Atlantic Council blogs

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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New Atlanticist

Apr 3, 2025

The European Commission’s Teresa Ribera: ‘We will defend’ Europeans in the face of new US tariffs

By Katherine Golden

The United States' new sweeping tariffs are “bad news for the whole world—including Americans,” Ribera said at an Atlantic Council Front Page event.

Digital Policy Economy & Business

MENASource

Apr 3, 2025

Experts React: No MENA ally or adversary unscathed by Trump tariffs

By Atlantic Council experts

A “Liberation Day” for the White House, an upset for global markets. President Donald Trump on Wednesday made good on a campaign promise, slapping tariffs spanning between 10 percent and 50 percent on countries across the globe. Almost no ally or adversary has been left unscathed in the sweeping move, and the Middle East and […]

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Apr 3, 2025

In the thorny world of intra-Afghan talks, new challenges and opportunities emerge

By Omar Samad

Even with Taliban rule, Afghan dialogues have seen a boom in recent months. Their focus are as expansive as the diverse range of perspectives participating in them.

Afghanistan Middle East

EnergySource

Apr 3, 2025

Profitability and power: Fixing US critical minerals supply chains

By Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes

The global critical minerals race is well underway, and the American supply chain is behind. To regain momentum, the US must make this industry viable by creating a financial framework that attracts and retains capital.

Critical Minerals Energy & Environment

MENASource

Apr 3, 2025

Washington halted the Iraq-Iran electricity waiver. Here is how it’s perceived by Washington and Baghdad. 

By Ahmed Tabaqchali, C. Anthony Pfaff

By making Iranian energy more costly, the United States hopes to incentivize Iraq to diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependency on Iran.

Energy Markets & Governance Iraq

UkraineAlert

Apr 3, 2025

The West must stop seeking Putin’s permission for peace in Ukraine

By Alyona Getmanchuk

If Western leaders are serious about achieving a lasting peace in Europe, they must move decisively to provide Ukraine with security guarantees without worrying whether Putin will agree or not, writes Alyona Getmanchuk.

Conflict European Union

New Atlanticist

Apr 2, 2025

Trump should not forget the Russian hand behind the Houthis

By Katherine Spencer

While negotiating with Russia, the United States must bear in mind the Kremlin’s support for the Houthis’ attacks on Red Sea shipping.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Apr 2, 2025

Do Americans want a Mar-a-Lago Accord?

By Daniel McDowell and David Steinberg

The US public appears pleased with the dollar’s current value and international role. It will need a lot of convincing to support moves to upend the status quo.

Economy & Business Trade and tariffs

MENASource

Apr 2, 2025

​Libya’s political deadlock endures. There is a case for Trump and Meloni to challenge the status quo.

By Yaseen Rashed

The political crisis in Libya is one that the US and Italy may be uniquely postured, and incentivized, to quell.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

UkraineAlert

Apr 1, 2025

Russian advance slows in March as Putin’s invasion loses momentum

By Peter Dickinson

Putin says his invading army is now poised to "finish off" the Ukrainian military, but in reality Russian forces continued to lose momentum in March 2025, with the Kremlin’s territorial gains reportedly falling for a fourth consecutive month, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Industry