Security Alliances | Council on Foreign Relations

Japan

The U.S.-Japan Alliance

The alliance with Japan has been the cornerstone of U.S. security policy in East Asia for decades. Now, Japan’s role in global security is growing as challenges from China and North Korea mount.

Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors May 3, 2024
Indo-Pacific

Reflecting on a Changing Indo-Pacific: A Conversation With Admiral John Aquilino

Admiral John Aquilino discusses his work as commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, as well as the security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, solutions to deliver integrated deterrence, and multilateral partnerships. Please note there is no virtual component to this meeting. The audio, video, and transcript of this meeting will be posted on the CFR website.

Event with John C. Aquilino and Mary McInnis Boies April 17, 2024
Defense and Security

Open to Debate: Should Congress Stop Funding the War in Ukraine?

In a collaboration between CFR and Open to Debate, panelists debate whether or not Congress should stop funding the war in Ukraine. Open to Debate is the nation’s only nonpartisan, debate-driven media organization dedicated to bringing multiple viewpoints together for a constructive, balanced, respectful exchange of ideas. Open to Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded people to engage with others holding opposing views on complex issues.

Event with Heather Conley, Daniel L. Davis, Paula J. Dobriansky, John J. Mearsheimer and John Donvan March 28, 2024

Experts in this Topic

Esther Brimmer

James H. Binger Senior Fellow in Global Governance

Charles A. Kupchan

Senior Fellow

Manjari Chatterjee Miller

Senior Fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia

Sue Mi Terry

Senior Fellow for Korea Studies

Christopher J. Wehri

Military Fellow, U.S. Army

China

China and Russia: Exploring Ties Between Two Authoritarian Powers

China and Russia have expanded trade and defense ties over the past decade, but they’re not formal allies. Experts say Russia’s war in Ukraine could be a turning point in the relationship.

Backgrounder by Clara Fong and Lindsay Maizland March 20, 2024
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

What Is NATO?

The alliance is bolstering its military deterrent in Europe amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has expanded to include Finland and Sweden.

Backgrounder by Jonathan Masters March 18, 2024
Mexico

CFR Fellows' Book Launch Series: From Peril to Partnership by Paul J. Angelo

In From Peril to Partnership, using case studies of Colombia and Mexico, Paul Angelo evaluates the efficacy of U.S. security assistance and the necessary conditions and stakeholders in partner nations that facilitate success. The book answers why Plan Colombia achieved its objectives and why the Mérida Initiative underdelivered in Mexico. It goes beyond drug war theatrics and the “one-size-fits-all” approach to U.S.-led stabilization. The CFR Fellows’ Book Launch series highlights new books by CFR fellows.

Event with Paul J. Angelo and Shannon K. O'Neil March 11, 2024 CFR Fellows' Book Launch

South Korea

The United States–South Korea Alliance: Why It May Fail and Why It Must Not

Summary The U.S.-South Korea alliance has been the cornerstone of bilateral cooperation and the U.S. security presence in the Indo-Pacific region for over seven decades and continues to serve as a…

Teaching Notes by Scott A. Snyder February 14, 2024 Asia Program
South Korea

The President’s Inbox Recap: The U.S.-South Korea Alliance

Developments at home and abroad are testing U.S.-South Korea relations.

Blog Post by Michelle Kurilla December 15, 2023 The Water's Edge
South Korea

The United States–South Korea Alliance

The alliance between the United States and South Korea has endured through seven decades of shifting regional and geopolitical security contexts. Yet it now faces challenges from within. Domestic pol…

Book by Scott A. Snyder December 5, 2023 Asia Program
South Korea

The U.S.–South Korea Alliance

In seventy years, the U.S.-South Korea alliance has evolved from a patron-client relationship to a global comprehensive strategic alliance.

Timeline by Scott A. Snyder and Jennifer Ahn December 1, 2023
South Korea

Trilateral Security Cooperation: Implementing the Spirit of Camp David

On August 18, 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio met at Camp David for the first stand-alone trilateral U.S.-South Korea-J…

Event with Sheila A. Smith , Scott A. Snyder, Sang Hyun Lee, Jaechun Kim, Komei Isozaki and Andrew I. Yeo October 25, 2023 Asia Program
South Korea

What’s Causing the Rise in China-South Korea Tensions?

Mounting frictions between the two sides appear to be part of China’s efforts to disrupt the ties between South Korea and the United States but could end up drawing the two allies even closer.

In Brief by Scott A. Snyder June 30, 2023 Asia Program
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

How Should NATO Think About Ukrainian Membership After Russia’s Coup Attempt?

NATO will strengthen its partnership with Ukraine at its upcoming Vilnius summit, but the failed coup in Russia could add to divisions over membership.

In Brief by Stephen Sestanovich June 27, 2023 Europe Program
South Korea

The Biden-Yoon Summit, With Scott Snyder

Scott Snyder, a senior fellow for Korea studies and the director of the program on U.S.-Korea policy at the Council, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s recent state visit with U.S. President Joe Biden and its implications for the U.S.-South Korean alliance.

Podcast with James M. Lindsay and Scott A. Snyder May 2, 2023 The President’s Inbox
United States

Young Professionals Briefing: The State of the U.S. Armed Forces in 2023

CFR’s Military Fellows discuss the state of the U.S. armed forces, including defense priorities for 2023, U.S. deterrence in the face of escalating geopolitical tensions, military recruitment and retention efforts, and other non-combat operations. The CFR Young Professionals Briefing Series provides an opportunity for those early in their careers to engage with CFR. The briefings feature remarks by experts on critical global issues and lessons learned in their careers. These events are intended for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and have not yet reached the age of thirty to be eligible for CFR term membership.

Virtual Event by Christa N. Almonte, Timothy J. MacDonald, Jeffrey K. Randall, Erin M. Staine-Pyne, Alison J. Thompson and Jennifer E. Kavanagh January 23, 2023