Issue briefs and reports

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.

Why Congress must reauthorize the US Development Finance Corporation

Report Mar 30, 2026

How the West lost the post-Cold War era

By Brian Whitmore

The latest Atlantic Council Eurasia Center report examines the lessons from the post-Cold War period and what the United States and its allies can do to counter Russian revanchism today.
Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy
Why Congress must reauthorize the US Development Finance Corporation

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
Why Congress must reauthorize the US Development Finance Corporation

Issue Brief Mar 19, 2026

Federal agencies under pressure need smarter systems, not tougher people

By Caitlin Thompson

Resilience is an important trait for national security practitioners, but it is not a solution for problems with agency and department design. Better systems and strategies can ensure that individuals are fully prepared and ready to respond to crises, rather than consistently under strain.
National Security Resilience

Content

Cranes atop a building. Dabust Soh/Unsplash

Issue Brief

Jun 9, 2025

Why Congress must reauthorize the US Development Finance Corporation

By Enrique Millán-Mejía, Martin Cassinelli

Congress has an opportunity to give the United States tools to create jobs at home and strengthen ties overseas. Updating the Development Finance Corporation and reauthorizing it before the October deadline are the first steps.

Americas Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Jun 6, 2025

How Japanese economic statecraft has shifted from promotion to protection

By Charles Lichfield

Japan is in a geopolitically challenging neighborhood and is witnessing the basic tenets of its foreign policy—from alignment with the United States to fostering a rules-based environment—come under unprecedented stress.

East Asia Economy & Business
Cover image for Keeping China at bay and critical minerals stocked: The case for US-Africa defense collaboration

Report

Jun 6, 2025

Keeping China at bay and critical minerals stocked: The case for US-Africa defense collaboration

By Aleksandra Gadzala Tirziu

As Russia, China, and other authoritarian powers expand their global reach, US security is at stake. To stay competitive, the United States must turn to Africa—for both critical minerals and partnership in countering rising adversarial influence on the continent.

Africa Critical Minerals

Issue Brief

Jun 5, 2025

Immediate steps that Europe can take to enhance its role in NATO defense

By Franklin D. Kramer, Kristen Taylor

As NATO members gather in the Hague amid uncertainty about US commitment to the continent and concerns about Russia’s military rebuilding, what can European nations do to deter and, if necessary, defeat threats from Moscow?

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Issue Brief

Jun 5, 2025

The world needs a maritime ‘elite league’ to combat rogue shipping

By Elisabeth Braw

Geopolitical tensions are undermining the mostly apolitical system that has regulated shipping since the 1950s, but hazards remain on the high seas. Countries interested in curtailing the rise of shadow vessels and the associated risks of accidents and environmental damage should band together to keep their waters places where the highest standards apply.

Economy & Business International Organizations

Issue Brief

Jun 4, 2025

US interests can benefit from stronger congressional ties with the Caribbean  

By Wazim Mowla, Maite Latorre Yerou

The US has a northern border, a southern border, and a third border: The Caribbean. Inconsistent US policies have weakened ties. Stronger and more consistent congressional engagement can build lasting cooperation, safeguard US interests, and support regional growth.

Caribbean Economy & Business
British Army soldiers during Steadfast Dart 25, the Allied Reaction Force’s first large-scale exercise, in Romania on February 17, 2025. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)/Flickr, https://www.flickr.com/photos/nato/54354207050/in/album-72177720324100561.

Issue Brief

Jun 2, 2025

For NATO in 2027, European leadership will be key to deterrence against Russia

By Scott Lee, Andrew Michta, Peter Jones, and Lisa Bembenick

NATO lacks the operational integration, logistics, and joint force capabilities needed to quickly counter Russian mass and tempo near its borders. With the United States increasingly focused elsewhere, how can the Alliance retain military superiority in 2027 without overreliance on US military might?

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Report

Jun 2, 2025

The fall of Assad has opened a door. But can Syria seize the moment?

By Qutaiba Idlbi, Charles Lister, and Marie Forestier

This report presents a realistic and holistic vision for Syria's transition, recovery, and its reintegration into the international system.

Civil Society Crisis Management

Issue Brief

May 30, 2025

New presidents and new nuclear developments test the United States–Republic of Korea alliance

By Heather Kearney, Amanda Mortwedt Oh

In the coming years, the US-South Korea (Republic of Korea, or ROK) alliance is likely to be tested in at least three fundamental ways: by a concerning growth in North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile weapons program; by changes to ROK defense capabilities and structures, including the establishment of ROK Strategic Command (ROKSTRATCOM); and by potential strategy and policy changes under new US and ROK political administrations.

Arms Control Elections

Annual Report

May 30, 2025

2024 honor roll of contributors

By the Atlantic Council

The Atlantic Council is grateful for the generous support of its partners. Explore the 2024 honor roll of contributions.

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