In-depth research and reports

Our programs and centers deliver relevant, policy-focused research that matters to inform debate and action. Our focus is always on moving debate forward, integrating analysis with active, relevant conclusions throughout our published work.

Report

Feb 21, 2019

The Putin exodus: The new Russian brain drain

By John E. Herbst, Sergei Erofeev

Human capital is fleeing Russia. Since President Vladimir Putin’s ascent to the presidency, between 1.6 and 2 million Russians – out of a total population of 145 million – have left for Western democracies.

Corruption Germany

Issue Brief

Feb 12, 2019

The US-Danish defense and security relationship

By Magnus Nordenman

The US-Danish relationship has proven itself remarkably flexible and effective throughout the post-Cold War era, and it is once again on the cusp of evolution with new challenges and opportunities. In the midst of the ongoing debate among NATO allies about burden-sharing, Denmark has consistently punched above its weight, contributing substantially to collective defense for […]

Issue Brief

Feb 12, 2019

The US-Danish defense and security relationship

By Magnus Nordenman

The US-Danish relationship has proven itself remarkably flexible and effective throughout the post-Cold War era, and it is once again on the cusp of evolution with new challenges and opportunities.

Report

Feb 7, 2019

Permanent deterrence: Enhancements to the US military presence in North Central Europe

By Ambassador Alexander R. Vershbow (Ret.) and General Philip M. Breedlove, USAF (Ret.)

To provide an independent perspective, the Atlantic Council established a task force to assess the broader political and military implications of an enhanced US posture in North Central Europe. The report’s recommendations, guided by several key principles, are a result of the task force members’ agreement that enhancements to the US presence in the region could, and should, be undertaken to bolster deterrence and reinforce Alliance cohesion.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Report

Jan 24, 2019

Does money grow on trees? Restoration financing in Southeast Asia

By Prajwal Baral, Mikkel Larsen, Matthew Archer, PhD

Given its unique role as both a potential source of emissions—as well as storage—for carbon, the land use sector may play a crucial role in the world’s success or failure in avoiding dangerous levels of climate change over this century. Nowhere is the pivotal role of land use more apparent than in tropical forests.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Report

Jan 15, 2019

Reforming US’ high-skilled guestworker program

By Ron Hira and Bharath Gopalaswamy

The H-1B visa program is one of more than twenty US guest worker programs, but it has arguably been in the spotlight more than any other. While the H1-B was originally intended to attract foreign workers to satisfy unmet demand for skilled labor, the current system undercuts opportunities for US workers and enables the exploitation […]

Economy & Business India

Report

Jan 8, 2019

The future of shale: The US story and its implications

By Ellen Scholl

Over the last ten years, the United States has become the world’s leading producer of oil and gas, going from energy import dependence to energy dominance. What are the factors which enabled the rise of oil and gas production from shale deposits and what are the lessons learned?

Energy & Environment

Report

Jan 8, 2019

From Paris to Beijing: Implementing the Paris Agreement in the People’s Republic of China

By Craig A. Hart

Hart’s analysis makes the case for greater transparency at all levels of government, the elimination of subsidies—with the exception of low-carbon energy and technology, the alignment of climate policy with China’s trade stance, and inclusion of the Chinese public on climate policy debates.

China Climate Change & Climate Action

Report

Jan 8, 2019

Meeting Asian LNG demand

By Jean-François Seznec

There are many ways in which demand for LNG has had an impact on shipping routes, as well as trade issues between the suppliers and importers of natural gas. This is the story of LNG transport against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and diplomatic relations.

East Asia Energy & Environment

Report

Jan 8, 2019

Ready for takeoff? Aviation biofuels past, present, and future

By David Hitchcock

The importance of powering the aviation sector (both military and commercial) through sustainable fuels cannot be overstated. This report provides a keen look at the history of biofuels, current uses of biofuel, and investments in research and development that will yield future dividends.

Energy & Environment Renewables & Advanced Energy

Report

Jan 8, 2019

Sovereign investors: A means for economic diversification?

By Bina Hussein

Transparency metrics and measures in governance will help sovereign investors build partnerships in a wide range of industries, bolstering countries’ efforts to move beyond reliance on oil.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

Issue Brief

Jan 5, 2019

Navigating the energy transition: International oil company diversification strategies

By David Koranyi

As energy markets and technologies rapidly change, international oil companies (IOCs) are facing a set of interconnected challenges that will fundamentally affect their business models. From changes in the supply and demand picture, to shifts in how energy is produced and consumed, to public pressure to decrease greenhouse gas footprints, companies have a wide range of issues to consider as they decide how to prepare for an unpredictable future.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

Issue Brief

Jan 5, 2019

Navigating the energy transition: International oil company diversification strategies

By David Koranyi

As energy markets and technologies rapidly change, international oil companies (IOCs) are facing a set of interconnected challenges that will fundamentally affect their business models. From changes in the supply and demand picture, to shifts in how energy is produced and consumed, to public pressure to decrease greenhouse gas footprints, companies have a wide range of issues to consider as they decide how to prepare for an unpredictable future.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

Report

Dec 20, 2018

Prospects for US-South Korean-Japanese trilateral security cooperation

By Chung Min Lee

Although assessing the intensity and depth of trilateral security cooperation or a lack thereof is hardly a new issue, the stakes are arguably the highest since the outbreak of the North Korean nuclear crisis in the early 1990s.

Defense Policy Japan

Report

Dec 19, 2018

Turkey’s energy nexus: Discoveries and developments

By Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

As the fastest growing energy market in the OECD over the past decade and a country dependent on imports for almost all of its hydrocarbon demand, Turkey’s energy sector carries regional implications. Securing a reliable and affordable source of energy, through diversification and increased domestic production, has formed the cornerstone of Turkey’s energy policy.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Issue Brief

Dec 13, 2018

Permanent deterrence: Enhancements to the US military presence in north central Europe

By General Philip Breedlove, Ambassador Alexander Vershbow

The United States and NATO have taken significant steps since 2014 to enhance their force posture and respond to provocative Russian behavior. But more needs to be done.

Central Europe Europe & Eurasia

Report

Dec 13, 2018

Rethinking stabilization in Eastern Syria: Toward a human security framework

By Steven Heydemann

As the United States faces important decisions regarding its future role in Syria’s conflict, a new Atlantic Council report by Dr. Steven Heydemann, “Rethinking Stabilization in Eastern Syria: Toward a Human Security Framework,” provides important context, analysis, and strategic policy recommendations. Only two areas in Syria remain outside of the control of the Assad regime, […]

Syria

Report

Dec 11, 2018

Review of President Trump’s South Asia strategy

By Bharath Gopalaswamy, Amb James B. Cunningham, et al

Over one year after the announcement of the Trump administration’s strategy in Afghanistan and South Asia, significant opportunity remains to improve efforts to achieve peace. In the Atlantic Council South Asia Center’s new report, Review of President Trump’s South Asia Strategy: The Way Ahead, One Year In, authors Dr. Bharath Gopalaswamy, Director, South Asia Center, Atlantic […]

Afghanistan Security & Defense

Report

Dec 4, 2018

The Kremlin’s Trojan Horses 3.0

By Atlantic Council

As is now known, the Kremlin’s tentacles do not stop in Ukraine, Georgia, or East Central Europe. They reach far and deep in the core of western societies. Acknowledging the ongoing threat is the first step to countering its effects and building long-term resilience.

Report

Dec 3, 2018

Latin America-China trade and investment amid global tensions

By ANABEL GONZÁLEZ

In the context of high stakes global trade confrontations, there is a strong motivation for Latin America and China to explore fresh options to upgrade, diversify, and deepen their trade-and-investment relationship, not only to manage peril, but also to leverage new opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation.

China Latin America