April 7, 2011 View this newsletter as a web page on CFR's website. INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND U.S. COMPETITIVENESS How can the United States improve its aging infrastructure in order to maintain its global economic competitiveness? Four experts offer their suggestions and discuss the implications of inaction in this CFR Expert Roundup. ==> Read this CFR Working Paper, which analyzes trends in the U.S. economy and argues that infrastructure investments increase employment and improve competitiveness. NUCLEAR POWER SAFETY CONCERNS In light of the situation at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, this CFR Backgrounder addresses the debate over the safety of nuclear power and highlights questions over aging power plants, safety procedures, and waste disposal. ==> Explore this CFR interview on nuclear power safety with John Ahearne, former head of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. U.S. BUDGET BRINKMANSHIP The mounting budget battle in Washington and looming federal debt limit raise concerns about the ability of U.S. lawmakers to tackle the country's enormous deficit and debt, writes CFR's James M. Lindsay. ==> Watch experts discuss the U.S. federal budget, as well as the economic impact of events in the Middle East and Japan in this CFR World Economic Update. COUNTERING RADICALIZATION Access the audio, video, and transcripts of the CFR multisession symposium "UK and U.S. Approaches to Radicalization: Intelligence, Communities, and the Internet," which brought together leading experts and officials to take stock, exchange best practices, and develop fresh ideas for tackling some of the most important issues in the current debate. This event was cosponsored with Georgetown University's Center for Peace and Security Studies and the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation at King's College London.   LIBYA'S STRAINS ON NATO France, Britain, and other NATO nations are now heading the Libya mission, but strains among members could be amplified if NATO tries to increase support for the rebels, says CFR's Charles A. Kupchan.     OBAMA'S SENSIBLE OIL AND GAS SHIFT President Obama's new tack on boosting oil and gas production marks a welcome strategy shift, but he still must flesh out details while facing obstacles from the left and right, says CFR's Michael A. Levi.     About CFR's State and Local Officials Initiative The CFR State and Local Officials Initiative seeks to serve as a resource and forum for bipartisan discussion on pressing international issues that affect the priorities and agendas of state and local governments, including the economy, trade and competitiveness, homeland security, public health, immigration, and energy supply and climate policy. For more information, please contact Elizabeth McCourt, assistant director for the National Program & Outreach, at 212.434.9535 or outreach@cfr.org. About the State and Local Government Portal on CFR.org Bookmark our dynamic home on CFR.org, www.cfr.org/stateandlocal! This page is your guide to CFR's best materials on global topics of local importance, including trade and the economy, homeland security, health, energy, and climate change. EXPLORE CFR's WEBSITE:     Regions      Issues      Experts     Publications     About CFR Find CFR on Twitter and Facebook. Privacy Policy The Council on Foreign Relations does not share email addresses with third parties. Council on Foreign Relations 58 East 68th Street New York, NY 10065 Tel. +1 212.434.9564 Fax: +1 212.434.9829