In-depth research and reports

EU’s future prosperity will be marked by war in Ukraine

By Simeon Djankov

The EU’s freedom and prosperity dynamics will be marked by the war in Ukraine. The indexes provoke philosophical reflection: Is Europe's prosperity dwindling due to an extensive social safety net? Is the strength of European integration declining with new members, while the strength of EU federalism diminishes?

Sub-Saharan Africa grapples with development imperatives

By William Easterly

Sub-Saharan Africa confronts urgent development challenges, including the imperative for democratization and institution building, amid critical security concerns. With declining foreign support and China's Belt and Road Initiative rising, worries arise over debt and politicized financing. Despite potential through regional integration, diverse political interests and institutional weaknesses remain obstacles.

Russia will suffer decreases in every dimension of prosperity

By Konstantin Sonin

Over fifteen years, Russia's economy stagnated with low growth and persistent inequality. Challenges include minority rights restrictions, healthcare issues, and an educational crisis due to teacher exodus.

Foreword: Creating another wave of democracy

By Daron Acemoglu

The best way to counter the current pernicious trends is to create another wave of democracy, similar to the one witnessed after the collapse of military dictatorships in Southern Europe in the 1970s. This requires reinstating democracy support, institutional trust, and empowering civil society appropriately.

Ukraine’s recovery hinges on allied support

By Yuriy Gorodnichenko

Ukraine faces challenges with its judicial system and war aftermath, including destruction, displacement, and educational setbacks. Recovery will require allied support and strategic policies.

Regaining trust in government

By Simeon Djankov, Joseph Lemoine, Dan Negrea

Crises like COVID-19 prompt increased government control, challenging liberal values. Declining trust in governments clashes with security needs, urging policies to balance freedom and prosperity. Energy security challenges hinder net-zero goals, posing economic challenges globally, alongside privacy dilemmas amid surveillance tech in China, Russia, and the Middle East.

Economic challenges are a barrier to Argentina’s prosperity

By Guido Sandleris

In Argentina's recent election, libertarian economist Javier Milei won by 11 percent, tapping into economic discontent. His platform stressed freedom and spending cuts, but facing challenges like hyperinflation and fiscal deficits, he may need to moderate his approach for success.

Economic reform is crucial for growth in Brazil

By José A. Scheinkman

Brazil's economic prospects are hindered by high taxes, inefficient regulations, and security concerns, particularly in drug trafficking routes. Reform efforts, including tax and fiscal reforms, along with leveraging Brazil's strengths like clean energy, are crucial for growth and education opportunities.

Chile struggles with economic stagnation

By Andrés Velasco

Chile grapples with economic slowdown and political polarization. Growth has stalled, and trust in democratic institutions has waned as parties have multiplied. Despite failed attempts to rewrite the constitution, polarization persists, complicating Chile's political future.

Mexico’s vital institutions face decline

By Vanessa Rubio-Márquez

Mexico's institutions are vital for freedoms, but face decline. To advance, it needs strong governance, growth, and redistribution. Despite potential growth from favorable conditions, risks persist. Strengthening governance and productivity is crucial for prosperity.

Egypt grapples with political uncertainty under El-Sisi

By Rabah Arezki

Egypt faces economic challenges with heavy debt and political unrest. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's reelection may not prompt reforms, exacerbating inflation and currency devaluation. Gulf aid hinges on reforms, while militarization impedes change. Regional tensions heighten instability risks.

Saudi Arabia’s economic shifts under MBS raise stability concerns

By Rabah Arezki

Saudi Arabia's economic transformation under MBS maintains political control, risking instability amid regional conflicts. Reliance on public funds for investments may falter as the world shifts from fossil fuels, and demands for political freedom grow.

Rising US public debt threatens economic freedom

By Edward Glaeser

US public debt has surged, posing risks to economic freedom. Despite stability expectations, reforms are needed, like deregulating small businesses and improving urban schools. However, political polarization and the dominance of identity politics hinder progress towards these goals.

NATO multidomain operations: Near- and medium-term priority initiatives

By Franklin D. Kramer, Ann Marie Dailey, Joslyn Brodfuehrer

How can NATO improve its ability to fight as a multination coalition? These seven initiatives for NATO to take over the next five years can help.

This year’s bipartisan immigration bill offers a border blueprint for 2025

By Thomas S. Warrick

The consequences of another year of inaction on border security and immigration policy may convince a supermajority in the Congress to take up again in 2025 many of the ideas in this year’s bipartisan Senate compromise—no matter which party captures the White House in November.

Hacking with AI

By Maia Hamin, Stewart Scott

Can generative AI help hackers? By deconstructing the question into attack phases and actor profiles, this report analyzes the risks, the realities, and their implications for policy.

Global Energy Agenda full survey results

In the fall of 2023, the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Center surveyed global energy and climate experts for an in-depth analysis to set the agenda for the world to achieve net-zero emissions and an energy-secure future for all.

China pairs actions with messaging in Latin America. The United States should do the same.

By David O. Shullman

China has coordinated trade, financing, and investment with diplomatic engagement, public diplomacy, and information operations to deepen its influence in Latin America and the Caribbean. Washington should, in turn, pair diplomatic engagement and messaging with greater attention to regional countries’ needs.

Don’t let geopolitics undermine Latin America’s hard-won free markets

By Stephen B. Kaplan

The United States is concerned about China’s close economic ties to Latin America and the Caribbean; however, the US response should be careful not to undermine longstanding market norms and popular trade liberalization policies

China and Russia engage Latin America and the Caribbean differently. Both threaten US interests.

By Ryan C. Berg

China and Russia are both seeking to deepen their influence in the Western Hemisphere at the expense of the United States, though the means by, and ends for, which they pursue that differ in some cases. China’s engagement is more thorough and multifaceted, while Russia’s is more circumscribed.