Council on Foreign Relations

DAVIS,_JOHN_W._HONORABLE_LCCN2016857882

Error creating thumbnail:

Paul_Drennan_Cravath

Error creating thumbnail:

_Edwin_Francis_Gay_in_1908

David_Rockefeller_-_NARA_-_195929_(cropped)

Error creating thumbnail:

Harold_Pratt_House_004

Richard_Haass_and_Steve_Coll_(3531761594)_(cropped)

Dmitry_Medvedev_with_Madeleine_Albright-1

Council on Foreign Relations

200px
Abbreviation	CFR
Formation	1921
Type	Nonprofit
Headquarters	New York City, New York, United States
Membership	5,000+
President	Richard N. Haass
Website	www.cfr.org

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an American nonprofit organization specializing in United States 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 think tanks in the world.

History

The CFR was established in 1921 following the Paris Peace Conference by a group of diplomats, financiers, and scholars. The founding members aimed to create a forum where influential Americans could discuss and develop solutions to global issues. The CFR's first president was John W. Davis, and its early members included prominent figures such as Elihu Root and Paul Warburg.

Mission and Activities

The CFR's mission is to promote understanding of foreign policy and international affairs through the free exchange of ideas. It achieves this through various activities, including:

• **Publications**: The CFR publishes the bi-monthly journal Foreign Affairs, which features articles and essays by leading experts on global issues.
• **Meetings and Conferences**: The organization hosts numerous meetings, conferences, and roundtable discussions that bring together policymakers, scholars, and business leaders.
• **Research and Analysis**: The CFR conducts in-depth research on a wide range of topics, including global health, climate change, and economic policy.
• **Fellowships and Internships**: The CFR offers fellowships and internships to support the next generation of foreign policy leaders.

Membership

Membership in the CFR is by invitation only and includes over 5,000 members from various sectors, including government, academia, business, and media. Notable members have included former U.S. Presidents, Secretaries of State, and other high-ranking officials.

Influence and Criticism

The CFR is often cited as one of the most influential think tanks in shaping U.S. foreign policy. Its members frequently testify before Congress, advise government officials, and contribute to public debates on international issues. However, the organization has also faced criticism for its perceived elitism and lack of transparency.

Related Pages

• Foreign Affairs (journal)
• Think tank
• United States foreign policy
• Global health
• Climate change
• Economic policy

See Also

• Brookings Institution
• Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• Heritage Foundation
• American Enterprise Institute