Content

New Atlanticist

Dec 18, 2024

Beyond NATO’s 2 percent threshold: How can Italy meet the challenge?

By Gabriele Natalizia and Matteo Mazziotti di Celso

For the past decade, Rome has leaned more on deploying its troops abroad to contribute to the Alliance than on increasing its overall defense spending. That needs to change.

Italy
NATO

UkraineAlert

Dec 17, 2024

Putin’s quiet Syrian surrender reveals the weakness behind his intimidation tactics

By Peter Dickinson

Vladimir Putin’s inability to save his Syrian ally Bashar Assad is a timely reminder that Russia is far weaker than many appreciate and Western fears of Kremlin escalation are wildly exaggerated, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict
Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Dec 17, 2024

Nicaragua is consolidating an authoritarian dynasty. Here’s how US economic pressure can counter it.

By Brennan Rhodes

As the Ortega government further entrenches its power in Nicaragua, US sanctions and other economic tools can help curb its malign activities.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion
Human Rights

MENASource

Dec 17, 2024

Sudan is caught in a web of external interference. So why is an international response still lacking?

By Emadeddin Badi

Sudan needs a unified international strategy, combining economic, political, and diplomatic pressure.

Africa
Conflict

New Atlanticist

Dec 17, 2024

The global ripple effects of South Korea’s political turmoil

By Atlantic Council experts

The fallout from Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment could have massive implications for Seoul’s relations with the United States and Japan.

Civil Society
Elections

AfricaSource

Dec 17, 2024

There’s a rare opportunity to deepen US-Somaliland ties. But several obstacles stand in the way.

By Maxwell Webb

New administrations in both Washington and Hargeisa could begin a new chapter of relations.

East Africa
Elections

New Atlanticist

Dec 17, 2024

The United States must revisit the basics of geostrategy

By Andrew A. Michta

It’s time to return to realism in US national security policy, putting hard power considerations and geopolitics front and center.

China
National Security

New Atlanticist

Dec 17, 2024

Dispatch from Damascus: Celebrations and concerns as a new Syria takes shape

By Ömer Özkizilcik

Syrians in Damascus are celebrating the fall of the Assad regime, but that joy is mixed with concern for how the country’s new leaders will govern.

Conflict
Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Dec 16, 2024

Dispatch from Bucharest: Why has Romanian politics suddenly gone sideways?

By Daniel Fried

Twin shocks—Călin Georgescu’s political rise and the annulment of the November 24 presidential election—have shaken the hitherto complacent centrists in Romania.

Elections
Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Dec 16, 2024

Once again, China pushes for economic stimulus, hoping for a different result

By Jeremy Mark

Chinese leader Xi Jinping continues to adopt stimulus measures that fail to confront the country’s structural economic challenges.

China
Economy & Business