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New Atlanticist

Mar 25, 2025

Peace requires more than a handshake: Misreading Russia’s war aims will prolong Putin’s aggression

By Zak Schneider

Understanding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ideological motivations for invading Ukraine is essential to negotiating a lasting peace.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Mar 25, 2025

After proxies and nuclear program threats, Iran may turn to terror abroad

By Alex Plitsas

Iran could turn to transnational terrorism as threats mount of Israeli strike on Tehran’s nuclear facilities, after a weakening of its numerous proxies since the Gaza war.

English Iran

TURKEYSource

Mar 25, 2025

How Germany’s incoming government will work with Turkey

By Hürcan Aslı Aksoy

A stronger German focus on national interests, security, and leading the EU may reshape Germany-Turkey relations to be more transactional in the years ahead.

Defense Policy Elections

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