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.

Content

Issue Brief

Dec 22, 2025

How to equip Canada’s defense industrial base to meet NATO’s Hague summit commitments

By Jason C. Moyer

In 2025 Canada met NATO’s target of spending 2 percent of GDP on defense for the first time and committed to the new target of 5 percent by 2035, but its defense industrial base will struggle to deliver in its current state.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Issue Brief

Dec 22, 2025

First hundred days: How Kast can accelerate US investment in Chile

By Maite Gonzalez Latorre, Jason Marczak

Chile's newly elected president enters office facing a slew of economic pressures: slow growth, weak investment, stagnant productivity, high inequality, limited social mobility, and regional gaps. What can his administration do to jumpstart foreign direct investment?

Americas Civil Society

Issue Brief

Dec 22, 2025

Is extending the New START limits in the US national security interest?

By Greg Weaver

This issue brief will ask and answer the question of whether extending the New START limits is in the US national security interest.

Arms Control Nuclear Deterrence

Issue Brief

Dec 22, 2025

Nuclear priorities for the Trump administration: A time to decide

By Matthew Kroenig, Jonathan Rosenstein

This report offers recommendations to the Donald Trump administration for policy and investment decisions that will shape this new era of strategic competition in the United States’ favor.

China Missile Defense

Report

Dec 19, 2025

Enhancing land military mobility in Europe: Advocating a pragmatic approach

By Clément Gaubert, Freddy Geay, François Catala, and Léonie Allard

Solving the challenges of military mobility in Europe requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society perspective. Given the geopolitical climate, Europe should move quickly on this most pressing issues for the North Atlantic Alliance.

Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Dec 19, 2025

Colombia needs a strong private sector—and renewed government institutions at the helm

By José Manuel Restrepo

Colombia’s institutions brought stability, yet corruption, insecurity, and widespread informality still undermine trust and limit prosperity. Renewed fiscal discipline, stronger territorial governance, and revived institutional dialogue are essential for translating Colombia’s hard-won freedoms into inclusive and enduring growth.

Colombia Energy Transitions

Russia Tomorrow

Dec 19, 2025

Narrating the war: Analyzing Russia’s narratives for its invasion of Ukraine

By Casey Michel

The latest report in the Atlantic Council's Russia Tomorrow series examines the Kremlin's narratives about its invasion of Ukraine.

Disinformation Europe & Eurasia

Issue Brief

Dec 18, 2025

Democracy, dealmaking, and stability: Rethinking US engagement in Africa

By Mason Ingram, Alysson Oakley, and Jack Higgins

The near- and long-term interests of African societies and key US stakeholders are bolstered by the advancement of democratic, accountable, and stable governance on the continent. A robust democracy assistance strategy in Africa is in line with long-standing US values that underpin America’s reputation and image on the continent, and is also instrumental to current US objectives. 

Africa Corruption

Issue Brief

Dec 18, 2025

Engaging generative artificial intelligence in African development

By William Yancey Brown

From classrooms to farming communities, generative artificial intelligence holds great potential for Africa. The question is whether its promise of abundance will reach everyone—or only those already well-connected.

Africa Artificial Intelligence

Report

Dec 15, 2025

Beijing pressures Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic partners. Here’s what the US should do in response

By Kitsch Liao, Nik Foster, Santiago Villa

Taiwan’s shrinking circle of diplomatic partners plays a crucial role in deterring Chinese coercion, and the United States needs a more targeted strategy to help preserve this support and maintain cross-strait stability.

China Politics & Diplomacy