Molly Carlough

CFR Staff

Molly Carlough

Research Associate, Center for Preventive Action

Molly Carlough is a research associate for the Center for Preventive Action at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Before joining CFR, she was a research assistant at American University and interned at CFR, the German Marshall Fund of the United States, and the U.S. Department of State. She holds a MA in U.S. foreign policy and national security, with a concentration in terrorism, from American University and an MA in international relations from the University of St Andrews.

China Strategy Initiative

China-Russia Relations: February 2025

This month, China and Russia reaffirmed their partnership, while China navigated the shifting political landscape around the war in Ukraine.

by Anya Konstantinovsky and Molly Carlough March 5, 2025 China Strategy Initiative
Europe

Where Are U.S. Forces Deployed in Europe?

The start of U.S.-Russia talks on a possible agreement to end the war in Ukraine has spurred discussion about whether U.S. military forces in Europe will be reduced—a decision that would signal a significant shift in security on the continent.

by Molly Carlough, Benjamin Harris and Abi McGowan February 27, 2025
China Strategy Initiative

China-Russia Relations: November 2024

As North Korean troops mobilized to fight in Ukraine this month, the United States and its NATO allies urged China to intervene and prevent further escalation. However, China remained passive and continued to present itself as an arbiter of peace on the global stage as its close diplomatic and military cooperation with Russia advanced unimpeded.

by Anya Konstantinovsky and Molly Carlough November 22, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
Ukraine

Why the U.S. Presidential Election Matters for Ukraine

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump offer sharply different approaches on U.S. policy toward Ukraine’s war with Russia, reflecting broader disagreement toward NATO and U.S. alliances.

by Paul B. Stares and Molly Carlough October 9, 2024
China

China-Russia Relations: September 2024

China and Russia have strengthened ties, despite tensions in the financial sector. The United States is closely monitoring their activity and increasing Chinese support for Russia's war effort in Ukraine. We can anticipate continuing advances in cooperation in the coming months.

by Anya Konstantinovsky and Molly Carlough September 27, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
Liana Fix

European Union

The Trajectory of U.S.-EU Relations in a Tumultuous Year (in Spanish)

Featuring Liana Fix and Molly Carlough via Elcano Royal Institute July 15, 2024
Liana Fix

Election 2024

The Trajectory of U.S.-EU Relations in a Tumultuous Year (in English)

Featuring Liana Fix and Molly Carlough via Elcano Royal Institute July 22, 2024
Sub-Saharan Africa

Turning Crisis Into Opportunity: Building Supply Chain Resilience in Africa

with Jendayi E. Frazer and Molly Carlough via Think Global Health November 20, 2023

United States

What Is the Defense Production Act?

Presidents Trump and Biden have turned to the Defense Production Act to address the country’s vital needs, from stimulating critical supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic to countering growing competition with China. How does the law work?

by Anshu Siripurapu May 22, 2025

Sanctions

Three Years of War in Ukraine: Are Sanctions Against Russia Making a Difference?

The United States and its allies have imposed broad economic penalties on Russia over its war in Ukraine. As the conflict continues, experts debate whether the sanctions are working.

by Noah Berman May 21, 2025

Refugees and Displaced Persons

How Does the U.S. Refugee System Work?

The United States has long been considered a safe haven for refugees from around the world, but this could change following the Trump administration’s decision to suspend the country’s decades-old refugee resettlement program.

by Diana Roy, Claire Klobucista and James McBride May 16, 2025

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