Content

New Atlanticist

Jun 2, 2025

Experts react: Conservative Karol Nawrocki is Poland’s next president. What does it mean for Poland, Europe, and the world?

By Atlantic Council experts

On June 1, the historian and former boxer triumphed in Poland’s presidential election. Atlantic Council experts share their insights on the contest, the winner, and what’s next.

Elections Poland

Issue Brief

May 30, 2025

New presidents and new nuclear developments test the United States–Republic of Korea alliance

By Heather Kearney, Amanda Mortwedt Oh

In the coming years, the US-South Korea (Republic of Korea, or ROK) alliance is likely to be tested in at least three fundamental ways: by a concerning growth in North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile weapons program; by changes to ROK defense capabilities and structures, including the establishment of ROK Strategic Command (ROKSTRATCOM); and by potential strategy and policy changes under new US and ROK political administrations.

Arms Control Elections

Eye on Europe's elections

May 29, 2025

Your primer on the Polish presidential election

By Aaron Korewa

Poland will vote for its next president on June 1. This election could kick off a period of political stability—or further cement a gridlock that could lead to the government collapsing.

Elections Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

May 20, 2025

Portugal’s shift to the right is accelerating. What does that mean for its future?

By Andrew Bernard

The center-right Democratic Alliance won the May 18 election, while the far-right Chega party continued its rise. With the main center-left party losing seats, there is now an absolute majority on the right.

Elections European Union

New Atlanticist

May 19, 2025

Experts react: What message did Romanians send by electing Nicusor Dan?

By Atlantic Council experts

The mathematician and mayor of Bucharest came out ahead of his right-wing rival on May 18. Atlantic Council experts sum up the election results and the implications.

Eastern Europe Elections

Fast Thinking

May 18, 2025

Why Romania chose centrism in the end

By Atlantic Council

Following Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan's election win, our experts give their takes on what to expect next for Romania and for the country's relations with the world.

Corruption Eastern Europe

New Atlanticist

May 7, 2025

What will Labor’s landslide mean for Australia’s foreign policy?

By Peter J. Dean

While Australian voters clearly rejected the Trump administration, both the country’s leaders and electorate still support close US ties.

Australia Elections

Eye on Europe's elections

May 7, 2025

Your primer on Albania’s parliamentary election

By Ilva Tare, Agon Maliqi, and Valbona Zeneli

In the lead-up to Albania's parliamentary election on May 11, experts from the Europe Center unpack the key players, issues, and dynamics shaping this weekend’s election.

Elections Europe & Eurasia

Eye on Europe's elections

May 7, 2025

Your primer on the Romanian presidential election

By Daniel Fried and Alex Serban

Ahead of the second round on May 18, our experts are breaking down the race and its potential impacts on Romania’s foreign policy.

Elections Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

May 6, 2025

Is Merz’s double-take chancellor vote a sign of things to come in Germany?

By Jörn Fleck and Jurek Wille

It took two rounds of voting in the Bundestag to elect Friedrich Merz chancellor, a sign of division unprecedented in modern German history.

Defense Policy Elections

Experts

Events