Council on Foreign Relations

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a think tank which describes itself as "dedicated to increasing America's understanding of the world and contributing ideas to U.S. foreign policy. The Council accomplishes this mainly by promoting constructive, closed debates and discussions, clarifying world issues, and publishing Foreign Affairs."

Related Topics:
Think tank - U.S. - Foreign Affairs

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It began in 1921 and is one of the most powerful private organizations with influence on U.S. foreign policy. It has about 4,000 members, including former national security officers, professors, former CIA members, elected politicians, and media figures.

Related Topics:
1921 - U.S. foreign policy - CIA - Politician - Media

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Though the council is not a formal institution within U.S. policy making, there are several conspiracy theories surrounding the CFR, most recently inspired by the council's alleged involvement in planning the 2003 invasion of Iraq http://zmagsite.zmag.org/Mar2003/shoup0303.html.

Related Topics:
Conspiracy theories - 2003 invasion of Iraq

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There are two types of membership - term membership (which lasts for 5 years and is available to those between 30 and 36) and regular membership. Membership is only open to US citizens (native born or naturalised) and permanent residents who have applied for citizenship. Proposed members have to be nominated by current ones.

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