Content

Issue Brief

Oct 23, 2025

The CRINK: Inside the new bloc supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine

By Angela Stent

The latest report in the Atlantic Council's Russia Tomorrow series details how Russia’s war against Ukraine has brought together a new set of partners--united not by shared values, but by shared grievances--on the international stage: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

China Europe & Eurasia

Issue Brief

Oct 16, 2025

South and Southeast Asia are on the front lines of the democracy-autocracy showdown

By Prakhar Sharma and Gauri Kaushik

How do democracies die? Not with a dramatic coup, but through quiet, intentional dismantling—rules bent just slightly, laws rewritten, oppositions discredited and then disarmed. This warning from political scientists has proven prophetic across South and Southeast Asia, where the past decade has witnessed steady democratic erosion.

Democratic Transitions East Asia

Issue Brief

Oct 9, 2025

Critical minerals in crisis: Stress testing US supply chains against shocks

By Reed Blakemore, Alexis Harmon, Peter Engelke

How can policymakers prepare for shocks to critical mineral supply chains and create mineral security amid a wide range of threats and challenges?

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Issue Brief

Oct 6, 2025

Chinese demand for timber and wildlife in West Africa: Responding to the environmental and social impacts

By Ebagnerin Jérôme Tondoh, Roland Balgah, Caroline Costello, Moses Fayiah, Jean-Luc Kouassi, and Christine A. I. Nougbodé Ouinsavi

West Africa’s forests are vital for climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, poverty alleviation, and economic growth.

China Climate Change & Climate Action

Issue Brief

Oct 6, 2025

Chinese fishing in West Africa: Responding to the environmental and social impacts

By Ebimboere Seiyafa, Awa Niang Fall, Ellis Adjei Adams, Kadidia Kane, Isa Elegbebe Olalekan, Kodjo N’Souvi, and Salamatu Joana Tannor

Chinese companies have rapidly expanded into West Africa’s fishing sector, often operating illegally in prohibited coastal waters.

China Climate Change & Climate Action

Issue Brief

Oct 6, 2025

Chinese mining in West Africa: Responding to the environmental and social impacts

By Abosede Omowumi Babatunde, Richard Asante, Joseph Asunka, Joshua Eisenman, Fancies Egu Lansana, Sanusha Naidu, Igwe Ogbonnaya, Youmanli Ouoba, and Boukary Sangare

Chinese entities are expanding legal and illegal mining for minerals in West Africa.

Africa China

Issue Brief

Oct 3, 2025

Dissolving the fence: Improving utility privatization for defense installations’ resiliency

By Benjamin Byboth, Ariel Coreth, Travis Nels

US bases depend on increasingly vulnerable electricity systems. Utility privatization offers a key tool to ensure military installations' energy resilience.

Energy & Environment Renewables & Advanced Energy

Issue Brief

Oct 3, 2025

Enhancing NATO’s operational readiness through energy interoperability

By Jason Knapp, Christopher Olson, Chamai Shahim

NATO forces are facing significant energy-related constraints that put interoperability at risk. The recent Hague Declaration committing 1.5 percent of GDP for infrastructure offers a way to address this.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

Issue Brief

Sep 30, 2025

As Europe’s neutral states shift closer to NATO, Ireland approaches a turning point for its security

By Maeve Drury and Jason C. Moyer

Ireland spends the least of any EU country on defense. Taoiseach Micheál Martin wants to change that. With military neutrality deeply rooted in the country's history of violent civil conflict, what will re-armament take?

Europe & Eurasia Maritime Security

Issue Brief

Sep 29, 2025

What drives the divide in transatlantic AI strategy?

By Alisha Chhangani, Ananya Kumar

The US and EU share AI ambitions but diverge on regulation, risking a fractured Western front. Nowhere is this tension sharper than in financial services, where details matter most.

Artificial Intelligence Digital Policy