Content

EnergySource

May 9, 2025

Environmental risk weighs heavily on the possible rewards of deep sea mining 

By William Yancey Brown

Despite growing political momentum to advance deep sea mining for critical minerals, the practice remains at odds with existing US and international environmental laws. Current proposals fail to meet legal standards, and the potential for irreversible damage to marine ecosystems raises serious concerns.

Critical Minerals
Energy & Environment

MENASource

May 9, 2025

Why Trump’s Middle East trip should set sights beyond business deals

By Daniel B. Shapiro

By all accounts, US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Gulf will not prioritize major diplomatic breakthroughs.

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

May 8, 2025

The 2025 Distinguished Leadership Awards: Honoring leaders who demonstrate ‘the true meaning of bravery and service’ 

By Atlantic Council

The Atlantic Council honored individuals who have shown courage and dedication through their leadership, service, and activism.

Defense Policy
Economy & Business

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