Latest from across our blogs

MENASource

Mar 25, 2025

Dispatch from Bekaa: Inside the sectarian skirmishes on the Syria-Lebanon border

By Nicholas Blanford

Local Shia tribesmen have battled an assortment of Sunni jihadist militias and the new Syrian security forces dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

English Lebanon

New Atlanticist

Mar 24, 2025

Is China or the US the ‘wolf warrior’ in Latin America now?

By Caroline Costello

The United States’ harsh rhetoric toward Latin American nations has given China an opportunity to falsely present itself as a more altruistic partner to the region.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Mar 21, 2025

Four critical questions (and expert answers) about Trump’s new critical minerals executive order

By Alexis Harmon, Reed Blakemore

On March 20, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to increase crucial mineral production in the United States. Atlantic Council experts dig into the details.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

AfricaSource

Mar 21, 2025

In the scramble for Africa’s critical minerals, the West must not abandon the ESG agenda

By Zainab Usman and Rama Yade

As this race for minerals and metals critical for the energy transition heats up, both companies and governments must not abandon environmental, social, and governance principles in Africa.

Africa Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Mar 21, 2025

Italy can play a role in the Indo-Pacific—but must do it its own way

By Lorenzo Termine

Rome should focus on a pragmatic approach to the Indo-Pacific that balances regional commitments with national priorities, including security concerns closer to home.

Indo-Pacific Italy

New Atlanticist

Mar 21, 2025

Trump’s Middle East strategy is all about striking an Iran deal. Gaza could get in the way.

By Alan Pino

Recent US actions in Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon fit together in supporting the central objective of a deal with Iran.

Iran Israel

New Atlanticist

Mar 20, 2025

As the US steps back in Europe, Central Europe must step up

By Sona Muzikarova

The West’s security architecture is being redrawn. The question is whether it will be drawn by European powers or for them.

Central Europe Defense Industry

UkraineAlert

Mar 20, 2025

Putin is ruthlessly erasing Ukrainian identity in Russian-occupied Ukraine

By Peter Dickinson

Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin is pursuing policies in Russian-occupied Ukraine that almost certainly meet the definition of ethnic cleansing and may qualify as genocide, writes Peter Dickinson.

Civil Society Conflict

UkraineAlert

Mar 20, 2025

Silencing Voice of America will only strengthen autocrats around the world

By Mercedes Sapuppo

United States President Donald Trump’s decision to shut down US-funded media outlets including Voice of America will boost authoritarian regimes around the world, writes Mercedes Sapuppo.

Democratic Transitions Disinformation

UkraineAlert

Mar 20, 2025

Trump’s energy sector ceasefire could be good news for Putin’s war machine

By David Kirichenko 

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has backed US President Donald Trump’s proposal for a partial ceasefire on energy sector attacks, but this may be a strategic step rather than an indication of his readiness to end the invasion of Ukraine, writes David Kirichenko.

Conflict Drones