Content

Issue Brief

Dec 17, 2020

Countering China’s crackdown on Hong Kong

By Anna Downs and Ash Jain

The implementation of the national security law has stifled the democratic movement in Hong Kong. This action sparked a series of democratic protests that China quickly attempted to dismantle—alarming observers worldwide. Can democracies mitigate the impact of the new national security laws on Hong Kong? Should Chine face penalties from the international community? Or will aligned democracies fail to defend other vulnerable democratic nations against Chinese malign influence?

China Civil Society

In-Depth Research & Reports

Dec 14, 2020

Iraq’s energy security strategy: A path to diversity and energy independence

By Abbas Kadhim and Sara Vakhshouri

A paper co-authored by Dr. Abbas Kadhim, director of the Iraq Initiative at the Atlantic Council, and Dr. Sara Vakhshouri, founder and president of SVB Energy International, outlines immediate and medium-term practical measures to tackle Iraq’s most pressing issues, in its quest to attain energy independence.

Energy & Environment Iraq

Issue Brief

Dec 4, 2020

Moving Beyond COVID-19: Vaccines and Other Policy Considerations in Latin America

By Pepe Zhang

Parts of Latin America and the Caribbean have become COVID-19 hot spots. With 8 percent of the world’s population, the region accounts for nearly one-third of all COVID-19 infections and deaths as of late November. Although new infections have slowed on a regional level, ongoing second or third pandemic waves across Europe and the United States could be a sign of things to come.

Americas Coronavirus

In-Depth Research & Reports

Nov 30, 2020

Priorities for a transatlantic China strategy

By Franklin D. Kramer

Franklin D. Kramer lays out six spheres of strategic cooperation between Europe and North America to guide joint foreign policy goals with respect to China.

China Economy & Business

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 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