context around President Donald Trump's announced tariffs and what they mean for North American trade, U.S. alliances, and global competition.