Geopolitics of Trump Tariffs: How U.S. Trade Policy Has Shaken Allies

Four CFR fellows examine the knock-on effects of U.S. President Trump’s tariff drama on five of the United States’ closest allies—Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the European Union. Get their analysis 

Canada Lays Groundwork to Pivot Away From United States

Canada’s fallout with the United States over the Trump administration’s tariff policy has forced the country to forge a new path that will swap its deep economic and security ties with the United States for internal development and other relationships abroad, writes CFR Fellow Edward Alden. Find out more

Will the EU’s One-Sided U.S. Trade Deal Lead to an Awakening?

Critics say Europe gave up too much in its trade deal with the Trump administration, but the agreement could prove to be the beginning of Europe’s strategic shift. Leaders are now looking to diversify trade, increase defense spending, and reevaluate their energy policies, writes CFR Fellow Matthias Matthijs. Read the piece

Tariff Woes Raise Political and Security Concerns in Japan

Trump’s tariff pressure on Japan and other U.S. relationships in Asia has complicated alliance management and domestic politics for many leaders. Without a clearly defined path forward, that pressure could have implications for U.S. national security and economic cooperation, explains CFR Fellow Sheila A. Smith. Get her take 

Trump Tariffs on Australia and New Zealand Risk U.S. Pacific Strategy

The Trump administration’s trade policy toward Australia and New Zealand has threatened its ties with two normally stalwart allies, as both countries openly consider foreign policy shifts away from dependence on the United States, argues CFR Fellow Joshua Kurlantzick. Read more

Perspectives

Why the Supreme Court Must Rule Against Trump’s Tariffs

The U.S. Supreme Court should preserve the separation of powers by affirming that Trump cannot usurp Congress’s constitutional authority to set tariff levels, writes University of Maine School of Law Adjunct Faculty Member John K. Veroneau, who was formerly deputy U.S. trade representative under President George W. Bush and assistant secretary of defense under President Bill Clinton. Check out the article

Economic Security

The United States’ Private-Capital Advantage: How to Outcompete Chinese State Capitalism

To ensure a successful industrial strategy, the Trump administration should set clear criteria for what qualifies as a strategic industry, marshal the necessary public resources, and incentivize private investment in those industries, argue CFR Fellow Jonathan E. Hillman and Chairman of I Squared Capital Sadek M. Wahba. Get their take 

Xi, Modi, Putin, and the New Geopolitics

Trump’s policies towards India, including punitive secondary tariffs, risk undermining decades of US-India strategic partnership building—effectively pushing India closer towards China, writes CFR President Michael Froman. Read his analysis

CFR Fellowship Opportunities

CFR is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) program.

• The International Affairs Fellowship
• The International Affairs Fellowship in Indonesia
• The International Affairs Fellowship in Japan
• The Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellowship in European Security

The programs offer transformational opportunities for mid-career professionals who have a demonstrated commitment to a career in foreign policy. Awardees gain experience working in a new environment in the United States, Indonesia, Japan, or Europe; at an international organization; or at CFR (for IAF awardees coming from government). Applicants must be U.S. citizens. 

The application period will close on October 31. Visit cfr.org/fellowships or email fellowships@cfr.org for more information.

The Trump Shock That Wasn’t (At Least Not Yet)