Issue briefs and reports

China must spread its wealth to reach equality

By Johanna Kao

Despite phenomenal growth in GDP, Chinese people have seen only modest gains (if any) across a range of freedom and prosperity indices. The Chinese Communist Party has failed to share the benefits of the country’s upward economic trajectory equally among its citizens.

Climate crisis fuels change in MENA region

By Rabah Arezki

The region faces economic and political transitions amid geopolitical risks, climate change, and energy market shifts. Escalating conflicts are exacerbating instability. Climate change poses existential threats, intensifying water crises and domestic tensions. Socioeconomic transformation will be vital to meet youth aspirations and tackle polarization.

EU’s future prosperity will be marked by war in Ukraine

By Simeon Djankov

The EU’s freedom and prosperity dynamics will be marked by the war in Ukraine. The indexes provoke philosophical reflection: Is Europe's prosperity dwindling due to an extensive social safety net? Is the strength of European integration declining with new members, while the strength of EU federalism diminishes?

Sub-Saharan Africa grapples with development imperatives

By William Easterly

Sub-Saharan Africa confronts urgent development challenges, including the imperative for democratization and institution building, amid critical security concerns. With declining foreign support and China's Belt and Road Initiative rising, worries arise over debt and politicized financing. Despite potential through regional integration, diverse political interests and institutional weaknesses remain obstacles.

NATO multidomain operations: Near- and medium-term priority initiatives

By Franklin D. Kramer, Ann Marie Dailey, Joslyn Brodfuehrer

How can NATO improve its ability to fight as a multination coalition? These seven initiatives for NATO to take over the next five years can help.

This year’s bipartisan immigration bill offers a border blueprint for 2025

By Thomas S. Warrick

The consequences of another year of inaction on border security and immigration policy may convince a supermajority in the Congress to take up again in 2025 many of the ideas in this year’s bipartisan Senate compromise—no matter which party captures the White House in November.

Hacking with AI

By Maia Hamin, Stewart Scott

Can generative AI help hackers? By deconstructing the question into attack phases and actor profiles, this report analyzes the risks, the realities, and their implications for policy.

Global Energy Agenda full survey results

In the fall of 2023, the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Center surveyed global energy and climate experts for an in-depth analysis to set the agenda for the world to achieve net-zero emissions and an energy-secure future for all.

China pairs actions with messaging in Latin America. The United States should do the same.

By David O. Shullman

China has coordinated trade, financing, and investment with diplomatic engagement, public diplomacy, and information operations to deepen its influence in Latin America and the Caribbean. Washington should, in turn, pair diplomatic engagement and messaging with greater attention to regional countries’ needs.

Don’t let geopolitics undermine Latin America’s hard-won free markets

By Stephen B. Kaplan

The United States is concerned about China’s close economic ties to Latin America and the Caribbean; however, the US response should be careful not to undermine longstanding market norms and popular trade liberalization policies