Content

Issue Brief

Apr 18, 2018

The new Turkey: Making sense of Turkish decision-making

By Aaron Stein

This new issue brief by Atlantic Council Senior Fellow Dr. Aaron Stein explores the challenges facing the United States and Europe as Turkish politicians use foreign policy as a tool for populist political gain.

NATO Politics & Diplomacy

Report

Apr 16, 2018

Stronger than ever but more challenged than ever: The US-Japan alliance in the Trump-Abe era

By Robert Manning, Kamiya Matake, and James J. Przystup

In the current uncertain and challenging international political environment, the US-Japan alliance has never been stronger or more important than it is now; yet it has never faced as many challenges and hurdles than it does today. Under President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the alliance is steadfast and unwavering. But global instability, […]

Japan Korea

Report

Apr 12, 2018

The French-American alliance in an America-first era

By Jeff Lightfoot

The relationship between France and the United States is heading into a new and uncertain era reflecting the leadership of US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron. With Macron’s April 24-25 state visit to the White House and address to a joint session of Congress as backdrop, The French-American Alliance in an America-First […]

France United States and Canada

Report

Apr 10, 2018

Oil on the water: Illicit hydrocarbons activity in the maritime domain

By Dr. Ian Ralby and Dr. David Soud

Oil and fuel theft is a significant global phenomenon, accounting for tens, if not hundreds, of billions of dollars annually. It typically takes place in the maritime domain, as oil tankers account for a fourth of global trade and law enforcement control over maritime spaces is often lacking.

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

Report

Apr 6, 2018

India’s quest for fighter jets: Make in India vs. Make America Great Again

By Bharath Gopalaswamy

Working in tandem with India to improve its capacity to play a stronger role in the region and uphold the existing liberal order, would be a critical stride for US grand strategy.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Issue Brief

Apr 6, 2018

Iran’s Sunnis resist extremism, but for how long?

By Scheherezade Faramarzi

A predominantly Shia nation, the Islamic Republic of Iran has a substantial Sunni population that receives little attention compared to the country’s other minorities. Last year’s attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) in the capital Tehran have raised fears that disgruntled Iranian Sunnis, who have until now largely escaped extremist influences, […]

Extremism Iran

Issue Brief

Apr 6, 2018

Iran’s Sunnis resist extremism, but for how long?

By Scheherezade Faramarzi

Veteran journalist Scheherezade Faramarzi lays bare Iran's religious makeup, the history of the Sunni population, the influence of regional actors like Saudi Arabia, and efforts by the Iranian government to support Iranian Sunni leaders who advocate peaceful coexistence with Tehran.

Extremism Iran

Issue Brief

Mar 28, 2018

US nuclear-power leadership and the Chinese and Russian challenge

By Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

Nuclear energy remains an important part of the US energy mix. However, following years of underinvestment, US nuclear power is in decline while China and Russia are ramping up investment both at home and abroad, most notably in states that are key players in current geopolitical issues, such as Turkey, Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Issue Brief

Mar 28, 2018

US nuclear-power leadership and the Chinese and Russian challenge

By Dr. Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

Nuclear energy remains an important part of the US energy mix. However, following years of underinvestment, US nuclear power is in decline while China and Russia are ramping up investment both at home and abroad, most notably in states that are key players in current geopolitical issues, such as Turkey, Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Issue Brief

Mar 28, 2018

The Direction of Russian Politics and the Putin Factor

By Yevgenia Albats

What kind of policy choices should one expect from Russian President Vladimir Putin in the course of his fourth (and de facto fifth) term as the leader of the country?

Russia