Latest from across our blogs

MENASource

Jun 16, 2025

Twenty questions (and expert answers) on the Israel-Iran war

By Atlantic Council experts

The escalation between Israel and Iran has raised many important questions about a region already facing crises on multiple fronts.

Conflict Iran

New Atlanticist

Jun 16, 2025

How the US can reduce the risk of wider war in the Middle East

By Caroline Zier

Five steps taken now can help put the White House in a better position to manage the spiral of escalation between Israel and Iran.

Conflict Iran

EnergySource

Jun 16, 2025

US global leadership in the age of electricity

By Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

Amid shifting geopolitics and the emerging “age of electricity,” the United States has an opportunity to assert global leadership in energy and security. Through foreign policy, the Trump administration can leverage US strengths in natural gas, nuclear power, and emerging energy technologies to engage allies in building a secure and resilient global electricity system.

China Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Jun 15, 2025

Why tariffs on AI hardware could undermine US competitiveness

By Joseph Webster, Jessie Yin

Tariffs targeted at China have their uses in the US-China tech competition, but they shouldn’t be applied haphazardly to US allies and partners.

Artificial Intelligence China

New Atlanticist

Jun 14, 2025

By fusing intelligence and special operations, Israel’s strikes on Iran are a lesson in strategic surprise

By Doug Livermore

Operation Rising Lion offers critical lessons for Western military planners facing similar challenges against peer competitors.

Intelligence Iran

New Atlanticist

Jun 13, 2025

Trump promised peace through strength. When will he use US strength to bring peace to Ukraine?

By John E. Herbst

Trump’s rhetorical and policy choices this week suggest an unwillingness to confront a painful reality about Putin’s Russia.

Russia Ukraine

EnergySource

Jun 13, 2025

The strategic reserve and the Israel-Iran conflict

By Joseph Webster, Landon Derentz

The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve is well-stocked and poised to help ease market pressures amid growing tensions stemming from Israel’s strikes on Iran. Rising domestic production, strong export capacity, and high net import cover collectively enable the United States to respond decisively while preserving energy stability at home.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

New Atlanticist

Jun 13, 2025

After Israel’s strikes on Iran, these four questions could determine the Middle East’s future

By Jonathan Panikoff

The trajectory of the Middle East could be determined by how just a few critical questions are answered the coming days and weeks.

Iran Israel

New Atlanticist

Jun 13, 2025

Unknowns, knowns, and early predictions about Israel’s strikes against Iran

By William F. Wechsler

How long Israel’s campaign against Iran will go on is unknown. But even amid the uncertainty, don’t lose sight of what is already known—or at least what can already be surmised with high confidence.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Jun 13, 2025

China’s basing quest in the Gulf: Pipe dream or strategic reality?

By Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco

While the Gulf remains central to China’s long-term maritime aspirations, its near-term military footprint is likely to stay limited.

China Maritime Security