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

President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of China Xi Jinping look on during a signing ceremony.

Report

Dec 21, 2021

Axis of collusion: The fragile Putin-Xi partnership

By Harley Balzer

The close relationship between the leaders of Russia and China drives what many think is a developing Sino-Russian alliance, but tensions over deep issues remain. Just how close are these great powers?

Central Asia China

Report

Dec 20, 2021

The domestic challenges that threaten China’s superpower future

By Dexter Tiff Roberts

This report examines the key internal challenges Xi Jinping and the CCP face as China's economy undergoes its biggest transition in decades, and how these challenges will affect how China deals with the world moving forward.

China East Asia

Issue Brief

Dec 17, 2021

The EU as a global actor in the Indo-Pacific

By Marie Jourdain

The coming French presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first semester of 2022 presents a great opportunity to turn commitments to deepen such cooperation into action, demonstrating that the transatlantic community can effectively deliver together in the Indo-Pacific region.

Europe & Eurasia European Union

Issue Brief

Dec 16, 2021

What is “Common Prosperity” and how will it change China and its relationship with the world?

By Dexter Tiff Roberts

This issue brief examines the key reasons behind Xi Jinping's drive towards "common prosperity" and how it will change China and its relationship with the world.

China East Asia

Issue Brief

Dec 15, 2021

Doing it his way: How Naftali Bennett could beat the odds and wind up transforming Israel

By Shalom Lipner

Israel is experiencing the throes of growing pain. After the uninterrupted, twelve-year reign of Benjamin Netanyahu – whom many Israelis considered irreplaceable as the country's prime minister – Israelis have a new chief. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, virtually unknown on the global stage, is moving through this uncharted territory ambitiously.

Elections Israel

Issue Brief

Dec 15, 2021

Nuclear priorities for the Biden administration

By John Harvey and Robert Soofer

Former nuclear deterrence policymakers John Harvey and Robert Soofer, from Democratic and Republican administrations, respectively, propose a path for the Biden administration's nuclear strategy and policy.

China Defense Policy

Issue Brief

Dec 14, 2021

Missile defense: The end of the interim solution

By Patrick O’Reilly

Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow and former US Missile Defense Agency director Patrick O'Reilly argues that the time is now to invest in directed energy missile defense.

China Defense Policy

Report

Dec 10, 2021

Event report: Transatlantic renewal in an era of strategic competition

By Ash Jain, Joel Kesselbrenner

As the world enters a new era of strategic competition, the United States, Canada, and Europe must work together to advance shared values and interests and foster a rules-based international order.

China European Union
Sign reading "Vote Here Vote Aqui"

Assumptions Testing Series

Dec 9, 2021

Assumption #4: The United States should prioritize the promotion of democracy around the world over other key US objectives

By Mathew Burrows, Evan Cooper

Policymakers should take a triage approach with regard to democracy promotion, starting first and foremost with the state of democracy at home.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

Report

Dec 8, 2021

A plan for Colombia’s COVID recovery and why it matters for the United States

By Atlantic Council US-Colombia Task Force

The continuity of Colombia’s prosperity and role as a key US partner depends, in part, on the country’s ability to swiftly recover from COVID-19. In 2020, lockdowns and mobility restrictions led to a major recession in Colombia, exacerbating unemployment, poverty, and pre-existing inequalities.

Americas Civil Society