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Atlantic Council blogs provide short-form analyses from Council experts and a wider community of global voices on the world’s most important news stories.
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UkraineAlert

Apr 7, 2026

Hungarian election could have implications for EU, US, Russia, and Ukraine

By Marc Goedemans

The Hungarian parliamentary elections on April 12 are being billed as the most important in the country’s modern history. With Hungary a key focus in the escalating confrontation between Russia and the West, this weekend’s vote could also have geopolitical implications that will be felt in Kyiv, Moscow, Brussels, and Washington. Current Hungarian Prime Minister […]

Civil Society Conflict

MENASource

Apr 7, 2026

Iraq’s oil export vulnerability exposes the cost of unresolved disputes

By Yesar Al-Maleki

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz shows how Iraq’s energy security depends as much on political coordination as on infrastructure.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Infrastructure

AfricaSource

Apr 7, 2026

How a deeper US-Burundi partnership could unlock mineral and security gains

By Maureen Farrell, Rose Keravuori

Fraught with fragility yet rich in critical minerals and peacekeeping expertise, Burundi offers the United States a chance to diversify supply chains and strengthen regional security.

Critical Minerals East Africa

EnergySource

Apr 6, 2026

Why US-Israeli attacks on Iran’s grid and water systems would be counterproductive

By Joseph Webster, Ginger Matchett

Striking energy and water-related infrastructure in Iran would do little damage to the county's military capabilities. Instead, it would hurt civilians and potentially escalate the conflict.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

AfricaSource

Apr 6, 2026

Why African cybersecurity requires a continental approach

By Yasmine Abdillahi

Half a billion Africans are online, yet cyber defenses lag. Cross-border crackdowns like Operation Serengeti help, but lasting security needs regulations, skilled professionals, and shared responsibility.

Africa Cybersecurity

EnergySource

Apr 3, 2026

How the Iran war could shift energy policies around the world

By Atlantic Council Experts

The Strait of Hormuz closure has sparked fuel shortages and soaring energy costs, but also new opportunities for energy producers. How different regions respond to these disruptions could reshape the future of energy markets and security.

Africa Energy & Environment

Econographics

Apr 2, 2026

No IMF and World Bank spring meetings without a global crisis

By Hung Tran

The Iran war's supply-side shock is testing the IMF and World Bank ahead of their 2026 spring meetings. While financial support is in the works, it’s unclear what policy recommendations they can offer member states to manage the fallout.

Economy & Business International Financial Institutions

UkraineAlert

Apr 2, 2026

Ukraine’s heating system resilience offers lessons for European neighbors

By Miro Sedlák

Russia's bombardment of Ukraine's civilian heating system has forced Kyiv to develop a model of infrastructure resilience based on decentralization and speed that offers important lessons for Ukraine's EU neighbors, writes Miro Sedlák.

Conflict Critical Infrastructure Policy

EnergySource

Apr 2, 2026

The Maritime Action Plan could be a platform for nuclear innovation at sea

By Joel Spangenberg

To ensure commercial and military competitiveness at sea, the United States should leverage its recently released Maritime Action Plan to incorporate nuclear power in its fleets.

Energy & Environment Indo-Pacific

UkraineAlert

Apr 1, 2026

Europe has the resources to contain Russia but lacks the political will

By Oleksiy Zagorodnyuk

Europe unquestionably possesses the industrial and economic base to outmatch Russia but has yet to demonstrate the unity and political will necessary to contain the Kremlin and stop Putin in Ukraine, writes Oleksiy Zagorodnyuk.

Conflict Defense Industry