Conflict

Violent conflict within and between nations has been a consistent feature throughout humanity’s history, and although it has seen a considerable decline in recent decades, it remains a challenge. Conflict destroys lives, wrecks economies, and can destabilize entire regions. The international community has a responsibility to seek peaceful ends to conflicts and to avoid measures that unnecessarily extend or promote the violence.

Content

Dispatches

Mar 11, 2026

Twenty questions (and expert answers) about the Iran war

By Atlantic Council experts

As the US-Israeli war against Iran reverberates across the Middle East and the globe, Atlantic Council experts bring clarity to the fast-moving events.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Mar 11, 2026

Three lessons from Libya for the war in Iran

By Frank Talbot

Any outside power using force to attain a political outcome must define the end state it seeks, align coalition partners around a shared strategy, and establish credible escalation controls.

Conflict Iran

Dispatches

Mar 11, 2026

Dispatch from Beirut: Is this Hezbollah’s ‘last war’ with Israel?

By Nicholas Blanford

Hezbollah’s strategy, likely in coordination with Iran, appears to be to inflict as much pain on Israel for as long as possible.

Conflict Iran

Report

Mar 11, 2026

Foe or friend? US-Turkey bilateral relations seem set to improve as interests align

By Rich Outzen

If Turkey and the US pursue compatible goals and interests, room remains to balance internal political benefits with geopolitical cooperation.

Conflict Defense Policy

Report

Mar 11, 2026

Navigating change: US-Turkish defense relations in 2026

By Atlantic Council Turkey Program

The sixth issue of the Defense Journal by Atlantic Council Turkey Program, takes up several of the regional, military-technical, and policy issues in US-Turkish relations.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

UkraineAlert

Mar 10, 2026

Western leaders must abandon false hopes of negotiated peace with Putin

By Oleksandr Merezhko

If Western leaders seek a sustainable peace in Europe, they must abandon false hopes of a negotiated deal with Putin and instead demonstrate the kind of resolve that will make Russia listen, writes Oleksandr Merezhko.

Conflict European Union

UkraineAlert

Mar 10, 2026

Russian talk of protecting compatriots masks Putin’s imperial ambitions

By Agnia Grigas

Four years after Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the international debate about how the war should end remains haunted by myths first promoted by the Kremlin more than a decade ago, writes Agnia Grigas.

Belarus Central Asia

MENASource

Mar 10, 2026

Will the Houthis join the Iran war?

By Allison Minor

Houthi involvement in the Iran war could reignite the Yemen war after four years of relative calm, with significant implications for Yemen and the region.

Conflict Iran

Dispatches

Mar 10, 2026

When the Iran operation is finished, Trump should prioritize ending the war in Ukraine

By William B. Taylor

US President Donald Trump has the ability to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the killing—if Trump uses the appropriate leverage.

Conflict Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Dispatches

Mar 6, 2026

How would a Kurdish offensive change the war in Iran?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts explain the goals of the various Kurdish groups the United States is reportedly backing for an attack against Iran and how their involvement could impact the wider war.

Conflict Defense Policy

Experts