Issue briefs and reports

Our programs and centers deliver in-depth, highly relevant issue briefs and reports that break new ground, shift opinions, and set agendas on public policy, with a focus on advancing debates by integrating foundational research and analysis with concrete policy solutions.

Aftermath of the Arab spring in North Africa

Russia Tomorrow Feb 18, 2026

Negotiating with Putin’s Russia

By Donald N. Jensen, Iuliia Osmolovska

The latest report in the Atlantic Council’s Russia Tomorrow examines Russia’s negotiating tactics and how the US can adjust its diplomatic strategies in turn.
Disinformation Eastern Europe
Aftermath of the Arab spring in North Africa

Atlantic Council Strategy Paper Series Feb 10, 2026

Global Foresight 2036

In this year’s Global Foresight edition, our experts share findings from our survey of geostrategists on how human affairs could unfold over the next decade. Our scholars spot “snow leopards” that could have major unexpected impacts over the next decade. And our tech experts put AI’s forecasting ability to the test.
Africa Central Asia
Aftermath of the Arab spring in North Africa

In-Depth Research & Reports Feb 26, 2026

The state of great power competition in the Gulf

By Jonathan Fulton

This issue brief examines Gulf states’ strategic positioning amid shifting global power dynamics, the opportunities and challenges of great power competition, and regional efforts toward de-escalation and development.
Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Content

Issue Brief

Oct 31, 2016

Aftermath of the Arab spring in North Africa

By Mohsin Khan and Karim Mezran

At the outset of the political uprisings that began in North Africa in 2010, the four countries of Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia faced similar economic and political challenges. Over the past almost six years, the countries have adopted different approaches to address these problems, however the overall economic picture today is grim amid varied […]

Economy & Business Libya

Issue Brief

Oct 26, 2016

Enhancing the US-Swedish defense relationship

By Magnus Nordenman

Security and deterrence in the Baltic Sea region.

NATO Partnerships Northern Europe

Report

Oct 21, 2016

Transforming the power sector in developing countries: A strategic framework for post-Paris action

By Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

As the Paris Agreement on Climate Change enters into force, signatories will face the challenges of transforming their energy sectors into more efficient, lower-carbon systems. This report provides a strategic framework to understand and address the challenges and hard choices developing countries face in moving to a cleaner energy mix while expanding access to those without electricity.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

Atlantic Council Strategy Paper Series

Oct 19, 2016

A new strategy for US-Iran relations in transition

By Ellen Laipson

Framing a sustainable and achievable strategy toward Iran will be a high priority for the next administration. In the sixth Atlantic Council Strategy Paper, A New Strategy for US-Iran Relations in Transition, Ellen Laipson presents a new strategy to reduce prospects for a military confrontation with Iran; improve the regional security environment by working with trusted partners and with Iran; and, eventually, enable Iran and the United States to build cooperation in diverse areas of shared concern.

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

Issue Brief

Oct 14, 2016

History’s lessons for resolving today’s Middle East conflicts

By Mathew J. Burrows

In the spirit of the adage that “those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it,” History’s Lessons for Resolving Today’s Middle East Conflicts, by Mathew J. Burrows, examines past precedents for resolving highly complex conflicts, by delving into seven historic examples of peacemaking.

Conflict Middle East

Report

Oct 11, 2016

Into the clouds: European SMEs and the digital age

By Tyson E. Barker

Cloud computing, which relies on automatically available services, including storage, that can be shared among devices, is considered crucial to the digital transformation of industry and the economy. But fundamental questions remain on the role of cloud computing in Europe and the best strategies for fostering the conditions necessary for a barrier-free transatlantic digital economy. […]

Digital Policy Europe & Eurasia

Report

Oct 5, 2016

Europe Needs To Trim Its Excessive Fiscal Burden

By Anders Åslund

Europe suffers from two major handicaps: poor economic growth and high unemployment. In Europe Needs To Trim Its Excessive Fiscal Burden, Anders Åslund argues that Europe needs more structural reforms to solve these problems. Åslund addresses some fundamental questions on excessive fiscal burden: Why have public expenditures become higher in the EU than in other countries […]

Economy & Business European Union

Issue Brief

Oct 5, 2016

Odd couple: The future of the Australia-UAE partnership

By John T. Watts

Considering its geographic distance and lack of formal allies, the Middle East has played an outsized role in the history of Australia's global engagement. While Australia's interests in the region are real and increasing, as a middle power with finite resources it must take a smart approach to pursuing them.

Australia Security Partnerships

Issue Brief

Oct 4, 2016

A NATO strategy for security in the Black Sea region

By Steven Horrell

NATO faces a worsening security environment defined by Russia’s growing willingness to challenge the West and a Europe whole, free, and at peace. In this new geo-political context the Black Sea region is one of the central friction zones between Russia and NATO. While the Alliance has recently pledged to protect its eastern flank against […]

Maritime Security NATO

Report

Oct 4, 2016

A Globalized Renminbi

By Douglas W. Arner and Andre Soares

Read the Publication in English (PDF) Read the Publication in Spanish (PDF) On October 1, 2016, the Chinese renminbi (RMB) joined the dollar and the euro as one of five official international reserve assets. This is not just a technical development. It has the potential to reshape trade and finance across Latin America, according to […]

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