On the Record

This episode revisits a 2015 CFR event featuring former Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan, who passed away at age 100.

Host: Steve Liesman, Senior Economics Reporter, CNBC 

Guests: Alan Greenspan, Former Chairman, Federal Reserve Board

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In this episode, Under Secretary Gil discusses the Genesis Mission, and what the federal government’s bet on AI and quantum computing for scientific discovery means for American competitiveness and global collaboration.

Host: Nicholas F. Beim, Partner, Venrock; Member, Board of Directors, Council on Foreign Relations

Guests: Darío Gil, Under Secretary for Science, U.S. Department of Energy

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In this episode, panelists discuss what American democracy has and hasn't delivered on equality, access, and opportunity, and whether that internal reckoning is now inseparable from the country's standing and credibility as a world leader.

Host: Meena Bose, Executive Dean, Public Policy and Public Service Programs and Director, Peter S. Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency, Kalikow School of Government, Public P...

On this episode, panelists provide an update on the geoeconomic consequences of the Iran war and the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, including disruptions to oil, gas, and other commodity markets, and the longer-term implications for the petrodollar system and the energy transition.

Host: Edward Fishman, Senior Fellow and Director of the Maurice R. Greenberg Center for Geoeconomics, Council on Foreign Relations

Speakers: Daniel H...

In this episode, U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer discusses recent developments in the administration’s global economic trade strategy.

Host: Michael Froman, President, Council on Foreign Relations, Former U.S. Trade Representative (2013-17)

Guest: Jamieson Greer, Ambassador, U.S. Trade Representative 

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In this moment of renewed debate over the United States’ role in the world, CFR launches the Future of American Strategy Initiative, a multiyear effort to develop a strategic vision for U.S. foreign policy and answer a defining question: Where does America go from here?

Led by Senior Fellow Rebecca Lissner, a leading U.S. foreign policy practitioner and scholar, the Future of American Strategy Initiative will bring together ...

In this episode, Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda discusses the economic impact of the Middle East conflict on Asia and the Pacific, ADB’s response, and the need for countries to strengthen resilience against future shocks.

Host: Brad W. Setser, Whitney Shepardson Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations

Guests: Masato Kanda, President, Asian Development Bank

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In this episode, panelists discuss European responses to the war in Iran, efforts in conflict resolution, and the implications for the transatlantic relationship, EU cohesion, and Europe’s long-term strategic direction.

Host: Serge Schmemann, Editorial Writer, New York Times; CFR Member

Guests: Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer, Chief Executive Officer and President, German Marshall Fund of the United States

Douglas E. Lute, Chai...

In this episode, panelists assess the evolving situation in Iran, identify U.S. policy options for ending the conflict, and examine the implications of each potential next step.

Host: Janine Zacharia, Carlos Kelly McClatchy Lecturer, Stanford University; CFR Member

Guests: Brian H. Hook, Vice Chairman, Cerberus Global Investments, LP; Former U.S. Special Representative for Iran and Senior Policy Advisor to Secretary of State Mike...

In this episode, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael M. Grossi discusses his candidacy for UN secretary-general, his plans and priorities for the future of the United Nations, and the challenges facing nuclear security, nuclear energy, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty regime.

Host: Esther Brimmer, James H. Binger Senior Fellow in Global Governance, Council on Foreign Relations

Guests: Rafael M. Gros...

In this episode, panelists examine how multilateral partnerships, innovative approaches, and strengthened financing can scale recovery and humanitarian efforts, enhance inclusion, and deliver durable outcomes for crisis-affected communities.

Host: Shannon K. O'Neil, Senior Vice President of Studies and Maurice R. Greenberg Chair, CFR

Guests: Reem Alabali Radovan, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany

In this episode, former Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo discusses her view that European industry is being hollowed out by China and that the only path forward is a unified global trading bloc excluding China—an idea she said is being thwarted by the Trump administration. The episode also covers the legacy of the CHIPS Act and Raimondo’s fears that artificial intelligence could create mass unemployment and destabilize ...

In this episode, panelists discuss the implications of U.S.-China relations on the international economy, including how tariff negotiations, supply chain restructuring, and technological competition effect global business. 

Host: Michael Froman, President, Council on Foreign Relations

Guests: Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Office, Pfizer, Inc; CFR Member 

Gina M. Raimondo, Distinguished Fellow, Council on ...

In this episode, Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the president of the United Arab Emirates, discusses the rapidly evolving conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States and its implications for the Middle East, including the diplomatic and security challenges facing Gulf states.

Host: Ethan Bronner, Israel Bureau Chief and Senior Editor, Bloomberg; CFR Member

Guests: Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the Pres...

In this episode, panelists discuss the ongoing geoeconomic consequences of the conflict in Iran, including global energy flows and oil prices, economic development and AI buildout in the Gulf region, and sanctions on Russia. They also explore inflation and interest rates as markets respond to the crises.

Background Reading:

• In this article, CFR president Michael Froman discusses the unfolding glob...

In this episode, panelists discuss Iran’s current political climate, concerns for civilians on the ground, and how the country’s rapidly evolving internal dynamics are shaping U.S. objectives as well as broader regional and international considerations.

Background Reading:

• In this article, International Affairs Fellow Sam Vigersky discusses the global economic disruption caused by the ...

In this episode, Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby discusses the U.S. National Defense Strategy under the Donald Trump administration.

Background Reading:

• In this article, seven CFR experts consider the implications of the National Security Strategy document released on December 5, 2025, by the Trump administration. 

Host: Michael Froman, President, Council on Foreign Re...

In this episode, panelists explore three critical issues for securing Ukraine’s future: achieving a just and durable peace, ensuring long-term security, and helping the country rebuild and recover from the ravages of war.

Background Reading:

• This article offers concrete recommendations by five CFR experts for securing the future of Ukraine and Europe.

Host: Jonathan Karl, ABC News chi...

In this episode, John C. Williams, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, discusses monetary policy and the economic outlook for the year ahead.

Background Reading:

• This article highlights the trade policies four CFR experts will be monitoring this year.

Host: Abby Joseph Cohen, Professor of Business, Columbia Business School 

Guests: John C. Williams, President an...