Content

MENASource

Dec 18, 2024

What the fall of the Assad regime really means for China

By Jonathan Fulton

Assad’s fall makes the Middle East more complicated for Beijing but does not threaten China’s most important relationships in the region.

China Conflict

MENASource

Dec 18, 2024

The fall of the Assad regime is just the beginning of Syria’s quest for stability

By Amir Asmar

Sectarian divisions and external actors threaten to render the fall of the Assad regime a new phase in Syria’s civil war rather than its conclusion.

Crisis Management Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Dec 18, 2024

Scholz’s no-confidence vote isn’t the start of political dysfunction. It’s Germany’s way out of it.

By Jörn Fleck, Rachel Rizzo

One might assume that the German chancellor losing a vote of confidence this week signals political paralysis ahead, but look deeper.

Elections Germany

New Atlanticist

Dec 18, 2024

Trade data reveal the inner workings of Russia and China’s defense industrial cooperation

By Joseph Webster

Moscow and Beijing are increasingly sharing technology and defense industrial capabilities in ways that severely impact US and Western interests.

China Economy & Business

MENASource

Dec 18, 2024

Will Russia be able to keep its bases in Syria?  

By Mark N. Katz

It would be in the United States’ and Israel’s interests not to give the new Syrian government reasons to let Russia keep those bases.  

Conflict Crisis Management

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.

Economic Sanctions 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