Content

Report

Jan 26, 2026

In Iraq, China’s long game unfolds

By Sardar Aziz and Mohammed A. Salih

As China seeks new markets abroad and energy security at home, Iraq has become integral to Beijing’s plans in the Middle East. Baghdad finds itself caught between its security needs, for which it depends on the United States, and the economic needs of its growing population.

China
Energy Markets & Governance

MENASource

Jan 22, 2026

Wang Yi’s MENA tour was long on messaging, short on outcomes

By Jonathan Fulton

Wang worked to position China as a defender of free trade and a reliable partner for the Middle East region.

China
Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Jan 5, 2026

Kroenig in C-SPAN on foreign policy in 2026

By Atlantic Council

On January 2, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on C-SPAN's "Washington Journal" about foreign policy challenges for 2026. He analyzes threats from the People's Republic of China, speaks about protests in Iran, and discusses the Trump administration's National Security Strategy.

China
Iran

UkraineAlert

Nov 20, 2025

Axis of authoritarians poses mounting threat on the global information front

By William Dixon, Maksym Beznosiuk

The authoritarian axis that has taken shape since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is currently setting new standards in terms of coordinated information operations across media platforms, write William Dixon and Maksym Beznosiuk.

China
Civil Society

Inflection Points

Oct 27, 2025

Trump’s place in history depends on his approach to the CRINK

By Frederick Kempe

After a string of foreign policy wins, Trump's more significant challenge lies ahead: countering the bloc of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

China
Iran

Russia Tomorrow

Oct 23, 2025

The CRINK: Inside the new bloc supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine

By Angela Stent

The latest report in the Atlantic Council's Russia Tomorrow series details how Russia’s war against Ukraine has brought together a new set of partners--united not by shared values, but by shared grievances--on the international stage: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

China
Europe & Eurasia

EnergySource

Oct 6, 2025

Why are major economies choosing the same electricity sources?

By Joseph Webster and Hansika Nath

Despite major economies' differing development and resource levels, many are turning to the same energy sources to meet their new electric capacity needs.

Brazil
China

Strategic Litigation

Sep 22, 2025

Strategic Litigation Quarterly Newsletter: Forging pathways to lasting justice

By Strategic Litigation Project

The latest updates on the Strategic Litigation Project's work advancing human rights and accountability.

Afghanistan
China

In the News

Sep 15, 2025

Kroenig in Foreign Policy on overestimating autocracies

By Atlantic Council

On September 15, Matthew Kroenig, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director, published an article in Foreign Policy titled “Are We Overestimating Autocracies?” He argues that Russia and Iran’s vulnerabilities were overlooked by military analysts, and thus advocates for a reassessment of strategies for confronting China.

China
Iran

MENASource

Aug 29, 2025

Is the cautious China-Iran military cooperation at a turning point?

By Jean-Loup Samaan

With a new war between Iran and Israel still an immediate threat, China might need to ask itself: Is cooperation with Iran worth risking its diplomacy model in the Gulf?

China
Iran