Content

Report

Jun 2, 2025

In Syria’s fragile transition there’s a glimmer of a more stable Middle East

By Charles Lister

Despite the risks and unknowns, prioritizing on shaping a stable and capable central government in Syria should be the only option on the table for the US and NATO.

Democratic Transitions
Middle East

Report

Jun 2, 2025

The fall of Assad has opened a door. But can Syria seize the moment?

By Qutaiba Idlbi, Charles Lister, and Marie Forestier

This report presents a realistic and holistic vision for Syria's transition, recovery, and its reintegration into the international system.

Civil Society
Crisis Management

AfricaSource

May 30, 2025

How the United States can support Cameroon as it faces its next democratic test

By Jude Mutah

The United States can act now to support democratic elections in Cameroon and help the country navigate what unfolds after the vote.

Africa
Democratic Transitions

MENASource

May 8, 2025

From rubble to rebirth: A model for Syria’s reconstruction

By Mahmood Alhosain

Almost six months since Assad regime collapse, four key pillars will determine whether this new Damascus can seize the opportunity.

Civil Society
Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Apr 21, 2025

Four contests for democracy in Europe challenge the narrative of advancing authoritarianism

By Daniel Fried

In Georgia, Hungary, Serbia, and Turkey, pro-democracy demonstrators are taking to the streets in massive numbers. But how long will the upsurge last?

Democratic Transitions
Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Apr 16, 2025

Charai joins TV Abraham to discuss how Trump can curb the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood in the region

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions
Freedom and Prosperity

In the News

Mar 24, 2025

Tahir in MSNBC on how Trump’s decision to cut Radio Free Europe comes at a great cost to democracy

By Muhammad Tahir

On March 24, Muhammad Tahir, nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center and former RFE/RL Central and South Asia liaison in Washington, DC, was published in MSNBC on the termination of the US Agency for Global Media’s RFE/RL federal funding grant and its impact.

Central Asia
Civil Society

UkraineAlert

Mar 20, 2025

Silencing Voice of America will only strengthen autocrats around the world

By Mercedes Sapuppo

United States President Donald Trump's decision to shut down US-funded media outlets including Voice of America will boost authoritarian regimes around the world, writes Mercedes Sapuppo.

Democratic Transitions
Disinformation

New Atlanticist

Mar 20, 2025

A light in the darkness: Why RFE/RL matters now more than ever

By Muhammad Tahir

The Trump administration’s plans to cut funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty endanger the organization’s ability to provide journalism for millions of people who would struggle otherwise to get access to news that is not controlled by an authoritarian government.

Democratic Transitions
Human Rights

MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Inside Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s diplomatic offensive with Syria’s Christians and Ismailis

By Gregory Waters

HTS’s diplomatic offensive demonstrates the leadership’s political approach, which evolved over years of engaging with the Christian and Druze communities in Idlib.

Democratic Transitions
Freedom and Prosperity
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Experts

Fellow

David H. Young

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Afghanistan Conflict

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Expert

Yi Zhou

Visiting Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Democratic Transitions East Asia

Staff

Uliana Certan

Assistant Director, European Engagement

Global Energy Center

Democratic Transitions Energy & Environment

Staff

Gabrielle Ellicott

Program Assistant

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Rend Al-Rahim

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions
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