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Econographics

May 8, 2025

Pope Leo XIV’s electors represented Catholics’ changing economic distribution

By Israel Rosales

While the direction Pope Leo XIV will take the Church is unclear at this early stage, he’s unlikely to reverse Pope Francis’s push to elevate voices from the Global South.

Economy & Business International Financial Institutions

New Atlanticist

May 8, 2025

Trump’s Gulf gamble: Oil, conflicts, and opportunities in a high-stakes visit

By Racha Helwa

Trump’s trip to the Middle East is a pivotal opportunity to reimagine US–Gulf relations for a new era.

Macroeconomics Oil and Gas

MENASource

May 8, 2025

From rubble to rebirth: A model for Syria’s reconstruction

By Mahmood Alhosain

Almost six months since Assad regime collapse, four key pillars will determine whether this new Damascus can seize the opportunity.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

May 8, 2025

Russia’s coming summer offensive could be deadliest of the entire war

By Mykola Bielieskov

As the US-led peace initiative continues to falter, the unfolding summer campaigning season in Ukraine promises to be among the bloodiest of the entire war, writes Mykola Bielieskov.

Conflict European Union

UkraineAlert

May 7, 2025

Putin’s parade cynically exploits WWII to justify his own criminal invasion

By Peter Dickinson

Putin is expected to use this week's Victory Day parade marking 80 years since the defeat of Hitler to legitimize his current invasion of Ukraine. But if anyone is guilty of echoing the crimes of the Nazis, it is Putin himself, writes Peter Dickinson.

Brazil China

New Atlanticist

May 7, 2025

What will Labor’s landslide mean for Australia’s foreign policy?

By Peter J. Dean

While Australian voters clearly rejected the Trump administration, both the country’s leaders and electorate still support close US ties.

Australia Elections

TURKEYSource

May 7, 2025

Time to adjust the US approach to the South Caucasus

By Ali Mammadov

To foster stability, enhance connectivity, and promote long-term strategic balance in the South Caucasus, the United States must reassess its posture in the region.

Politics & Diplomacy Security Partnerships

New Atlanticist

May 7, 2025

Lessons from Latvia’s efforts to keep essential services running during a crisis

By Mārcis Balodis and Marta Kepe

Latvia has shifted its crisis-management thinking from a focus on infrastructure protection to an emphasis on continuity of essential services and functions.

Crisis Management Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

May 6, 2025

Experts react: India just launched airstrikes against Pakistan. What’s next? 

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts share insights on India's missile strikes on Pakistan, which came two weeks after a terrorist attack targeting Indians in Pahalgam.

Conflict Extremism

New Atlanticist

May 6, 2025

The next pope may be African—or not. Either way, Africa is at the forefront of today’s Roman Catholic Church.

By Alexander Tripp

An African pope is not a given in this conclave or the next, but African agency and leadership in the twenty-first-century church is.

Africa Politics & Diplomacy