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

Dec 19, 2024

What African producers of critical minerals can learn from Indonesia’s experience

By Bradford Simmons and Julien Marcilly

Indonesia and its success with resource nationalism can serve as an example for many mineral-rich African countries.

Africa Critical Minerals

Issue Brief

Dec 18, 2024

It’s (still) more expensive to rotate military forces overseas than base them there

By John R. Deni

In his previous term, President Donald Trump ordered the US Army to withdraw one-third of its troops based in Europe. The alternative to soldiers based in Germany or Poland is rotating US-based units through Europe on nine-month deployments—and new Army data confirms this is far costlier and harder on soldier morale than forward stationing.

Central Europe Defense Policy

Russia Tomorrow

Dec 17, 2024

The reluctant consensus: War and Russia’s public opinion

By Maria Snegovaya

A new Atlantic Council report explores Russian society’s consolidation around the Kremlin and the Russian public’s perception of Putin’s war on Ukraine.

Civil Society Europe & Eurasia
A Swedish flag is raised during a flag-raising ceremony at NATO headquarters following the accession of Sweden to the alliance, in Brussels, Belgium March 11, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman

Issue Brief

Dec 13, 2024

How a new global defense bank—the ‘Defense, Security, and Resilience Bank’—can solve US and allied funding problems

By Rob Murray

A perennial problem for NATO is getting member states to meet their financial commitments, which include the pledge to spend at least 2 percent of GDP on defense. A bank specifically focused on funding defense projects could offer a way out of the political impasse—and keep NATO technologically up to speed.

Europe & Eurasia International Financial Institutions

Report

Dec 11, 2024

Even in authoritarian countries, democracy advocates are worth investing in

By Fernanda Buril, Nate Grubman, and Patrick Quirk

Case studies in four different regions suggest that using foreign assistance to support actors and organizations advocating for democracy worldwide is an effective strategy, even if the payoff is not immediately apparent.  

Democratic Transitions Elections

Report

Dec 10, 2024

Europe and the United States need to revolutionize their defense industrial bases—and how they cooperate

By Rob Murray

With powerful state and nonstate actors challenging the post-World War II international order, innovation in the tech sector happening at breakneck speed, and climate change threats, NATO allies must rethink traditional defense cooperation to stay relevant.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Report

Dec 6, 2024

The threats posed by the global shadow fleet—and how to stop it

By Elisabeth Braw

Since 2022 the number of aging ships whose ownership, insurance status, and safety is unknown has exploded, prompted by Russia's reliance on this "dark fleet" to ship its oil in defiance of Western sanctions. What can be done about this environmental, economic, and safety threat on the high seas?

China Europe & Eurasia

Issue Brief

Dec 2, 2024

Why NATO’s reaction force needs to be rapid to be relevant

By Richard D. Hooker, Jr.

If Russia were to attempt to overrun a Baltic nation, does NATO have the forces ready to react immediately? An air-transportable force NATO fielded a generation ago provides a good model for this generation's crises.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Report

Nov 22, 2024

An energy and sustainability road map for the Middle East

By Ariel Ezrahi

The MENA region is facing a severe crisis due to climate change. Here's how the US can shape a new model of climate diplomacy.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Issue Brief

Nov 19, 2024

The shift from party to personality politics is harming Latin American democracies

By Christine Zaino, Sofia Herrera

This paper is the fourth in the Freedom and Prosperity Center's "State of the Parties" series analyzing the strength of multi-party systems in different regions of the world.

Americas Democratic Transitions

Report

Nov 14, 2024

North Macedonia: A reform agenda on the path to EU integration

By Aleksej Demjanski, Biljana Ivanovska, Branimir Jovanović, Sara Milenkovska, Lura Pollozhani, and Malinka Ristevska Jordanova

Five experts from the region map out a reform agenda for North Macedonia's newly elected government to pursue greater democratic progress and eventual European integration.

Elections Europe & Eurasia

Issue Brief

Nov 14, 2024

Mapping South Asia’s digital landscape

By Mark Linscott, Gopal Nadadur

Data protection regulations are becoming critical for South Asia, where some countries are increasingly driven by digital economies.

Bangladesh Digital Policy

Report

Nov 12, 2024

Avoiding entanglement: G20 responses in a Taiwan crisis

By Matthew Mingey, Laura Gormley, and Logan Wright

This report identifies China’s likely goals for interactions with G20 nations under a Taiwan contingency, as well as each case country’s respective economic and policy reactions.

Brazil China

Report

Nov 12, 2024

A path forward for Colombia’s 2016 peace accord and lasting security 

By US-Colombia Advisory Group, with Isabel Chiriboga and Geoff Ramsey

Halfway through period allotted for the 2016 peace accord’s implementation, Colombia faces slow progress amid rising organized crime. To counter resurgent conflict, Colombia’s government must prioritize carrying out the commitments it made in the accord, backed by millions in US and European investment for long-term security.

Civil Society Colombia

Report

Nov 6, 2024

Iraq’s 2024 budget: Not what it appears when it first meets the eye

By Ahmed Tabaqchali

Iraq’s budget update seems straightforward but holds hidden complexities. A closer look uncovers discrepancies between appearances and realities, offering insights into Iraq’s fiscal strategy and the structural challenges shaping its economic future.

Economy & Business Iraq

Issue Brief

Nov 5, 2024

How Sweden and Finland’s membership in NATO affects the High North

By Anna Wieslander

This issue brief explores the impact of Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership on the High North. Having Sweden and Finland in NATO strengthens the influence of the Alliance in the High North, as it responds to Russia's military buildup and China's regional interests. Deterring aggression while maintaining Arctic stability amidst rising geopolitical tensions will require new defense priorities and enhanced Nordic collaboration.

NATO Northern Europe

Report

Nov 4, 2024

NATO needs a ‘hellscape’ defense at ‘Replicator’ speed

By Franklin D. Kramer, Kristen Taylor

To enhance deterrence, the NATO Alliance should adopt a 'hellscape' approach designed to acquire and field low-cost, highly effective massed armaments, prepositioned on the forward lines of conflict, within a two-to-three year timeframe.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Issue Brief

Nov 4, 2024

Reducing US industrial emissions under budgetary uncertainty

By David L. Goldwyn, Andrea Clabough

The pathway to deep decarbonization remains unclear for "hard to abate" sectors in the United States. By addressing three key challenges, US industry can decarbonize despite financial constraints and political uncertainty.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Issue Brief

Oct 25, 2024

Global DPI models: Lessons from India, Brazil, and beyond 

By Barbara Kotschwar and Colin Colter

The concept of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is gaining momentum globally, as countries seek to digitize essential services like identification, payments, and civil registration.

Brazil Digital Currencies

Report

Oct 22, 2024

The economic and social costs of the war in Gaza

By Perrihan Al-Riffai

After a year of war, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and neighboring countries need a permanent ceasefire. But with development gains erased, billions of dollars in infrastructure damaged, and skyrocketing unemployment, the Middle East also urgently needs a solid reconstruction plan.

Conflict Israel
Load More