Content

MENASource

Apr 24, 2025

Can Russia’s defense sector break through in the Gulf?

By Jean-Loup Samaan

Despite speculation, the context is even less favorable today for the Russian defense industry to boom in the region than a decade ago.

Middle East
Russia

EnergySource

Apr 23, 2025

Illicit mineral supply chains fuel the DRC’s M23 insurgency 

By Clarkson Kamurai, Brad Handler, and Morgan Bazilian

The illicit trade of mined materials is fueling the M23 insurgency in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), threatening regional stability and hindering development. As the United States considers a minerals-for-security agreement with the DRC, international engagement, ethical sourcing practices, and strengthened oversight are critical to fostering long-term peace in this resource-rich region.

Africa
Critical Minerals

New Atlanticist

Apr 23, 2025

How the US retreat from the UN endangers the future of internet governance

By Konstantinos Komaitis

A recent meeting of an obscure United Nations body reveals how the Trump administration is challenging decades of consensus-based work on internet development.

Internet
Technology & Innovation

New Atlanticist

Apr 23, 2025

What’s at stake for Bosnia and Herzegovina as Milorad Dodik faces a political reckoning?

By Agon Maliqi

With his secessionist threats seemingly at a dead end, Milorad Dodik’s external backers might view him as more of a liability than an asset.

Corruption
Freedom and Prosperity

MENASource

Apr 23, 2025

Gas diplomacy: A blueprint for Middle East peace and global energy security

By Luay al-Khatteeb

A US-Iran deal could serve as a turning point towards a wider strategy encompassing regional de-escalation and energy diplomacy.

Energy Markets & Governance
Geopolitics & Energy Security

UkraineAlert

Apr 22, 2025

Putin’s cynical Easter ceasefire stunt backfires as Zelenskyy calls his bluff

By Peter Dickinson

Vladimir Putin’s surprise Easter ceasefire announcement was clearly a cynical stunt, but it did inadvertently serve an important purpose by underlining the simple fact that Russia can end the war whenever it chooses, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict
Disinformation

UkraineAlert

Apr 22, 2025

US-led peace talks hampered by Trump’s reluctance to pressure Putin

By Olivia Yanchik

US-led efforts to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine are being hampered by Donald Trump's reluctance to put pressure on Vladimir Putin and force the Kremlin leader to accept a compromise peace, writes Olivia Yanchik.

Conflict
Economic Sanctions

Fintech Frontlines

Apr 21, 2025

Fast payments in action: Emerging lessons from Brazil and India

By Polina Kempinsky

These lessons are shaping a framework governments can use to evaluate their need for central bank-led immediate payment systems, their potential structure, organizational features, and the trade-offs involved.

Brazil
Digital Currencies

New Atlanticist

Apr 21, 2025

Four contests for democracy in Europe challenge the narrative of advancing authoritarianism

By Daniel Fried

In Georgia, Hungary, Serbia, and Turkey, pro-democracy demonstrators are taking to the streets in massive numbers. But how long will the upsurge last?

Democratic Transitions
Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Apr 20, 2025

Inside the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings as leaders navigate the global trade war

By Atlantic Council experts

Amid an economic climate of great uncertainty, we dispatched our experts to the center of the action in Foggy Bottom to share their biggest takeaways from a pivotal week for the global economy.

Inclusive Growth
International Financial Institutions