Tue, Jun 2, 2020
Geometries of deterrence: Assessing defense arrangements in Europe’s northeast
Nations in Europe’s northeast cooperate through a variety of multilateral security and defense arrangements. “Geometries of Deterrence” assesses how these arrangements individually and collectively contribute to deterrence and defense in Northeastern Europe.
In-Depth Research & Reports by Hans Binnendijk and Conor Rodihan
Mon, Jun 1, 2020
Executive summary: The virus and global order
The COVID-19 pandemic is having dramatic effects on everyday life, but its geopolitical implications could prove to be even more profound. The pandemic is exacerbating and unleashing pressure points in the global order, including intensified US-China competition, that could fundamentally reshape geopolitics.
Issue Brief by Jeffrey Cimmino, Matthew Kroenig, and Barry Pavel
Mon, Jun 1, 2020
Taking stock: Where are geopolitics headed in the COVID-19 era?
The COVID-19 pandemic has stressed pressure points in the global order and threatens to unravel the rules-based international system. This paper examines the geopolitical implications of the pandemic by identifying key strategic shocks and tensions exacerbated by the virus. It also identifies uncertainties for the global order and provides policy recommendations for how the United States and its allies should address the pandemic.
Issue Brief by Jeffrey Cimmino, Matthew Kroenig, and Barry Pavel
Tue, May 26, 2020
European energy security and the critical role of transatlantic energy cooperation
Transatlantic cooperation is essential to European energy security, which is and should remain a key national security priority for the United States. European energy security is crucial for the maintenance of a strong European economy and for European political stability, both of which are in the best interests of the United States. This report recommends that the United States and the EU focus their energy cooperation in several areas that will benefit the EU’s efforts to meet climate targets and that, at the same time, will also bolster energy security.
Report by Richard L. Morningstar, András Simonyi, Olga Khakova, Jennifer T. Gordon
Sat, May 16, 2020
Downstream oil theft: Countermeasures and good practices
Downstream oil theft has become a global problem. Since most of the world’s energy systems still rely on oil, fuel smugglers are nearly always able to find markets for their goods. Moreover, as oil is not inherently illegal, it is generally an easy product to move, buy, and sell. Profits from oil theft are frequently used to fund terrorism and other illegal activities.
Report by Dr. David Soud with contributing authors Dr. Ian Ralby and Rohini Ralby
Wed, May 13, 2020
Counting the cost: Avoiding another war between Israel and Hezbollah
The Atlantic Council has released a new report, “Counting the Cost: Avoiding Another War between Israel and Hezbollah,” authored by Nicholas Blanford and Assaf Orion.
In-Depth Research & Reports by Nicholas Blanford and Assaf Orion
Mon, May 11, 2020
Trump’s JCPOA withdrawal two years on: Maximum pressure, minimum outcomes
Two years ago, US President Donald J. Trump walked into the White House Diplomatic Reception Room and announced his intention to withdraw the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The Trump administration reimposed sanctions on Iran and has adopted a policy of “maximum pressure” to compel Iran to change its behavior […]
Issue Brief by David Mortlock
Mon, May 4, 2020
Drone attacks against critical infrastructure: A real and present threat
Read the Middle East Program’s new paper on the use of weaponized drones in the Middle East, with recommendations for policymakers.
Issue Brief by Dr. Scott Crino and Conrad “Andy” Dreby
Thu, Apr 30, 2020
Loose cobras: DPRK regime succession and uncertain control over offensive cyber capabilities
Unconfirmed rumors surfaced in mid April 2020 regarding the potential incapacitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, leading to speculation about the ramifications of a sudden transition of leadership in Pyongyang. These rumors raise serious concerns over the stability of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) control of offensive cyber operations capabilities.
Issue Brief by JD Work
Thu, Apr 30, 2020
Sustainable aviation fuel policy in the United States: A pragmatic way forward
Aviation’s reliance on fossil fuels, its expected future growth rates, and the service lifespan of aircraft make it a difficult section of the transportation sector to decarbonize.
Report by Fred Ghatala
Mon, Apr 27, 2020
The future of US-Iraq relations
This Atlantic Council Iraq Initiative report by Nonresident Senior Fellow Dr. C. Anthony Pfaff analyzes the current challenges in the US-Iraq relationship and presents policy recommendations.
In-Depth Research & Reports by C. Anthony Pfaff
Thu, Apr 23, 2020
What world post-COVID-19? Three scenarios
This paper is a preliminary look at the geopolitical implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and sketches three scenarios for the possible direction of the global system post-COVID-19.
In-Depth Research & Reports by Mathew J. Burrows, Peter Engelke
Wed, Apr 22, 2020
Moving out: A comprehensive assessment of European military mobility
Military mobility is the logical and critical next step to enhancing the twenty-first-century conventional deterrence posture throughout Europe, an essential part of the formula for keeping the peace.
Report by Task Force Co-Chairs: General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, USA (Ret.) and Ambassador Colleen B. Bell
Fri, Apr 17, 2020
Emerging technologies and the future of US-Japan defense collaboration
This report explores the drivers, tensions, and constraints shaping US-Japan collaboration on emerging defense technologies while providing concrete recommendations for the US-Japan alliance.
Report by Tate Nurkin and Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi
Fri, Mar 27, 2020
AI, society and governance: An introduction
AI’s increasing range of applications are having real-world consequences, both positive and negative. Those consequences, in turn, have animated spirited and at times emotional debates about how governments can craft policies to come to grips with a world increasingly shaped by AI.
In-Depth Research & Reports by Peter Engelke
Fri, Mar 27, 2020
Making the most of Prosper Africa: Leveraging US competitiveness in African markets
Global powers are jockeying for access to opportunities in African markets. In this environment, how can the United States ensure US commercial success in Africa?
Report by Aubrey Hruby
Mon, Mar 16, 2020
Pushing back against Russian aggression: Legislative options
US President Donald J. Trump’s administration has found it challenging to maintain a consistent position with respect to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s repression at home and aggression abroad. It may again fall to Congress to attempt to counter Russia’s election interference, already ongoing in the form of disinformation; back Ukraine as its government seeks to […]
Issue Brief by Daniel Fried & Brian O’Toole
Fri, Mar 6, 2020
Russia’s exotic nuclear weapons and implications for the United States and NATO
Great-power competition has returned, and with it, the importance of nuclear weapons in international politics.
Issue Brief by Matthew Kroenig, Mark Massa, and Christian Trotti
Fri, Mar 6, 2020
A new energy strategy for the Western Hemisphere
The Western Hemisphere is full of potential and we have the opportunity to galvanize it into an energy powerhouse. This new US energy strategy for the Western Hemisphere will help raise the global competitiveness of the hemisphere, advance its shared prosperity, and improve national and energy security as a result.
Report by David L. Goldwyn
Thu, Mar 5, 2020
US-Brazil trade and FDI: Enhancing the bilateral economic relationship
The United States and Brazil would benefit from a closer and stronger trade and foreign-direct-investment-relationship that would amplify growth and prosperity, in both the short and long terms. Deepening the economic relationship would pay dividends in other areas as well, translating into greater opportunities for strategic bilateral cooperation. This paper recognizes that the moment is now and that 2020 is a pivotal year to substantively advance bilateral economic ties.
In-Depth Research & Reports by By Abrão Neto, Ken Hyatt, Daniel Godinho, and Lisa Schineller With Roberta Braga