Chicago Council on Global Affairs

Join University of Chicago's Robert Rosner, Illinois Commerce Commission's Doug Scott, and the Council's Rachel Bronson on March 30 for a discussion on nuclear power, geopolitics, and energy security. Register: bit.ly/4rViYsr

Presented in partnership with the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.

What Regime Change Could Mean for Iran Washington’s Iran policy should be grounded in human rights, liberalism, democracy, regional stability, national security, and economic opportunity—and treated as both a strategic and a moral issue.

Saeid Golkar, Council Senior Nonresident Fellow on Iran Policy, explains the humanitarian, security, and economic cases for pursuing regime change in Iran—and why Washington's Iran policy should be treated as both a strategic and a moral issue.

bit.ly/4d4dFCe

How Congress Can Still Influence Trump's Iran War The congressional split over the war powers resolution signals that US President Donald Trump lacks broad support for the military intervention in Iran—and opposition on Capitol Hill is likely to grow if the war grinds on.

The House will vote today on an Iran war powers resolution after a similar measure failed in the Senate. "Notwithstanding this week’s votes, history suggests that members of Congress may still be politically consequential," Council Senior Nonresident Fellow Jordan Tama writes. bit.ly/4cvYNMY

How America Tells Its Story: A Conversation with Lonnie Bunch Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch and The HistoryMakers Founder and President Julieanna Richardson reflect on how America’s history continues to shape the nation at 250.

As the US approaches its 250th anniversary, the nation is reflecting on its identity, history, and future. Join us for a conversation with Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, moderated by The HistoryMakers Founder and President Julieanna Richardson. Register: bit.ly/4buRB1x

US says strikes weakened Iran's weapons systems as region remains under threat President Donald Trump said Tuesday American bombers and cruise missiles have taken out most of Iran’s weapons systems. However, the nation remains under...

"I think that President Trump has probably realized he doesn't have the ability to deliver regime change in Iran without committing US troops on the ground," Council President and CEO @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social told NBC 5 Chicago. More expert insights ⤵️

a bar chart showing US views on approval required for military action against Iran

A new Council-@ipsosus.bsky.social survey conducted February 27-March 1—before, during, and after the initial US strikes against Iran—finds a majority of Americans said it was necessary for the president to obtain approval from Congress prior to using military force. More data ➡️ bit.ly/47fDDiv

It’s Time to Retire the Pottery Barn Rule The war on Iran sounds the death knell for the old-school idea of “you break it, you own it.”

"Trump and his administration are plainly unmoved by claims that they bear responsibility for the fates of nations where the United States has intervened," Council Senior Nonresident Fellow Suzanne Nossel argues in @foreignpolicy.com following the US strikes against Iran.

US, Israel target Iran with increased military operations Major combat continued Monday night in the Iran War, and it could go on for weeks, according to President Donald Trump. Chuck Goudie reports.

Who will lead Iran after Khamenei?

"The strike that killed Khamenei also wiped out a lot of the potential candidates or people that they thought would be the next in line," says Council Senior Nonresident Fellow @profpaulpoast.bsky.social. "There's still an immense amount of uncertainty."

‘Say More’ discusses Epstein files and the U.S. bombing of Iran Why has there been a lack of accountability for Americans named in the Epstein files? What should we know about U.S. military strikes on Iran?

"If the ambition is regime change, the means that are being used certainly are insufficient to achieve that," Council President and CEO @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social told @wbez.org as the US military campaign in Iran continues to unfold. "Iran has been succession planning for a very long time."

Join us for a conversation with former US Deputy Secretary of Defense and Council Distinguished Nonresident Fellow Kathleen Hicks and @defenseone.bsky.social's Patrick Tucker on March 18 as they explore the changing nature of warfare and its impact on global security. Register: bit.ly/4sqT6EI

The Strategic Challenges of the US Military Campaign Against Iran US President Donald Trump has called for regime change, the destruction of Iranian military capability, and the degradation of proxy groups. But an operation with multiple goals carries greater risk.

Bulletin Senior Advisor Rachel Bronson @rb312.bsky.social writes for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social on the strategic challenges of the US military campaign against Iran.

I’m on the Meta Oversight Board. We need AI protections now | Suzanne Nossel AI is transforming our world. Accepting independent oversight is the least companies can do to protect our rights

"AI is taking over our classrooms, colleges and corporations. Independent oversight is the least AI companies can do to make sure that, wittingly or not, they do not take over our rights as well," Council Senior Nonresident Fellow Suzanne Nossel writes in @theguardian.com. #[bit.ly/4cViE8b

A New and Dangerous Era for US-China Ties With Washington prioritizing deal-making over competition, Beijing's confidence is growing--and the risk of miscalculation is rising. Could China use America's time-out from strategic competition to surpass it economically, technologically, and geopolit...

How will a recent thaw in U.S.-China relations define the relationship between the two nations in 2026? Writing for @global-affairs.bsky.social, SFS Prof Evan Medeiros argues that strategic competition is likely to return.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4s0fJjD

The Strategic Challenges of the US Military Campaign Against Iran US President Donald Trump has called for regime change, the destruction of Iranian military capability, and the degradation of proxy groups. But an operation with multiple goals carries greater risk.

Trump has called for regime change, the destruction of Iranian military capability, and the degradation of proxy groups. But an operation with multiple goals carries greater risk.

bit.ly/4shzXVv

Americans See Congress as Weak on Foreign Policy Compared to the President Just three in 10 Americans see the division of foreign policy powers between Congress and the president as “about right.”

US President Donald Trump did not receive congressional approval before ordering US strikes against Iran, raising questions about checks and balances in foreign policy.

Council polling reveals how Americans view the division of power ➡️ #[bit.ly/3P6IYlV

University of Chicago professor weighs in on U.S. and Israel strike on Iran University of Chicago professor of political science Paul Poast joins CBS News Chicago.

Following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, US President Donald Trump is calling on the Iranian people to overthrow their government.

"It would be much more difficult for the United States special forces to be able to carry out a Maduro-type raid with the ayatollah," says @profpaulpoast.bsky.social.

In Iran, Trump’s Mixed Signals Complicate a US Strategy of Coercive Diplomacy The stakes are high for regional and international stability after US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva failed to produce a deal. Can a diplomatic solution be reached?

The stakes are high for regional and international stability after US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva failed to produce a deal. Can a diplomatic solution be reached? Council President & CEO @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social explains what is complicating negotiations.

bit.ly/479Pn5Z

a bar chart showing partisan views on Congress' role in foreign policy-making

As US President Donald Trump considers using military force against Iran, Council polling reveals Americans perceive a power imbalance between the executive and legislative branches of government on foreign policy. More takeaways 📊➡️ bit.ly/3P6IYlV

Trump builds case for war with Iran ahead of pivotal talks President Trump uses State of the Union address to make case for potential military action against Iran, as pivotal talks set for Thursday in Geneva.

“My sense of what I’m seeing, we’re not going to see Iraq and Afghanistan and not going to see Venezuela,” Council Senior Nonresident Fellow Saeid Golkar told @thehill.com about the potential for US military action against Iran. “We are going to see something in between." bit.ly/4tY31TJ

When Commerce Becomes Coercion: Navigating Weaponized Interdependence Victor Cha, Paul Heer, and Leslie Vinjamuri discuss how major powers are turning economic interdependence into a geopolitical tool and how other countries can respond.

Economic interdependence once promised stability—now it’s a tool of geopolitical pressure.

@global-affairs.bsky.social convenes a timely conversation on economic statecraft, featuring @victordcha.bsky.social on how countries and firms can respond.

Join here🔽

"Beneath the political turbulence, the transatlantic defense tech ecosystem is expanding rapidly—spanning venture capital, dual-use innovation, and cross-border partnerships," write Council Distinguished Nonresident Fellow Ambassador Julianne Smith and Wendy R. Anderson.
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The Deeper Consequences of Trump’s Tariff Strategy Even before the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn most of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, historic allies had begun actively exploring economic relationships with other nations.

Council Distinguished Nonresident Fellow on the Global Economy Lord Jim O'Neill explores the US Supreme Court decision to overturn most of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the deeper consequences of the Trump administration's economic strategy.

bit.ly/3Ozjldn

a bar chart showing US views of commitment to reaching a Russia-Ukraine peace deal

Four years into the Russia-Ukraine war, talks to end the conflict have come up short—and recent Council-@ipsosgroup.bsky.social polling suggests Americans blame Russia for the lack of progress. Just 13 percent believe Moscow is committed to reaching a peace agreement with Kyiv. bit.ly/3OcxrBm

How the US Public Sees the State of the Union Amid Worsening Global Tensions Recent surveys show a rise in American skepticism of the Trump administration’s approach to domestic and foreign policy. The Council explores where they stand on the economy, immigration, alliances, and more.

As President Trump prepares to deliver his 2026 #SOTU address, recent polls show a rise in American skepticism toward his administration's approach to domestic and foreign policy. @roguepollster.bsky.social unpacks where the US public stands on the economy, immigration, and more. ⤵️ bit.ly/4ayy154

Six in 10 Americans Support US Participation in a Nuclear Agreement with Iran Majorities of Democrats and Independents support a potential deal similar to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, but only a minority of Republicans agree.

As US-Iran tensions continue to escalate, Council-@ipsosgroup.bsky.social polling suggests Americans prefer a diplomatic solution. Majorities support US participation in a nuclear agreement with Iran (61%) and oppose sending US troops to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities (60%). bit.ly/4saGG3z

US-Iran Nuclear Tensions: What Is at Stake and What Comes Next? A live stream with Suzanne Maloney and Vali Nasr on escalating US-Iran nuclear talks and US President Donald Trump’s threat of an imminent US strike.

Today at 9 a.m. CT, hear from @brookings.edu's @suzannemaloney.bsky.social, @johnshopkinssais.bsky.social's Vali Nasr, and Council Senior Nonresident Fellow @cooleyoneurasia.bsky.social as they unpack the rising US-Iran tensions and what is at stake for the future of Iran. bit.ly/4cIM8pO

When Commerce Becomes Coercion: Navigating Weaponized Interdependence Victor Cha, Paul Heer, and Leslie Vinjamuri discuss how major powers are turning economic interdependence into a geopolitical tool and how other countries can respond.

Economic interdependence once promised stability—now it’s a tool of geopolitical pressure.

@global-affairs.bsky.social convenes a timely conversation on economic statecraft, featuring @victordcha.bsky.social on how countries and firms can respond.

Join here🔽
globalaffairs.org/events/when-...

As part of our "America at 250" event series, University of Chicago's @tomginsburg.bsky.social and Aziz Huq join DePaul University's Leigha Crout tonight to discuss the role of the Constitution, how it compares with other democracies, and how it functions today. bit.ly/3MqqvzP

A Healthier Alternative to Trump’s Tariff Obsession The US Supreme Court struck down US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. History offers a potential path forward for the economy.

The Supreme Court ruled against US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs today, raising questions about the administration's next moves.

Council Distinguished Nonresident Fellow Lord Jim O'Neill suggests a potential path forward for US trade policy. bit.ly/46j1iOI

This week, American Enterprise Institute's @kschake.bsky.social joined Council President & CEO @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social to discuss how the relationship between between America's civilian leaders and its military is evolving. Watch the full conversation: bit.ly/4qOEMVp