Content

In-Depth Research & Reports

Nov 25, 2020

The temperature is rising, the fever white hot: The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as flashpoint between Egypt and Ethiopia

By Christopher D. Booth

Once considered unlikely by regional experts, military confrontation along the Nile is a growing possibility, as a diplomatic solution to the Egyptian-Sudanese-Ethiopian stand-off recedes. Outside observers may not understand why Egypt considers the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) an “existential threat” to its existence, but, regardless, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his advisors see it as such.

East Africa Energy & Environment

Issue Brief

Nov 18, 2020

Renewing transatlantic strategy on Iran

By Ellie Geranmayeh, Barbara Slavin, and Sahil Shah

A new report presents a series of recommendations for the E-3 and the EU to preserve the JCPOA, promote regional peace and development and boost people-to-people contacts with Iran in concert with the new US administration. Taken together, these steps would amount to a renewed transatlantic diplomatic agenda through which the United States and European allies can stabilize the nuclear file and then build on the resulting diplomatic momentum to address other concerns with Iran.

Elections English

Issue Brief

Oct 28, 2020

2020 election scenarios: Implications for American foreign policy

By Ash Jain, Barry Pavel

The outcome of the US presidential election in November will reverberate throughout the world. It will have a direct impact on US allies and partners, as well as structural implications for the global system. Will the United States continue to play its post-World War II international leadership role? Or will Washington continue its steady retreat from international commitments?

China Elections

Issue Brief

Oct 22, 2020

Central African Republic: Ground zero for Russian influence in Central Africa

By Nathalia Dukhan

The Kremlin has rapidly exploited the recent absence of Western involvement in the Central African Republic. Russian propaganda arms and security forces are propping up the country's embattled leader in exchange for decisive influence in the region.

Conflict Corruption

Issue Brief

Oct 7, 2020

The Maduro-Hezbollah Nexus: How Iran-backed Networks Prop up the Venezuelan Regime

By Joseph M. Humire

Introduction In the face of another fated sham election in Venezuela, countries throughout the Americas and Europe are focusing on the many illicit tactics Nicolás Maduro uses to hold on to power. Top among them: the far-reaching illicit networks that prop up the Maduro regime. This includes armed groups that control vast swaths of territory, […]

Americas Conflict

Issue Brief

Sep 30, 2020

Why the US-Italy relationship matters

By Giovanna de Maio

In spite of the overall worsening of transatlantic relations over the past four years, and more inward looking foreign policy choices, Italy and the United States were able to preserve consistently positive relations. As far as trade is concerned, Italy managed to avoid the brunt of US tariffs on European goods, and trade exchange between […]

Coronavirus Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Sep 29, 2020

The impact of COVID-19 on either shore of the Mediterranean

By Karim Mezran, Emily Burchfield, Paolo Alli, Emadeddin Badi, Haykel Ben Mahfoudh, Alessia Melcangi

This report draws on case studies of Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, and migration to the EU to illuminate the key challenges faced in the Mediterranean community, and warns of the undesirable outcomes ahead if international inaction toward the region persists.

Coronavirus North Africa

Issue Brief

Sep 28, 2020

Central America Economic Reactivation in a COVID-19 World: Finding Sustainable Opportunities in Uncertain Times

By María Eugenia Brizuela de Ávila, Laura Chinchilla Miranda, María Fernanda Bozmoski, and Domingo Sadurní

By: María Eugenia Brizuela de Ávila, Laura Chinchilla Miranda, María Fernanda Bozmoski, and Domingo Sadurní Contributing authors: Enrique Bolaños and Salvador Paiz Foreword As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, countries around the world face an unprecedented test: concurrent public health and economic crises coupled with the resulting political and social reverberations. In Central America, the […]

Americas Coronavirus

Issue Brief

Sep 24, 2020

The chosen people vs. their chosen people

By Shalom Lipner

As Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu’s court trial and the Knesset’s deadline to negotiate a fiscal deal draw near, the Israeli government faces a crisis of accountability. A bloated bureaucracy and constant competition have impaired the government’s ability to formulate and implement sound diplomatic, security, and economic decisions. A new Atlantic Council issue brief, “The Chosen […]

Israel Middle East

In-Depth Research & Reports

Sep 21, 2020

The trip from Donbas: Ukraine’s pressing need to defend its veterans

By Lauren Van Metre & John Boerstler

Ukraine's veterans from the war in the Donbas are at the crossroads of major changes occurring within Ukrainian society today, but a lack of support for veterans creates a critical void in Ukraine’s national security and hobbles its transition to democracy.

Security & Defense Ukraine