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.

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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.

Read our provocative essays on the future of NATO

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Explore the podcast series

NATO 20/2020 Podcast

NATO 20/2020 is a weekly podcast that explores 20 bold ideas to push NATO to be more visionary, more capable, and more self-evidently valuable to the security of more people.

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.

Artwork by Peter Kuper

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.

China Disinformation

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.

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Latest commentary and analysis

MENASource

May 4, 2026

Syria needs a trustworthy digital ecosystem to support its revival

By Nadia Farra

Robust digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and cybersecurity are no longer luxuries for high-income nations but fundamental requirements for national stability and economic resilience.

Freedom and Prosperity Inclusive Growth

EnergySource

May 4, 2026

Chinese electric vehicle exports rise amid the oil crisis, posing a dilemma for importing countries

By Joseph Webster and Tony Jing

China is exporting a large number of electric vehicles around the world amid today's oil shock. The cars' internet connectivity, however, could make importers vulnerable to cyberattacks.

China Energy & Environment

Podcast

May 1, 2026

The IEA’s Fatih Birol on ‘the greatest energy security threat in history’

By The Atlantic Council

The war in Iran continues with no clear end in sight, fueling economic turbulence and concerns of a global energy crisis. International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol spoke at an AC Front Page event on April 13th, and argued the conflict is the greatest energy security threat in history. He warned that oil prices will soon “converge” with the on-the-ground reality, knocking the global economy further into disarray.

Economy & Business European Union
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Latest in-depth research and reports

Report

May 4, 2026

Powering data centers in emerging markets

By Phillip Cornell

This report examines how emerging markets are increasingly powering the next wave of data centers, with recommendations for policymakers.

Africa Artificial Intelligence

Issue Brief

Apr 30, 2026

How Colombia can reduce security threats ahead of its presidential election

By the US–Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

Though Colombia's recent legislative elections were largely peaceful, the security environment has worsened in recent weeks amid death threats against candidates and escalating violence by armed groups. The upcoming weeks present a narrow, but critical, window to reduce risks ahead of the May 31 presidential election.

Americas Civil Society

Issue Brief

Apr 29, 2026

Does liberal democracy drive inequalities?

By Yi Zhou

There has been much debate about the relationship between liberal democracy and social and economic inequality, but data shows that free societies remain more equal than their less free counterparts.

Freedom and Prosperity Inclusive Growth
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Content

In the News

Sep 16, 2020

Ferziger in Foreign Policy: For Netanyahu, Normalization Deals Are a Long-Awaited Vindication
Israel Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

In the News

Sep 16, 2020

McFate joins the Alpha Human podcast to discuss mercenaries and the private defense industry

By Atlantic Council

Defense Industry Security & Defense

In the News

Sep 16, 2020

Nawaz joins ThinkFest Pakistan to discuss Dr. Maria Rashid’s book, “Dying to Serve: Militarism, Affect, and the Politics of Sacrifice in the Pakistan Army”

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy Pakistan

In the News

Sep 16, 2020

Charai in The Hill: Abraham Accords: New hope for peace in Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Though some in Arab countries fear that signing a peace agreement with Israel will threaten the prospects for a two-state solution, the Abraham Accords could mark a major turning point in the Middle East. And, Atlantic Council Board Director Ahmed Charai argues, could present an opportunity for both Israelis and Palestinians to see increased security, economic opportunity, and hope. Read Atlantic Council Board Director Ahmed Charai's latest in The Hill on the potential for peace in the Middle East as a result of the Abraham Accords.

Israel Middle East

In the News

Sep 15, 2020

Badi quoted in Al Monitor on possible resignation of Libya Prime Minister
North Africa Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Sep 15, 2020

Jessett quoted in The Economist: Britain’s armed forces get ready for a revolution

By Will Jessett CBE

Will Jessett was quoted in The Economist on the UK's defense capabilities and the growing emphasis on grey-zone threats.

China Defense Industry

In the News

Sep 15, 2020

Liubakova joins Starr to talk Belarus on the Black Diplomats podcast

By Atlantic Council

Belarus Democratic Transitions

In the News

Sep 15, 2020

Younus in Dawn: Absent innovation

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Pakistan

In the News

Sep 15, 2020

Fulton quoted in the Wall Street Journal on China-Gulf relations
China Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Sep 15, 2020

Busch in The Hill: Congress should retire, not reform, the Generalized System of Preferences

By Marc L. Busch

Marc Busch writes that the United States' Generalized System of Preferences has surpassed its usefulness and that signing bilateral free trade agreements presents a better path forward.

Economy & Business Trade and tariffs
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