Category: Dispatches

What Trump’s Venezuela oil blockade means for Maduro and the world

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts react to news that the US military would soon impose a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into or out of Venezuela.

Your expert guide to the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act

By Atlantic Council experts

As the Senate sends the annual defense policy bill to the president's desk, Atlantic Council experts dig into the details.

Welcome to Dispatches

By John Cookson

Atlantic Council experts provide daily insight from around the globe on the world’s most pressing policy issues.

Europe’s battle over Russia’s blocked assets is nearing its endgame

By Charles Lichfield

EU heads of state and government meet this week to discuss and vote on a “reparations loan” plan that would use blocked Russian assets to aid Ukraine.

As the US, Ukraine, and Europe talk of peace, Russia still thinks only of surrender

By John E. Herbst

As US and European officials work with Kyiv to sort out security guarantees and other elements of a potential deal, Moscow continues its obstinance.

How Europe can strengthen its own defenses and rebalance transatlantic relations

Europe should advance a new security architecture aimed at strengthening its own defense while continuing to cooperate with the United States in areas of mutual interest.

Iran poses challenges to a National Security Strategy ready to move on

By Nate Swanson

If, as its new strategy suggests, the White House wants to spend less time on Iran, then it has three options—and one is better than the others.

Dispatch from Beijing: Both China and the US think they have the advantage. Only one can be right.

By Melanie Hart

US policymakers must understand exactly how the China model is working if the United States is going to compete effectively with it.

Dispatch from Iraq: The biggest challenge awaiting the country’s next prime minister

By Victoria J. Taylor 

A recent visit to Iraq following parliamentary elections reveals a growing divide between the political elite and the people.

Dispatch from New Delhi: Another India-China flare-up is coming

By Michael Kugelman, Srujan Palkar

China’s recent detainment of an Indian national from a disputed area is a reminder that efforts to ease bilateral tensions can only go so far.