Content

MENASource

Nov 21, 2025

Syria joining the anti-ISIS coalition is a westward pivot—with opportunities and risks

By Merissa Khurma and Giorgio Cafiero

The decision is a shift in the country’s alignment—from Russian and Iranian spheres of influence to one in NATO and GCC regional orbits.

Democratic Transitions
Middle East

UkraineAlert

Nov 18, 2025

Vladimir Putin fears entering Russian history as the man who lost Ukraine

By Peter Dickinson

Throughout his reign, Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin has become increasingly obsessed with the idea of erasing Ukrainian independence, but his decision to invade has backfired disastrously, eroding centuries of Russian influence and accelerating Ukraine’s European integration, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict
Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Nov 17, 2025

Experts react: Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death in absentia. What does this mean for Bangladesh’s future?

By Atlantic Council experts

A tribunal in Dhaka has sentenced the former Bangladeshi prime minister for her role in the government’s deadly crackdown in July 2024.

Bangladesh
Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Nov 14, 2025

Experts react: How will Iraq’s parliamentary election shape the country’s politics?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts examine what the results of Tuesday’s elections mean for the future of Iraqi politics and Baghdad’s regional role.

Civil Society
Democratic Transitions

Report

Nov 13, 2025

Minsk in Moscow’s grip: How Russia subjugated Belarus without annexation

By Hanna Liubakova

The latest report in the Atlantic Council's Russia Tomorrow series examines how Belarus moved from close relations with Russia to full-scale integration under the Kremlin.

Belarus
Conflict

Dispatches

Nov 10, 2025

Dispatch from Baghdad: Don’t confuse the calm around Iraq’s election with stability

By Yerevan Saeed

Iraqi society faces several slow-burning stressors, from water and climate problems to over-centralization and narcotics trafficking.

Democratic Transitions
Elections

UkraineAlert

Nov 4, 2025

EU praises Ukraine’s progress but warns Zelenskyy over corruption

By Peter Dickinson

Ukraine’s bid to join the EU received a boost this week with the release of a report praising the country’s progress toward future membership, but EU officials also warned President Zelenskyy about the dangers of backsliding on anti-corruption reforms, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict
Corruption

Issue Brief

Oct 29, 2025

Democracy at a crossroads: Rule of law and the case for US engagement in the Balkans

By Stephen Nix and Megan Tamisiea

This issue brief is the third in the Freedom and Prosperity Center's "Future of democracy assistance" series, which analyzes the many complex challenges to democracy around the world—and highlights actionable policies that promote democratic governance.

Democratic Transitions
Elections

Balkans Debrief

Oct 29, 2025

The Hague vs. KLA leaders: Justice or tragedy? | A Debrief with James Rubin

Ilva Tare, Atlantic Council Senior Fellow, speakers with James Rubin about the Hashim Thaci war crimes trial in The Hague.

Democratic Transitions
Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Oct 28, 2025

Taylor joins Rudaw to discuss delays in KRG formation

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions
Elections

Experts