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Global Themes

The Global Themes series is based on DCFR's cutting-edge programming related to global topics. These issues briefs seek to deepen understanding about important security, economic and policy matters that are relevant and timely. 

    • Wed, 01/02/2013
    • Counterterrorism and Emerging Security Threats

    • The following interview with Juan Zarate offers a wealth of knowledge about security issues and counterterrorism. Through comments on diverse topics such as al-Qaeda’s metastasized activities—to how the U.S. needs to articulate a strategic view to counter terrorism of the future and offer leadership—Zarate reveals a roadmap of where we have been and where we may be heading.  

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      • Wed, 09/26/2012
      • Energy-Water Nexus and Sustainability

      • The following brief explores topics such as —energy and water resources; environmental impacts of developing countries and climate change; and the geopolitics of energy sources, including discussions about China and India. Dr. Rajan Gupta, Laboratory Fellow of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, offers thought-provoking insight and analysis regarding the future of energy, water security and the implications for sustainability. (Part of Series “D,” focusing on development issues)

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        • Tue, 02/14/2012
        • Cities as Opportunity and Threat

        • Urbanization is a significant driver of future economic opportunities and growth in developing countries. Many developed-country cities have GDP as high as entire countries. This brief explores the underlying chacteristics of cities and their growth prospects given the emerging science and theory of cities. Dr. Geoffrey West of the Santa Fe Institute offers insights about his breakthrough research revealing the "universals" of cities and how we should be positioning cities in the future.

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          • Tue, 11/08/2011
          • Mapping Demography: Parsing Global Hot Spots

          • Eminent demographer Jack Goldstone of George Mason University leaves few places on the globe untouched in a late-September interview. This brief complements Dr. Goldstone's comments from the inaugural DCFR Series "D" programs of 2011-12. Topics that intersect with demographic trends — such as social safety nets, youth bulges in the Middle East, growth challenges, and China's aging — are highlighted.

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            • Mon, 10/03/2011
            • Pakistan, Afghanistan, and U.S. Power

            • Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad discusses the U.S.'s greatest foreign policy challenge—the Pakistani policy toward Afghanistan and toward extremism and terror in general. A new mindset is needed in this hotbed region of Southwest Asia that borders the Greater Middle East. An over-emphasis on geopolitical rivalries and creating trouble has inhibited the region from receiving its share of global opportunities. If the U.S. leaves Afghanistan with unfinished business, there could be a return to a multipolar world, to the detriment of the U.S. and countries seeking stability. 

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              • Tue, 06/21/2011
              • Trade, Growth, and Green

              • Comments regarding the Doha trade round, climate change and trade, food security, and natural resources are put forth by speaker James Bacchus, former chairman of the appellate body of the World Trade Organization. Based on a recent interview, Bacchus answers tough questions about the U.S.'s role in global trade, climate change, China and evolving 21st century global trade challenges. Additionally, brief introductions to the matter at hand precede the topical Q&A format.

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                • Tue, 05/24/2011
                • Global Gas: Changing Trade Routes and Geopolitics

                • From an April 8th panel about natural gas, expert Mikkal Herberg of the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) was interviewed by DCFR. This brief offers a unique global perspective about present and future gas supply and consumption. The market for natural gas is said to be evolving into a global one versus the original trading blocs of the past. Is this the golden age of gas? Will natural gas be the fuel of the future? To continue reading, please download the document below.

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