Inflection Points

Inflection Points

A weekly column by Atlantic Council President and CEO Frederick Kempe, Inflection Points focuses on the global challenges facing the United States and how to best address them.

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Inflection Points

Apr 30, 2026

Mythos, not the Iran war, is the most significant geopolitical warning of our time

By Frederick Kempe

Artificial intelligence is already accelerating life-changing breakthroughs, but it also poses generational risks.

Artificial Intelligence Politics & Diplomacy

Inflection Points

Mar 23, 2026

Trump is fighting two wars with Iran. He needs to win both.

By Frederick Kempe

Nothing could be more short-sighted than leaving a vengeful and still formidable Iranian regime in place.

Conflict Iran

Inflection Points

Mar 18, 2026

Now that the Iran war is here, the US must complete its mission

By Frederick Kempe

The US-Israeli operation in Iran is a historic opportunity to neutralize the Middle East’s greatest destabilizer over the past four decades.

Conflict Iran

Inflection Points

Feb 23, 2026

The Long Telegram just turned 80. Our times demand a new one.

By Frederick Kempe

Following Kennan’s example during the Cold War, the United States today needs to clarify the challenges it is facing at this dangerous new inflection point.

China Politics & Diplomacy

Inflection Points

Feb 17, 2026

Dispatch from Munich: Europe is growing stronger, but will it be fast enough to save Ukraine?

By Frederick Kempe

The recent Munich Security Conference underscored the urgency with which European nations must act to address their vulnerabilities.

European Union NATO

Inflection Points

Feb 12, 2026

Dispatch from Munich: Present at the destruction or the creation?

By Frederick Kempe

This year’s Munich Security Conference presents the transatlantic Alliance with two very different paths ahead.

Europe & Eurasia Germany

Inflection Points

Feb 4, 2026

Mario Draghi—yet again—has issued a wake-up call to Europe

By Frederick Kempe

Draghi's call for a federalized Europe in the face of geopolitical threats echoes his effort to save the euro.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Inflection Points

Jan 30, 2026

Markets and allies aren’t ‘selling’ America. They’re ‘hedging’ it.

By Frederick Kempe

The US dollar’s recent slide is not due to global investors abandoning the United States, but the trend does reveal an erosion of trust.

Dollar Dominance Economy & Business

Inflection Points Today

Jan 28, 2026

The ‘mother of all’ trade deals in the time of Trump

By Frederick Kempe

On Tuesday, the European Union and India announced a free trade deal—an example of how the global system is reorganizing itself.

Economy & Business European Union

Inflection Points

Jan 25, 2026

At Davos, Trump’s ‘shock therapy’ leaves Europe shaken but healthier

By Frederick Kempe

European leaders now recognize that the continent must fundamentally treat its chronic problems or further surrender global relevance.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia
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