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.

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.

Read our provocative essays on the future of NATO

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.

Latest commentary and analysis

Latest in-depth research and reports


Issue Brief

Jul 21, 2026

Colombia’s path to growth and opportunity through cooperation with the United States

By
the US–Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

Abelardo de la Espriella will take office as Colombia's next president on August 7, inheriting a challenging fiscal deficit, elevated borrowing costs, and softening investor confidence. As his government works to restore growth, the Atlantic Council's US–Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition outlines how strengthened trade and investment with the United States can boost economic opportunity across agribusiness, energy, critical minerals, and tourism.


Americas


Colombia


Report

Jul 16, 2026

Artificial intelligence and the future of African mining

By
Anthony Carroll and Jef Karel Caers

Artificial intelligence and digitalization offer African states, the United States, and allied partners an opportunity to move beyond legacy constraints and one-sided partnerships in the mining sector.


Africa


Artificial Intelligence


Report

Jul 15, 2026

2026 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes: The legal foundations that enable prosperity are rapidly eroding

By
Ignacio Campomanes, Nina Dannaoui-Johnson, Annie (Yu-Lin) Lee, James Mazzarella

Adherence to the rule of law has declined sharply since 2020. Drawing on thirty years of data across 171 countries, the 2026 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes show why that matters: without strong legal foundations, economic reforms stall, democracies erode, and prosperity stays out of reach for millions.


Freedom and Prosperity


Rule of Law

Content

In the News

Aug 27, 2017

Hruby Joins The 85% to Discuss Twenty-First Century African Markets

By Aubrey Hruby

Listen to the full conversation here.

Economy & Business

In the News

Aug 26, 2017

Marczak Quoted in La Prensa on Whether Sanctions Will Work in Venezuela

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here.

Venezuela

In the News

Aug 26, 2017

Marczak Quoted in El Comercio on US Sanctions Against Venezuela

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here.

Venezuela

In the News

Aug 26, 2017

Mardini Quoted in Politico on Iraqi Politics

By Ramzy Mardini

Read the full article here.

Iraq

In the News

Aug 25, 2017

Slavin Joins Trends to Discuss the Iranian Nuclear Deal

By Barbara Slavin

Watch the full discussion here.

Nuclear Nonproliferation Security & Defense

In the News

Aug 25, 2017

Ullman in the Washington Post: Failing to Govern in the Real Crisis

By Harlan Ullman

Read the full article here.

United States and Canada

In the News

Aug 24, 2017

Castello-Catchot Joins Corresponsales en Linea to Discuss Trump’s New Strategy for Afghanistan

By Carles Castello-Catchot

Listen to the full discussion here.

Afghanistan

In the News

Aug 24, 2017

Manning in Nikkei Asian Review: While Trump Looks to the Past, Xi Wants to Own the Future

By Robert A. Manning

Read the full article here.

China

In the News

Aug 24, 2017

Shaffer in Foreign Affairs: How the US Promotes Extremism in the Name of Religious Freedom

By Brenda Shaffer

Read the full article here.

United States and Canada

In the News

Aug 24, 2017

Fried Quoted in the New York Times: US Holds Powerful but Risky Tool to Halt North Korea’s Nuclear Progress

By Daniel Fried

Read the full article here.

Nuclear Nonproliferation Security & Defense