Category: Timely Commentary & Analysis

Europe’s new industrial plan faces formidable obstacles

By Andrei Covatariu

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has promised to put forth in her second term a new Clean Industrial Deal to mobilize investment in infrastructure and industry, and reduce dependence on energy imports. But energy supply challenges and geopolitical hurdles risk undermining plans to restore Europe’s industrial competitiveness.

MENA’s economic outlook for 2025 and beyond from the Atlantic Council’s IMF/World Bank Week 

By Kate Springs and Leila Ouhri

During this year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Fall Meetings, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative, alongside the GeoEconomics Center, hosted a week of events that provided plentiful insights into the region’s economic outlook.   The Economic and Social Costs of the Gaza War “We’ve had the loss of lives, injuries, and the cessation of […]

Tackling the energy-water challenge at COP29

By Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

Energy and water have a complex and inextricable relationship, especially as growing populations, expanding cities, and the changing climate strain resources around the globe. Leaders at COP29 must come together in Baku to promote policies, strategies, and investments to meet the water and energy challenge.

What will a Trump or Harris administration mean for climate and energy policy?

By David L. Goldwyn, Andrea Clabough

In the upcoming election, US voters face a defining choice on how the country addresses climate and energy. Four related issues will need immediate attention from the next president, and although Donald Trump and Kamala Harris converge on certain ideas, their starkly different views on others will be highly consequential.

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.