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

Mar 2, 2025

Zelenskyy and Europe confront the first contours of the Trump World Order

By Frederick Kempe

The Ukrainian president’s tempestuous recent meeting at the White House was a window into a larger transformation of global order by the US president.

Europe & Eurasia International Norms

Inflection Points

Feb 25, 2025

China’s Year of the Snake is off to a good start, thanks in part to Trump

By Frederick Kempe

From an AI breakthrough to an apparent diplomatic recalibration by Washington, Beijing seems to be going from strength to strength in the new year.

Artificial Intelligence China

Inflection Points Today

Feb 24, 2025

History’s clock is ticking (again) in Germany

By Frederick Kempe

Likely incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s election-night mention of the need for “independence” from Washington signals the stakes of this moment for Germany and Europe.

Elections Germany

Inflection Points

Feb 21, 2025

The week that shook Europe—and the historic test ahead

By Frederick Kempe

Trump has an opportunity to cement his place in history and preserve the hard-won gains of the post–World War II era. But any perceived or actual sellout to Russia’s despot would leave an indelible stain US global leadership.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

Inflection Points

Feb 20, 2025

Beyond politics: The Atlantic Council’s enduring mission in a world transformed

By Frederick Kempe

As a nonpartisan organization, the Atlantic Council equips policymakers with the insights and analysis necessary to make informed decisions and advance US interests in an increasingly complex global environment.

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense

Inflection Points

Feb 14, 2025

Dispatch from Munich: Trump has put European history in motion again

By Frederick Kempe

As the annual Munich Security Conference opens, there is a palpable sense that the city might again be a place where history is made.

Europe & Eurasia Germany

Inflection Points

Feb 12, 2025

Dispatch from Dubai: Trump is seeking to upend the global chessboard

By Frederick Kempe

On the sidelines of the World Governments Summit, an important debate is taking place between those who are optimistic about US President Donald Trump’s second term and those who are more wary.

Artificial Intelligence Middle East

Inflection Points Today

Jan 30, 2025

DeepSeek poses a Manhattan Project–sized challenge for Trump

By Frederick Kempe

Reports of an artificial intelligence breakthrough by a Chinese company should be a wake-up call for the United States.

Artificial Intelligence China

Inflection Points

Jan 27, 2025

Dispatch from Davos: Trump is both symptom and driver of our new geopolitical era

By Frederick Kempe

At the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Switzerland, attendees responded to the new president with celebration, dread, and a range of emotions in between.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Inflection Points Today

Jan 18, 2025

A Russian-Iranian inaugural gift for Trump

By Frederick Kempe

The new “comprehensive partnership agreement” between Moscow and Tehran is the latest example of greater coordination among the “axis of aggressors.”

China Conflict
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