News

March 2026

Welcome to the American Committees on Foreign Relations (ACFR) ACFR News.  A monthly update on ACFR, this report augments the work of our Committees around the United States to promote public discourse on foreign policy.  

ACFR brings key programs to American cities

Across the nation’s heartland, from Boise to Dallas, Birmingham and Tampa, and other cities, ACFR brings key programs to local communities.  Topics presented in the first quarter of 2026 include Africa’s Role in the 21st Century, U.S.-Mexico Relations in a Changing Global Landscape, War Clouds in the Caribbean, Is Democracy in Decline?, The Strategic Imperative for Human Rights, Wishful Thinking: How the U.S. Approach to Russia Has Moved from Conversion to Convergence, and Autocrats versus Democrats.  Speakers included Ambassador Michael McFaul of Stanford University, the Honorable Uzra Zeya, H.E. Ambassador Moctezuma of Mexico, Ambassador (ret) Tibor Nagy, and former U.S. State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Mark Wells.   

More than 100 programs on national security and foreign relations are presented across America by ACFR Committees annually. 

In addition to the robust speakers’ program in America’s heartland, the ACFR national organization is working towards the following activities: 

"Congress and American Foreign Policy"

The ACFR 29th National Conference, "Congress and American Foreign Policy", will be held on June 3 and 4, 2026, at the Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C.  Early bird registration is open.

In the first few months of 2026, the United States undertook military action in Venezuela and in Iran, at the direction of the executive branch of our government.  

Constitutionally, Congress is a co-equal to the executive branch and is specifically granted the authority to declare war.  Will Congressional influence in foreign affairs increase in 2026 in the form of oversight roles, decisions on issues involving countries such as Russia and China, and responsibilities granted under the War Powers Act and AUMF?  The 29th National Conference will seek to address, inform, and engage our Membership on this key constitutional issue of the implementation of America's foreign affairs. Contact president@acfr.org for information.

YLI 2026 Mission

The Young Leadership Initiative 2026 mission will take place June 1 to 3.  Student delegates from across the United States will participate in an immersive exploration of foreign affairs in Washington, D.C.  For more information, please contact Director Michele McManus.