Geopolitics and Foreign Policy

The CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department examines the key political, economic, security, and societal trends shaping the future of global governance and institutions.

With deep regional expertise and strong global relationships across Africa, Americas, Europe, Eurasia, Russia, Indo-Pacific, and Middle East, our experts offer comprehensive analysis to guide policymakers in navigating the evolving challenges to U.S. global leadership.

Africa Asia China Middle East Americas Europe Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Global Governance and Institutions Geopolitics and International Security Allies and Partners Maritime Issues and Oceans

Featured Project

Photo: VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Photo: VCG/VCG via Getty Images

A New CRINK Axis of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea?

Using original data scraping analysis, infographics, and satellite imagery, CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department experts assess the degree and substantive nature of changing alignment patterns among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea (CRINK), and the challenges they pose to global governance.

Featured Analysis
All Department Analysis

Illustration: Fabio Murgia/CSIS; Getty Images; Wikimedia Commons

Illustration: Fabio Murgia/CSIS; Getty Images; Wikimedia Commons
Commentary

CRINK in 10 Charts

Commentary by Brian Hart, Bonny Lin, Maria Snegovaya, and Mona Yacoubian — November 24, 2025

Department Experts

Nicholas Szechenyi

Nicholas Szechenyi

Vice President, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Senior Fellow, Japan Chair
Bonny Lin

Bonny Lin

Director, China Power Project and Senior Adviser
Max Bergmann

Max Bergmann

Director, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and Stuart Center
Oge Onubogu

Oge Onubogu

Director and Senior Fellow, Africa Program
Gregory B. Poling

Gregory B. Poling

Director and Senior Fellow, Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative
Will Todman

Will Todman

Chief of Staff, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department; and Senior Fellow, Middle East Program
Photo: CSIS

Kathryn Paik

Deputy Director and Senior Fellow, Australia Chair
Matthew P. Funaiole

Matthew P. Funaiole

Vice President, iDeas Lab, Andreas C. Dracopoulos Chair in Innovation and Senior Fellow, China Power Project
Brian Hart

Brian Hart

Deputy Director and Fellow, China Power Project
Yuko Nakano

Yuko Nakano

Associate Director, U.S.-Japan Strategic Leadership Program and Fellow, Japan Chair
Harrison Prétat

Harrison Prétat

Deputy Director and Fellow, Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative
Donatienne Ruy

Donatienne Ruy

Director, Executive Education and Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy and Fellow, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program
Hugh Nolan Grant-Chapman

Hugh Grant-Chapman

Fellow, Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business
All Staff and Experts

Featured Podcast

Photo: iLab/CSIS

State of Play

The world order has been disrupted, and a new international system is emerging. Hosted by CSIS’s Will Todman, State of Play unpacks the biggest geopolitical developments of the week. Every episode brings together leading regional experts from the CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department to explore how global power is shifting, how allies and adversaries are responding, and what it all means for the future of international order.

View Podcast

Department Programs, Projects, and Initiatives