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

EnergySource

Jun 5, 2026

India’s energy security at a crossroads: The Hormuz crisis and an opportunity for US-India cooperation

By Paul Stahle

The Iran crisis has exposed India's energy vulnerabilities but opens an opportunity for a stronger trade partnership between the US and India.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

UkraineAlert

Jun 4, 2026

Ukraine just showed the whole world that Putin is losing control of the war

By Peter Dickinson

Ukraine's audacious drone strike on St. Petersburg as the Russian city hosted a flagship international economic forum known as "Putin's Davos" sent a clear signal to global audiences that the Kremlin dictator is losing control of the war, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Technologies

MENASource

Jun 4, 2026

تفتت الفصائل المسلحة العراقية بعد تحول النظام الإيراني من الثيوقراطية الى الجنتوقراطية

By Munqith Dagher

كيف يؤثر تغيير القيادة في ايران على الميليشيات العراقية؟ د. منقذ داغر يبدو اننا بتنا ، بعد 28 فبراير 2026 ،امام نظام مختلف وظيفياً، بل وحتى هيكلياً عما عرفناه طوال السنوات السبعة وأربعين من عمر النظام الايراني. فقد اتسم نظام الحكم في ايران بنسخته الخمينية الأولى 1979-1989  بأحادية قطبية لا مكان فيها سوى للمرشد الأعلى(الخميني). […]

Arabic Conflict

Latest in-depth research and reports

Content

In the News

May 20, 2024

Markus quoted in the New York Times on Putin’s visit to China

On May 17, Markus Garlauskas was quoted in a New York Times article on Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to China. Garlauskas explained that the visit was a concerning symbol of a larger trend in the proliferation of military-applicable technology between China, Russia, and North Korea. 

China Defense Policy

In the News

May 20, 2024

Polymeropoulos on a Cipher Brief podcast about Havana Syndrome

On May 20, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Marc Polymeropoulos spoke on a Cipher Brief podcast titled “Is Russia Attacking U.S. Government Employees Using High-Energy Weapons?” about Havana Syndrome.

Conflict Intelligence

In the News

May 20, 2024

Lipsky quoted by Politico on pending US CBDC legislation

Read the full newsletter here.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

In the News

May 20, 2024

Vinograd for CBS News about the helicopter crash that killed the Iranian President and Foreign Minister

On May 20, Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow Samantha Vinograd spoke on CBS about the helicopter crash that killed Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister and the potential ramifications for global and regional security.

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

May 20, 2024

Dagres joins CNN to discuss what could come next for Iran after President Ebrahim Raisi’s death

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

May 18, 2024

Calingaert in the Liberal Patriot on defending democratic elections

On May 13, Daniel Calingaert, Nonresident Senior Fellow with the Scowcroft Strategy Initiative, was published in the Liberal Patriot on the risks to free and fair elections. He examines the global landscape of elections in 2024, noting both the bright spots and backsliding, and offers suggestions for how democracy advocates can defend it.

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

May 18, 2024

Kadhim joins Alhurra TV to discuss US Ambassador in Baghdad’s speech before the Foreign Relations Committee

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Iraq

In the News

May 17, 2024

Wechsler joins BBC News to discuss Israel’s operation in Rafah

By Atlantic Council

Israel Middle East

In the News

May 17, 2024

Tran quoted by AP on shift of Taiwan exports from China to US

Read the full article here.

China Taiwan

In the News

May 17, 2024

Lipsky quoted by Reuters on G7 Ukraine bond proposal backed by immobilized Russian assets

Read the full article here.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion International Financial Institutions