Politics & Diplomacy

Politics & Diplomacy

Healthy democratic societies are governed through the holding of elections, passage of policies through government institutions, and equal application of the law to all citizens. These activities influence not only the internal decisions of these societies, but also inform the ways countries interact with their regional and global neighbors, whether through direct bilateral ties or encompassed in larger international organizations.

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American AI leadership can open a new chapter for Middle East integration

New Atlanticist Mar 18, 2025

The Gaza cease-fire is over. What’s next from Israel, Hamas, and the US?

By Atlantic Council experts

In the early hours of March 18, Israel launched air strikes on Gaza, ending the two-month cease-fire. Atlantic Council experts answer pressing questions about the resumed conflict.
Conflict Israel
American AI leadership can open a new chapter for Middle East integration

New Atlanticist Mar 17, 2025

Enough carrots for Putin. For better negotiations, serve ‘maximum pressure’ instead.

By Benjamin L. Schmitt, Richard L. Morningstar, and Daniel Fried

Since Russia appears content for negotiations to move slowly, the Trump administration should turn up the pressure with new sanctions.
Conflict Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion
American AI leadership can open a new chapter for Middle East integration

Issue Brief Mar 13, 2025

Present without impact? How the Middle East perceives China’s diplomatic engagement

By Jonathan Fulton

Despite economic advancements and high-profile diplomatic engagements, China’s influence remains largely economic rather than political, Jonathan Fulton argues.
China Economy & Business

Content

MENASource

Apr 7, 2026

American AI leadership can open a new chapter for Middle East integration

By Judd Olanoff

Countries will need access to cloud and compute like they need water and power plants. And they are turning to US companies to provide it.

Artificial Intelligence Israel

UkraineAlert

Apr 7, 2026

Hungarian election could have implications for EU, US, Russia, and Ukraine

By Marc Goedemans

The Hungarian parliamentary elections on April 12 are being billed as the most important in the country’s modern history. With Hungary a key focus in the escalating confrontation between Russia and the West, this weekend’s vote could also have geopolitical implications that will be felt in Kyiv, Moscow, Brussels, and Washington. Current Hungarian Prime Minister […]

Civil Society Conflict

Dispatches

Apr 7, 2026

Why Peru’s upcoming election matters for US strategy in Latin America

By Martin Cassinelli

Peru’s election will determine who governs next. But for the US, the more important question is whether Peru can rebuild its governing institutions.

Elections Latin America

Eye on Europe's elections

Apr 6, 2026

Your primer on the Hungarian National Assembly elections

By Atlantic Council experts

An electoral defeat for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán could reshape Hungary’s domestic political trajectory and the country’s relations with the rest of Europe.

Elections Hungary

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Apr 6, 2026

Sri Lanka needs a development plan, not just a recovery narrative

By Nishan de Mel

Sri Lanka's trajectory is marked by volatility rather than steady progress. Gains in political rights, economic openness, and security proved episodic rather than transformative when not supported by a credible rule of law. Breaking from cycles of recovery and crisis requires institutional renewal, social reconciliation, and professional governance.

Fiscal and Structural Reform Inclusive Growth

Dispatches

Apr 2, 2026

Don’t count Orbán out yet. Hungary’s opposition faces an uphill battle on April 12.

By Eva Mulholland

The current Hungarian prime minister’s party is behind in the polls, but there are several reasons why the upcoming election’s results may differ from polling.

Elections Hungary

Dispatches

Apr 2, 2026

الفصائل المدعومة من إيران تُدمِّر العراق—يجب على بغداد مواجهتها

By فيكتوريا تايلور

واشنطن — انفجر منزل يوم 13 مارس في حي الكرادة ببغداد، وانتشرت مقاطع مصورة للمشهد الملتهب على نطاق واسع عبر منصات التواصل الاجتماعي. يبدو أن الضربة — التي نفّذتها الولايات المتحدة على الأرجح، وإن لم تُقرّ بها علنًا حتى الآن — كانت تستهدف أبو حسين الحامداوي، زعيم كتائب حزب الله، وهو فصيل مسلح بارز مدعوم من إيران في العراق. وتشير […]

Arabic Conflict

Dispatches

Apr 2, 2026

Iran-backed militias are destroying Iraq. Baghdad must take them on.

By Victoria J. Taylor 

Iraq cannot continue like this, with drones and rockets menacing the country, and militias assassinating and kidnapping activists and journalists.

Conflict Iran

UkraineAlert

Apr 1, 2026

Europe has the resources to contain Russia but lacks the political will

By Oleksiy Zagorodnyuk

Europe unquestionably possesses the industrial and economic base to outmatch Russia but has yet to demonstrate the unity and political will necessary to contain the Kremlin and stop Putin in Ukraine, writes Oleksiy Zagorodnyuk.

Conflict Defense Industry

UkraineAlert

Apr 1, 2026

Ukraine’s military success is exposing the myth of inevitable Russian victory

By Kateryna Odarchenko

The Kremlin is promoting the idea of inevitable Russian victory in Ukraine as part of efforts to deter further support for Kyiv, but this narrative is being undermined by mounting Ukrainian military successes, writes Kateryna Odarchenko.

Conflict Disinformation
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Experts

Millennium fellow

Fatima Abbas

Director of Tribal and Native Affairs, Department of Treasury

Millennium Leadership Program

Politics & Diplomacy Rule of Law

Fellow

Nasredeen Abdulbari

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Africa Arabic

Fellow

Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Middle East National Security

Fellow

Ahmed Aboudouh

Former Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic China

Fellow

Gbemisola Abudu

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Economy & Business

Staff

Aalaa Abuzaakouk

Deputy Director, Millennium Leadership Program

Millennium Leadership Program

Arabic Civil Society
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Events

Online Event Fri, April 10, 2026 • 9:30 am ET

The Red Sea front and Yemen’s role in the Iran war
Economy & Business Energy & Environment Iran Middle East
Public Event Mon, April 20, 2026 • 2:30 pm ET

POSTPONED—The future of Iraq-Syria relations
Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy Syria
Public Event Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

The 2026 Iraq Dialogue
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy