The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a prominent American think tank and membership organization focused on U.S. foreign policy and international affairs. Here is a detailed history of the CFR, including its founders and key contributions to U.S. foreign policy: **Founding:** - The Council on Foreign Relations was founded in 1921 in New York City. It emerged in the aftermath of World War I, a time when there was growing interest in international relations and the need for informed foreign policy decision-making. - The organization was founded by a group of American leaders, including Colonel [[Edward M. House]], a close advisor to President [[Woodrow Wilson]], and journalist [[Walter Lippmann]]. Other key figures involved in its establishment included [[John W. Davis]], [[Elihu Root]], and [[Hamilton Fish Armstrong]]. **Early Years:** - In its early years, the CFR served as a forum for discussing and analyzing international affairs, bringing together policymakers, academics, business leaders, and journalists to exchange ideas and perspectives. - The CFR published Foreign Affairs, a leading journal on international relations, which provided a platform for scholarly research and debate on key foreign policy issues. **Contributions to U.S. Foreign Policy:** 1. **Interwar Period (1920s-1930s)**: - During the interwar period, the CFR played a role in shaping American attitudes towards internationalism and the League of Nations. - Many CFR members were involved in diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability in the aftermath of World War I. 2. **World War II and Post-War Reconstruction (1940s)**: - During World War II, the CFR provided analysis and advice to the U.S. government on issues related to the war effort and post-war reconstruction. - After the war, the CFR contributed to the development of U.S. foreign policy initiatives such as the Marshall Plan and the establishment of the United Nations. 3. **Cold War Era (1940s-1980s)**: - The CFR played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War, advocating for policies of containment and deterrence against Soviet expansionism. - CFR members, including [[[George Frost Kennan|George F. Kennan]]]([[George Frost Kennan]]), [[Henry Kissinger]], and [[Zbigniew Brzezinski]], held key positions in government and helped formulate strategies to confront the Soviet Union. - The CFR also facilitated dialogue between American and Soviet officials through its Track II diplomacy initiatives. 4. **Post-Cold War Era (1990s-present)**: - In the post-Cold War era, the CFR continued to provide analysis and recommendations on a wide range of foreign policy issues, including globalization, terrorism, and humanitarian intervention. - The CFR has been influential in shaping debates on U.S. military intervention, trade policy, and engagement with international organizations such as the United Nations and NATO. **Structure and Activities:** - The CFR is organized into various programs and initiatives focused on specific regions and issues, including Asia, Latin America, Middle East, and global governance. - The organization hosts events, conferences, and roundtable discussions featuring policymakers, experts, and scholars to promote dialogue and debate on critical foreign policy issues. - The CFR's membership includes a diverse range of individuals from academia, government, business, and the media, providing a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange of ideas. **Conclusion:** The Council on Foreign Relations has played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and fostering informed debate on international affairs since its founding. Through its research, publications, and engagement with policymakers, the CFR continues to influence American foreign policy and contribute to discussions on global challenges and opportunities.