Research Guides: International Affairs: Policy Reports & Briefings

Related Guides

Policy Reports & Briefings

Policy reports and briefings are designed to inform decision-makers, often coming from government agencies or research organizations.

If you’re looking for less formal but still valuable sources—like think tank papers, NGO publications, or working papers—check the Grey Literature & Think Tanks page instead.

Reports & Briefings in EMU Library Databases

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports
Nonpartisan reports prepared for members of the U.S. Congress. They explain policy issues in clear, accessible language and often provide useful data and references.
Helpful for quick background on international and domestic policy debates.
CQ Researcher
Weekly, in-depth reports on current and controversial issues. Great for picking a topic or getting up to speed fast—each report includes overviews, timelines, pro/con arguments, and curated bibliographies.
Reports are framed through a U.S. lens, so it may not fully reflect international viewpoints.

Reports & Briefings from Independent Policy Centers

Brookings
Brookings publishes reports and policy briefs on U.S. and international issues, including economics, governance, and global development. Their work is widely cited in policy debates and provides clear background and analysis.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Carnegie publishes policy papers and commentary from a global network of scholars. Topics include democracy, security, economics, and technology, often with perspectives from different regions of the world.
Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) - Think Tank Reports
CFR releases reports, backgrounders, and expert briefings on U.S. foreign policy and global affairs. Their concise reports are useful for understanding current debates and international challenges.
RAND Corporation
RAND produces research reports and short policy briefs on security, health, education, and international affairs. Many are free to read online and combine practical recommendations with evidence-based analysis.
Wilson Center - Research & Reports
The Wilson Center produces research reports and policy briefs that connect academic scholarship with real-world policymaking. They cover global regions and cross-cutting issues such as environment, trade, and security.

Get Research Help

Use 24/7 live chat below or:

Appointments with Librarians online or in person

Drop-in help Mon-Thur, 9am-6pm

Question form for email or phone replies

Access Library and Research Help tutorials