Category: Timely Commentary & Analysis

China, North Korea, and Extended Deterrence in Northeast Asia

On December 3, the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security hosted the third not-for-attribution workshop on extended deterrence in northeast Asia. This session focused specifically on in China and North Korea. The chairmen of the workshop series, Richard Armitage, president of Armitage International, and Kurt Campbell, chairman and chief executive officer of the […]

Discussing NATO’s Strategic Priorities

On December 2, the Atlantic Council’s Transatlantic Security Initiative hosted an off-the-record strategy session with General Sverker Göranson, supreme commander of the Swedish Armed Forces, to discuss strategic priorities for NATO’s partnership policy in light of ongoing NATO and Swedish armed forces reforms.

Localizing Power in Libya

By Jason Pack and Mohamed Eljarh

Its Prime Minister briefly kidnapped, its oil trapped in the pipelines by protesters, its capital city in chaos, and its high-end hotels increasingly devoid of businessmen, Libya is now reaping the “benefits” of 42 years of ideological one-man rule, eight months of polarizing armed struggle, and two years of seemingly endless and aimless “transition.” In […]

Tunisia’s New Political Impasse: Exploring the Challenges and Debating Solutions

Many observers and policymakers consider Tunisia as having the best chance among the Arab transition countries to successfully transition to a democracy. However, the country faces a new political crisis that threatens to delay (or possibly even derail) the adoption of a constitution. On November 22, the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle […]

Montenegro Aspiring to Join NATO

On November 22, the Atlantic Council hosted an off-the-record strategy session with President of the Parliament of Montenegro Ranko Krivokapić and representatives of the transatlantic community in Washington, DC to discuss NATO’s open door policy and Montenegro’s role in the future of the Alliance. Discussions revolved around assessing the country’s path toward NATO membership and […]

Advancing the New US-Morocco Strategic Partnership

On the occasion of the meeting between His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Barack Obama, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center hosted “Advancing the New US-Morocco Strategic Partnership Event,” a discussion with His Excellency Salaheddine Mezouar, minister of foreign affairs and cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco, and other members of the Royal Delegation.

Lessons Learned from STEADFAST JAZZ

On November 21, the Atlantic Council hosted a non-for-attribution roundtable with top Allied military and government officials to discuss the 2013 STEADFAST JAZZ exercise and the lessons learned for the future readiness and capabilities of NATO.

Second Cyber Risk Wednesday

Exploring Cyber Insurance With little regulatory framework, cyber insurance is still a developing field. The increasing awareness and occurrence of cyber crimes, such as data breach, cyber espionage, or network intrusion, has placed this important topic squarely in front of risk managers and CEOs. The second Cyber Risk Wednesday, the monthly series organized by Cyber […]

Rouhani’s First One Hundred Days: Cautious Domestic Reforms as Nuclear Crisis Continues

By Yasmin Alem and Barbara Slavin

After eight turbulent years during which conservatives monopolized Iranian politics, the election of centrist cleric Hassan Rouhani on June 14, 2013, marked a new, yet in some ways familiar chapter in post-revolutionary Iranian politics. It was new in the sense that his sweeping victory demonstrated unprecedented popular desire for change and elite recognition of the […]