Content

Dispatches

Jul 11, 2026

Iraq’s new prime minister must sell Iraq to a skeptical Washington

By Victoria J. Taylor 

Ali al-Zaidi faces an administration that is prepared to walk away from the relationship if it is not satisfied that it delivers for the US.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Dispatches

Jul 11, 2026

Venezuela’s earthquakes have deepened this century’s biggest economic crisis

By Henry Shuldiner, Ignacio Albe

Given the historic deterioration of Venezuela's economy, post-earthquake recovery will be especially costly, complex, and urgent.

Crisis Management Oil and Gas

Dispatches

Jul 10, 2026

The Ankara summit previewed the Gulf’s new security equation

By Joze Pelayo

The war with Iran and the continued stalemate in the Strait of Hormuz have accelerated a trend that was already underway.

Conflict Defense Industry

Dispatches

Jul 10, 2026

Israel and the new reality of buffer zones

By Miroslav M. Zafirov

If left unchecked, the buffer-zone approach might become less a temporary security measure and more the operating logic of a new regional order.

Conflict Iran

Dispatches

Jul 9, 2026

What new tariffs would mean for US-Brazil trade

By Valentina Sader, Ignacio Albe

The US is proposing a new 25 percent tariff on various Brazilian products. That's only the latest development in what has been a very up-and-down year for US-Brazil trade.

Brazil Trade and tariffs

Dispatches

Jul 9, 2026

Eleven takeaways from the NATO Summit in Ankara 

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts break down the most important developments coming out of the Ankara summit.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Dispatches

Jul 9, 2026

The collapse of Cuba’s state-run economy is years in the making

By Jason Marczak, María Fernanda Bozmoski, Ignacio Albe

Six charts reveal the extent of the Caribbean island’s economic fall under the communist regime.

Cuba Economy & Business

Dispatches

Jul 7, 2026

NATO can emerge from the Ankara summit stronger. Here’s how.

By Matthew Kroenig, Torrey Taussig

By taking four specific steps, allies can have a successful summit and prove the Alliance is no “paper tiger.”

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Dispatches

Jul 6, 2026

NATO’s new Arctic presence shows that European allies are stepping up

By Jason C. Moyer

The Alliance is increasingly focused on the Arctic through exercises and capacity-building, but not yet with a unified strategy.

Defense Policy NATO

Dispatches

Jul 3, 2026

More European NATO allies should step up help to Ukraine through PURL

By Matt Trunkey

France, Italy, Turkey, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia each have an opportunity at the upcoming NATO Summit to show they are stepping up.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia