Content

Issue Brief

Sep 22, 2025

A three-pillar strategy for institutional reform in Central and Eastern Europe

By Stephen Nix and Megan Tamisiea

This paper is the first 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.

Central Europe Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Sep 19, 2025

The economic roots of Nepal’s uprising—and what it means for the region

By Rudabeh Shahid, Nischal Dhungel, and Shakthi De Silva

The pattern of regime collapses in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka over the past few years suggests a region-wide crisis of governance linked to economic despair.

Bangladesh Corruption

MENASource

Sep 17, 2025

In landmark Syria elections, women still face electoral hurdles

By Marie Forestier 

As the indirect electoral process begins, Syrian officials could take several steps to increase women’s chances in this process.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

Sep 17, 2025

Europe needs a new approach to Belarus focused on practical outcomes

By Valery Kavaleuski

Belarus is a strategically crucial European nation that no European leader can afford to ignore. Evidently, the policies adopted in 2020 have not prevented the country's slide into deepening dictatorship. It is therefore time to consider new approaches and initiatives, writes Valery Kavaleuski.

Belarus Conflict

UkraineAlert

Sep 11, 2025

Fighting corruption strengthens Ukraine in the war against Russia

By Matthew H. Murray

Ukraine's efforts to combat corruption on the domestic front play a vital role in the country's broader fight for national survival against Vladimir Putin's resurgent Russian imperialism, writes Matthew H. Murray.

Civil Society Conflict

MENASource

Sep 10, 2025

Ten questions (and expert answers) on Operation Inherent Resolve’s end in Iraq

By Atlantic Council experts

This new frontier in the US-Iraq relationship leaves many opportunities, challenges and unknowns. Our experts unpack it all.

Defense Policy Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Sep 3, 2025

Georgia’s summer of repression puts US relations in doubt

By Jessica De Mesa and Andrew D’Anieri

Georgian Dream’s actions are isolating it from the West, making better relations with Washington unlikely in the short term.

Democratic Transitions European Union

UkraineAlert

Aug 28, 2025

Russia attacks Zelenskyy’s legitimacy to derail US-led Ukraine peace talks

By Serhii Savelii

Moscow’s efforts to portray Zelenskyy as illegitimate fall apart when weighed against Ukraine’s Constitution and the country’s political practice, along with international precedents and legal tradition, writes Serhii Savelii.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Aug 26, 2025

Lukashenka’s succession game: Promises, power, and the illusion of an exit

By Katsiaryna Shmatsina

The Belarusian autocrat recently suggested that this might be his final term in office. Could it be true? And who might take his place?

Belarus Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Aug 25, 2025

Dispatch from Syria’s Christian strongholds: A new government, a full political spectrum

By Gregory Waters

The conditions of Christian communities across the country remain varied, with the opinions of religious and community leaders deeply mixed.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

Experts