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

Apr 16, 2018

Stronger than ever but more challenged than ever: The US-Japan alliance in the Trump-Abe era

By Robert Manning, Kamiya Matake, and James J. Przystup

In the current uncertain and challenging international political environment, the US-Japan alliance has never been stronger or more important than it is now; yet it has never faced as many challenges and hurdles than it does today. Under President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the alliance is steadfast and unwavering. But global instability, […]

Japan Korea

Report

Apr 12, 2018

The French-American alliance in an America-first era

By Jeff Lightfoot

The relationship between France and the United States is heading into a new and uncertain era reflecting the leadership of US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron. With Macron’s April 24-25 state visit to the White House and address to a joint session of Congress as backdrop, The French-American Alliance in an America-First […]

France United States and Canada

Report

Apr 10, 2018

Oil on the water: Illicit hydrocarbons activity in the maritime domain

By Dr. Ian Ralby and Dr. David Soud

Oil and fuel theft is a significant global phenomenon, accounting for tens, if not hundreds, of billions of dollars annually. It typically takes place in the maritime domain, as oil tankers account for a fourth of global trade and law enforcement control over maritime spaces is often lacking.

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

Report

Apr 6, 2018

India’s quest for fighter jets: Make in India vs. Make America Great Again

By Bharath Gopalaswamy

Working in tandem with India to improve its capacity to play a stronger role in the region and uphold the existing liberal order, would be a critical stride for US grand strategy.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Issue Brief

Apr 6, 2018

Iran’s Sunnis resist extremism, but for how long?

By Scheherezade Faramarzi

Veteran journalist Scheherezade Faramarzi lays bare Iran's religious makeup, the history of the Sunni population, the influence of regional actors like Saudi Arabia, and efforts by the Iranian government to support Iranian Sunni leaders who advocate peaceful coexistence with Tehran.

Extremism Iran

Issue Brief

Apr 6, 2018

Iran’s Sunnis resist extremism, but for how long?

By Scheherezade Faramarzi

A predominantly Shia nation, the Islamic Republic of Iran has a substantial Sunni population that receives little attention compared to the country’s other minorities. Last year’s attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) in the capital Tehran have raised fears that disgruntled Iranian Sunnis, who have until now largely escaped extremist influences, […]

Extremism Iran

Issue Brief

Mar 28, 2018

US nuclear-power leadership and the Chinese and Russian challenge

By Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

Nuclear energy remains an important part of the US energy mix. However, following years of underinvestment, US nuclear power is in decline while China and Russia are ramping up investment both at home and abroad, most notably in states that are key players in current geopolitical issues, such as Turkey, Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Issue Brief

Mar 28, 2018

US nuclear-power leadership and the Chinese and Russian challenge

By Dr. Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

Nuclear energy remains an important part of the US energy mix. However, following years of underinvestment, US nuclear power is in decline while China and Russia are ramping up investment both at home and abroad, most notably in states that are key players in current geopolitical issues, such as Turkey, Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Issue Brief

Mar 28, 2018

The Direction of Russian Politics and the Putin Factor

By Yevgenia Albats

What kind of policy choices should one expect from Russian President Vladimir Putin in the course of his fourth (and de facto fifth) term as the leader of the country?

Russia

Issue Brief

Mar 22, 2018

Upscaling nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation

By Benjamin Denjean and Andrea Illes

There is a growing recognition of the benefits of nature-based solutions (NBS), a term that refers to projects and actions where natural ecosystems and their services are used in a sustainable and effective way in order to help tackle environmental and social challenges.

Issue Brief

Mar 22, 2018

Upscaling nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation

By Benjamin Denjean and Andrea Illes

There is a growing recognition of the benefits of nature-based solutions (NBS), a term that refers to projects and actions where natural ecosystems and their services are used in a sustainable and effective way in order to help tackle environmental and social challenges. Under the right circumstances, these solutions can provide alternatives that, compared with […]

Report

Mar 19, 2018

Kremlin aggression in Ukraine: the price tag

By Anders Åslund

“Since the annexation, Russia has carried out extensive confiscation of public and private property, which it has referred to as ‘nationalization’ under Russian Federation legislation,” writes Dr. Anders Åslund, in Kremlin Aggression in Ukraine: The Price Tag, a new report by the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center. If Kyiv loses the occupied Crimea and Donbas forever, […]

Conflict Defense Policy

Report

Mar 15, 2018

Strategic oil product stockholding: International experience and US prospects

By Phillip Cornell

Reviewing existing oil product stockholding regimes worldwide, this report concludes that a decentralized and incremental implementation of strategic product reserves can allow the United States to address risks associated with oil product storage and delivery given the state of domestic infrastructure.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Report

Mar 9, 2018

The collapse of the Venezuelan oil industry and its global consequences

By Francisco Monaldi

Venezuela is in a state of desperation as its oil industry—what are the factors leading to the oil collapse, sanctions options and their impact, the impacts of Russia’s and China’s increasing presence, and various short and long-term scenarios for the industry against a potential default?

Americas Energy & Environment

Issue Brief

Mar 8, 2018

Sudan: Soft power, cultural engagement, and national security

By Tim Carney and Mary Carlin Yates

The third paper in the new Atlantic Council Sudan Task Force series, “Sudan: Soft Power, Cultural Engagement, and National Security” examines the importance of people-to-people engagement and its relevance to broader US strategic aims in Sudan. More than two decades of isolation have succeeded in funneling Sudan’s best and brightest to seek higher education and […]

Africa Democratic Transitions

Issue Brief

Mar 8, 2018

Sudan: Prospects for economic re-engagement

By Jeffrey Herbst

The second paper in the new Atlantic Council Sudan Task Force series, “Sudan: Prospects for Economic Re-engagement” examines the possibility of a new era of US economic cooperation with Sudan, including an opportunity for the United States to push for desperately needed economic reforms as part of wider US bilateral engagements efforts. Authored by Dr. […]

Africa East Africa

Issue Brief

Mar 8, 2018

Sudan: Politics, Engagement, and Reform

By Johnnie Carson and Zach Vertin

The first paper in the new Atlantic Council Sudan Task Force series, “Sudan: Politics, Engagement, and Reform” examines the political landscape in the country in the wake of renewed bilateral engagement, addressing questions of governance, inclusion, and reform. Co-authored by Ambassador Johnnie Carson and Zach Vertin in collaboration with the Council’s Sudan Task Force, the […]

Africa Democratic Transitions

Issue Brief

Mar 6, 2018

Toward effective air defense in northern Europe

By Gen. Philip M. Breedlove

Northern Europe, particularly the Baltic Sea region, is at the forefront of a new competition between NATO and a revanchist Russia capable and willing to use military force to alter the European security order. Since 2014, both the United States and NATO have responded to the changing security environment in northern Europe with a bolstered […]

NATO Northern Europe

Report

Mar 5, 2018

Democratic defense against disinformation

By Daniel Fried, Alina Polyakova

“The Russians and other purveyors of disinformation will constantly improve their tactics; our counter-tactics therefore cannot be static,” write Ambassador Daniel Fried and Dr. Alina Polyakova in Democratic Defense Against Disinformation, a new publication by the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center. This report is part of the broader transatlantic effort to identify democratic solutions for countering […]

Report

Mar 5, 2018

China, oil, and Latin America: Myth vs. reality

By Patricia I. Vasquez

Over the past ten years, Chinese companies and policy banks have steadily invested and lent hundreds of billions of dollars in Latin America's oil and gas sector. China's leaders have been pressured to secure energy resources because of stagnating domestic oil production coupled with rapid growth in consumption. Latin America's growing proven oil reserves have made it an attractive partner for China.

China Latin America
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