Category: Timely Commentary & Analysis

Andrew A. Michta testifies to the Helsinki Commission on Russia’s aggression in Central and Eastern Europe

By Andrew A. Michta

Andrew A. Michta, director of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, testified before the Helsinki Commission on Russia’s imperial ambitions in Central and Eastern Europe.

Hungary’s Russian oil deal threatens EU solidarity

By Sergiy Makogon

By striking a deal to resume Russian oil transit through Ukraine, Hungarian oil and gas company MOL undermines Europe's collective action against Russia. The European Union must respond quickly and decisively with solidarity to close sanctions loopholes.

Christine Lagarde’s message to the United States: Trade barriers and restrictions hold back prosperity

Lagarde joined the Atlantic Council to discuss Europe’s economic challenges and the path forward during the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings.

Sledgehammer: The Wagner cult in Syria

By Alia Brahimi

In Season 2, Episode 6 of the Guns for Hire podcast, host Alia Brahimi chats with defense researcher Jack Margolin about his new book on the Wagner Group. They focus on its operations in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the country’s central place within the Wagner subculture. They also discuss the ever-present profit motive […]

Despite panicked markets, Israel is unlikely to attack Iranian oil facilities

By Ellen Wald

Israeli officials have promised “significant retaliation” in response to Iran’s October 1 attack and have hinted that they could target Iran’s oil infrastructure. However, the likelihood of such an attack is quite low due to several technical, economic, and geopolitical factors.

Innovation can accelerate Southeast Asia’s energy transition 

By Reed Blakemore, Chase Thalheimer

As Southeast Asia’s energy landscape undergoes profound transformations, innovative clean technologies will be critical in meeting surging demand and ensuring a reliable, resilient, and clean energy supply.

Inside the Navy’s plan to improve its readiness for conflict, with Admiral Lisa Franchetti

Franchetti spoke about the new plan at a Commanders Series event, hosted by the Atlantic Council's Forward Defense initiative.

Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar offers an ‘energy transformation roadmap’

Bayraktar spoke at the Regional Conference on Clean and Secure Energy about what Turkey is doing to reach its energy goals.

Attention to market realities are key to a successful COP29

By Robert Cekuta

Increasing funds for addressing climate and energy needs in developing countries is a COP29 priority. But it is important to remember that market conditions in recipient countries are critical in determining the success of such efforts.

Treasury’s Jay Shambaugh on why the US needs the IMF and World Bank in order to respond to crises

Watch the full event Speaker Jay ShambaughUnder Secretary for International Affairs, US Department of the Treasury Moderator Greg IpChief Economics Commentator, the Wall Street Journal Introduction Josh LipskySenior Director, GeoEconomics Center, Atlantic Council Event transcript Uncorrected transcript: Check against delivery JOSH LIPSKY: Good morning. Welcome to the Atlantic Council. I am Josh Lipsky, senior director […]