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CFR's Future of American Strategy Initiative

On May 20, 2026, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) introduced its ambitious Future of American Strategy Initiative, a multiyear project designed to craft a forward-looking strategic vision for the United States' global engagements. This launch comes at a pivotal time when the U.S. faces unprecedented challenges in its international role. With power dynamics shifting globally and significant technological advancements altering the landscape, the initiative seeks to help the U.S. navigate these complexities effectively.

The initiative is housed within the David Rockefeller Studies Program and spearheaded by Senior Vice President Shannon K. O'Neil, ensuring a robust framework of research and dialogue. Rebecca Lissner, a distinguished CFR senior fellow and expert in U.S. foreign policy, will direct the initiative. In her words, “The United States is at a historic inflection point,” and it's crucial that the nation develops strategic concepts that align with contemporary realities.

Objectives of the Initiative

The CFR's initiative seeks to achieve several essential goals:

• - Research and Strategy Evolution: It aims to conduct cutting-edge research that reevaluates the strategic environment faced by the U.S. This includes questioning established principles and finding ways in which American strategy should adapt to current global dynamics.
• - Inclusivity in Perspectives: The initiative encourages a broad range of viewpoints from across the political spectrum to facilitate meaningful debates and promote civil discourse. This collaborative approach is vital in a divided political landscape.
• - Engagement Beyond Washington: Acknowledging that foreign policy impacts local communities, the initiative will engage with various U.S. communities to capture diverse concerns and insights. This endeavor emphasizes that international decisions resonate at a local level, influencing daily life and livelihood across the country.
• - Accessible Narratives: By converting detailed analysis into engaging multimedia content, the initiative aims to create narratives that resonate with both policymakers and the general public, fostering a better understanding of foreign policy implications.

Multimedia Launch Package

As part of its debut, the Future of American Strategy Initiative introduced a multimedia package featuring CFR experts discussing various topics, including:

• - Policy approaches concerning relationships with regions such as Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East
• - Trade and international economics
• - The development of artificial intelligence technology
• - U.S. defense strategies

This comprehensive package is accessible on the initiative’s dedicated webpage and aims to be a resource for understanding the multifaceted nature of American foreign policy.

Importance and Relevance

Dr. Lissner emphasized the tangible effects of U.S. foreign policy, stating: “It influences jobs, supply chains, energy prices, and the technology people interact with daily.” The initiative strives to rethink how the U.S. engages with the world in a manner that is relevant and sustainable, resonating across partisan divides.

In conclusion, the Future of American Strategy Initiative represents a crucial step for the Council on Foreign Relations as it attempts to create a respected, robust framework for U.S. international leadership. The aim is clear: to define a strategy that reflects America’s strengths and addresses its constraints while preparing for the complex challenges that lie ahead. To dive deeper into this initiative, visit cfr.org/future-of-american-strategy.