Council on Foreign Relations

Council on Foreign Relations
[[File:|250px|alt=]]
Formation	1921
Type	Nonprofit organization
Headquarters	New York City, New York, United States
Membership	5,000+
Language	N/A
Leader title	N/A
Leader name	N/A
Website	www.cfr.org

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a United States nonprofit think tank specializing in U.S. foreign policy and international affairs. Founded in 1921, the CFR is headquartered in New York City, with an additional office in Washington, D.C. The organization is considered one of the most influential foreign policy think tanks in the world.

History

The CFR was established in the aftermath of World War I by a group of American diplomats, financiers, and scholars who were concerned about the United States' role in the world. The founding members included notable figures such as Elihu Root, a former United States Secretary of State, and Paul Warburg, a banker and architect of the Federal Reserve System. The organization was created to foster a better understanding of international issues and to promote informed discussion on foreign policy.

Mission and Activities

The mission of the CFR is to provide a nonpartisan forum for government officials, business leaders, journalists, educators, and students to discuss and debate major international issues. The CFR aims to:

• Promote understanding of foreign policy and international affairs through research and analysis.
• Provide a platform for dialogue among policymakers, scholars, and the public.
• Publish the influential journal Foreign Affairs.

The CFR conducts research through its David Rockefeller Studies Program, which is composed of more than seventy full-time and adjunct fellows who cover the major regions and significant issues shaping today's international agenda.

Membership

Membership in the CFR is by invitation only and includes a diverse group of leaders and experts from various fields, including government, academia, business, and the media. The organization has over 5,000 members, including former U.S. Presidents, Secretaries of State, and other high-ranking officials.

Publications

The CFR is well-known for its publication Foreign Affairs, a leading journal on international relations and U.S. foreign policy. The journal features articles by prominent scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, and covers a wide range of topics, including global economics, security, and diplomacy.

Influence

The CFR is often regarded as a key player in shaping U.S. foreign policy. Its members have included numerous influential figures in American politics and international relations. The organization hosts meetings and events that bring together leaders from around the world to discuss pressing global issues.

Criticism

Despite its influence, the CFR has faced criticism for being elitist and for its perceived role in promoting a globalist agenda. Critics argue that the organization represents the interests of the American establishment and that its closed membership process limits diverse perspectives.

Also see

• Foreign Affairs (journal)
• Think tank
• International relations
• United States foreign policy
• Nonprofit organization