CFR Staff

Benjamin M. Holtzman

Research Associate, China and Indo-Pacific Studies

Olympics

The Economics of Hosting the Olympic Games
The costs of hosting the Olympics have skyrocketed, while the economic benefits are far from clear. The 2024 Paris Olympics could be a test of whether reforms to the process have made hosting a better deal.

Backgrounder by James McBride, Noah Berman and Melissa Manno July 8, 2024

Lebanon

What Is Hezbollah?
Military experience gained from fighting in Syria’s civil war and decades of clashes with Israel have strengthened the Iran-backed group, but politically, its clout among Lebanon’s populace may be waning.

Backgrounder by Kali Robinson July 2, 2024

Energy and Environment

Global Energy Tracker
As the effects of climate change mount, high-carbon energy sources continue to provide most of the world’s power. On average, 84 percent of tracker countries’ energy comes from high-carbon sources such as oil, whereas 16 percent comes from solar and other renewables. Low-carbon sources, however, are on the rise, particularly in developed countries.

Tracker by Benn Steil July 1, 2024 Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies

Top Stories on CFR

United Kingdom

Britain’s Postelection Foreign Policy
While July 4 elections are likely to end with Labour beating the Conservatives, voters can expect closer ties with Europe and a stronger emphasis on defense regardless of who wins.

Expert Brief by Sebastian Mallaby June 28, 2024 Europe Program

Japan

How Japan Is Viewing the North Korea-Russia Alliance
Russia’s expanding security ties with North Korea raise weighty foreign policy questions for Japan and complicate the geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. 

Expert Brief by Sheila A. Smith June 27, 2024 Asia Program

Israel

Visiting Israel, June 2024
In a visit in June, I found a somber mood and many doubts about the current national leadership.

Blog Post by Elliott Abrams July 1, 2024 Pressure Points