Executive summary: The virus and global order

Report Aug 1, 2025

Defining Canada’s threat landscape: Resetting for a new reality

By Peter Engelke, Ginger Matchett, Samantha Wong

In a changing strategic landscape, Canada must reinforce its national security and confront the threats of geopolitics, climate change, and emerging technology.
Climate Change & Climate Action Defense Policy
Executive summary: The virus and global order

Russia Tomorrow Jul 14, 2025

The next generation: Russia’s future rulers

By Mikhail Zygar

The latest report in the Atlantic Council’s Russia Tomorrow series explores the rising generation in the Kremlin-connected elite and what this shift means for Russia’s future.
Corruption Europe & Eurasia
Executive summary: The virus and global order

Report Jul 10, 2025

Exploring the global digital ID landscape

By Coley Felt, Will LaRivee

The worldwide adoption of digital identity systems varies significantly across regions and implementation approaches.
Africa Digital Policy

Content

Issue Brief

Jun 1, 2020

Executive summary: The virus and global order

By Jeffrey Cimmino, Matthew Kroenig, and Barry Pavel

The COVID-19 pandemic is having dramatic effects on everyday life, but its geopolitical implications could prove to be even more profound. The pandemic is exacerbating and unleashing pressure points in the global order, including intensified US-China competition, that could fundamentally reshape geopolitics.

China Coronavirus

Issue Brief

Jun 1, 2020

Taking stock: Where are geopolitics headed in the COVID-19 era?

By Jeffrey Cimmino, Matthew Kroenig, and Barry Pavel

The COVID-19 pandemic has stressed pressure points in the global order and threatens to unravel the rules-based international system. This paper examines the geopolitical implications of the pandemic by identifying key strategic shocks and tensions exacerbated by the virus. It also identifies uncertainties for the global order and provides policy recommendations for how the United States and its allies should address the pandemic.

China Coronavirus

Report

May 26, 2020

European energy security and the critical role of transatlantic energy cooperation

By Richard L. Morningstar, András Simonyi, Olga Khakova, Jennifer T. Gordon

Transatlantic cooperation is essential to European energy security, which is and should remain a key national security priority for the United States. European energy security is crucial for the maintenance of a strong European economy and for European political stability, both of which are in the best interests of the United States. This report recommends that the United States and the EU focus their energy cooperation in several areas that will benefit the EU’s efforts to meet climate targets and that, at the same time, will also bolster energy security.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Report

May 16, 2020

Downstream oil theft: Countermeasures and good practices

By Dr. David Soud with contributing authors Dr. Ian Ralby and Rohini Ralby

Downstream oil theft has become a global problem. Since most of the world’s energy systems still rely on oil, fuel smugglers are nearly always able to find markets for their goods. Moreover, as oil is not inherently illegal, it is generally an easy product to move, buy, and sell. Profits from oil theft are frequently used to fund terrorism and other illegal activities.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
Destroyed village in Lebanon

In-Depth Research & Reports

May 13, 2020

Counting the cost: Avoiding another war between Israel and Hezbollah

By Nicholas Blanford and Assaf Orion

The Atlantic Council has released a new report, “Counting the Cost: Avoiding Another War between Israel and Hezbollah,” authored by Nicholas Blanford and Assaf Orion.

Conflict Crisis Management

Issue Brief

May 11, 2020

Trump’s JCPOA withdrawal two years on: Maximum pressure, minimum outcomes

By David Mortlock

Two years ago, US President Donald J. Trump walked into the White House Diplomatic Reception Room and announced his intention to withdraw the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The Trump administration reimposed sanctions on Iran and has adopted a policy of “maximum pressure” to compel Iran to change its behavior […]

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business
A net launched from a net-capture system just before catching its target, Quantico, Virginia (December 2018). Source: Red Six Solutions

Issue Brief

May 4, 2020

Drone attacks against critical infrastructure: A real and present threat

By Dr. Scott Crino and Conrad "Andy" Dreby

Read the Middle East Program's new paper on the use of weaponized drones in the Middle East, with recommendations for policymakers.

Drones Middle East

Conflict, Risk, and Tech

Apr 30, 2020

Loose cobras: DPRK regime succession and uncertain control over offensive cyber capabilities

By JD Work

Unconfirmed rumors surfaced in mid April 2020 regarding the potential incapacitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, leading to speculation about the ramifications of a sudden transition of leadership in Pyongyang. These rumors raise serious concerns over the stability of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) control of offensive cyber operations capabilities.

Cybersecurity East Asia
Cover Image for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy

Global Energy Forum

Apr 30, 2020

Sustainable aviation fuel policy in the United States: A pragmatic way forward

By Fred Ghatala

Aviation’s reliance on fossil fuels, its expected future growth rates, and the service lifespan of aircraft make it a difficult section of the transportation sector to decarbonize.

Energy & Environment Renewables & Advanced Energy

Issue briefs and reports

Apr 27, 2020

The future of US-Iraq relations

By C. Anthony Pfaff

This Atlantic Council Iraq Initiative report by Nonresident Senior Fellow Dr. C. Anthony Pfaff analyzes the current challenges in the US-Iraq relationship and presents policy recommendations.

Iraq Middle East
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