Insights and impact
About the Council
The Atlantic Council promotes constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the Atlantic Community’s central role in meeting global challenges. The Council provides an essential forum for navigating the dramatic economic and political changes defining the twenty-first century by informing and galvanizing its uniquely influential network of global leaders. Through the papers we write, the ideas we generate, and the communities we build, the Council shapes policy choices and strategies to create a more secure and prosperous world.
Featured content
NATO 20/2020
Twenty bold ideas to reimagine the Alliance after the 2020 US election
More than two decades after NATO’s inspired decision to invite former adversaries to join its ranks, the Alliance is in need of equally captivating ideas. The essays in this volume are intended to push the Alliance to think boldly and creatively in the service of recapturing the public’s imagination.
Explore the podcast series
Making a difference
Learn more about the Atlantic Council’s insights & impact through these stories of how our regional and thematic programs are making a difference not only in shaping how we view global issues but also in shaping their outcome.
In the News
Dec 17, 2020
The Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center partners with LEADERS Magazine to dedicate an entire issue to resilience
For its Fall/Winter issue of 2020, LEADERS Magazine, asked the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center to produce an issue dedicated to resilience. The Resilience Issue assembles a broad range of global thought leaders and experts who are currently tackling the challenges and crises facing the world from different perspectives.
Insights & Impact
Mar 3, 2020
Peering Around the Corner: The Geopolitics of Coronavirus
By
Atlantic Council
On February 11, 2020 the DFRLab hosted "Peering Around the Corner: The Geopolitics of Coronavirus," a timely series of panels on the potential geopolitical and economic consequences of Coronavirus, and how misinformation about the crisis may influence its impact.
Program Impact Story
Feb 6, 2020
US energy priorities abroad: A conversation with US Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette
By
Global Energy Center
On Friday, February 7, 2020, the Atlantic Council hosted newly appointed US Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette for a public address and moderated discussion about US government energy priorities abroad.
Latest commentary and analysis
EnergySource
Apr 6, 2026
Why US-Israeli attacks on Iran’s grid and water systems would be counterproductive
By
Joseph Webster, Ginger Matchett
Striking energy and water-related infrastructure in Iran would do little damage to the county's military capabilities. Instead, it would hurt civilians and potentially escalate the conflict.
AfricaSource
Apr 6, 2026
Why African cybersecurity requires a continental approach
By
Yasmine Abdillahi
Half a billion Africans are online, yet cyber defenses lag. Cross-border crackdowns like Operation Serengeti help, but lasting security needs regulations, skilled professionals, and shared responsibility.
EnergySource
Apr 3, 2026
How the Iran war could shift energy policies around the world
By
Atlantic Council Experts
The Strait of Hormuz closure has sparked fuel shortages and soaring energy costs, but also new opportunities for energy producers. How different regions respond to these disruptions could reshape the future of energy markets and security.
Latest in-depth research and reports
Freedom and Prosperity Around the World
Apr 6, 2026
Sri Lanka needs a development plan, not just a recovery narrative
By
Nishan de Mel
Sri Lanka's trajectory is marked by volatility rather than steady progress. Gains in political rights, economic openness, and security proved episodic rather than transformative when not supported by a credible rule of law. Breaking from cycles of recovery and crisis requires institutional renewal, social reconciliation, and professional governance.
Issue Brief
Apr 1, 2026
Global payment systems are fragmenting. Here’s what the G20 can do.
By
Greg Brownstein
Fragmentation is reshaping global payment systems, driven by technological change, regulatory divergence, market dynamics, and rising geopolitical tensions. While innovation have long-term benefits, the near-term risks to efficiency, inclusion, and financial stability are mounting, demanding a more implementation-focused G20 agenda.
Issue Brief
Mar 31, 2026
Securing cloud infrastructure for AI
By
Sara Ann Brackett
With AI raising the stakes of cloud security and key cybersecurity institutions weakened or dissolved, this brief outlines needed policy steps to promote transparency and accountability across the cloud ecosystem.