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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EU targets Kyrgyzstan as Brussels seeks to prevent Russian sanctions evasion

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
EU targets Kyrgyzstan as Brussels seeks to prevent Russian sanctions evasion

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
EU targets Kyrgyzstan as Brussels seeks to prevent Russian sanctions evasion

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

UkraineAlert

May 12, 2026

EU targets Kyrgyzstan as Brussels seeks to prevent Russian sanctions evasion

By Marc Goedemans

The latest EU sanctions on Russia also featured measures against Kyrgyzstan. This was the first use of so-called anti-circumvention tools, which are designed to prevent third countries from helping the Kremlin bypass restrictions over the invasion of Ukraine, writes Marc Goedemans.

Central Asia Conflict

Dispatches

May 12, 2026

Uncovering China’s attacks on investigative journalism in the Philippines

By Alvin Camba

In recent months, the Chinese Embassy in Manila has issued several statements attacking the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.

China Indo-Pacific

Dispatches

May 11, 2026

Five outcomes that would make Trump’s trip to China a success

By Melanie Hart

Though surprises are always possible, the meetings in Beijing will likely be defined by a narrow set of deliverables.

China Economy & Business

Dispatches

May 10, 2026

Now is the time for a US ‘grand deal’ with Azerbaijan

By Andrew D’Anieri, Mercedes Sapuppo

The White House should work with Congress to propose ending a ban on arms sales to Baku in exchange for the release of unjustly detained individuals.

Human Rights Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Issue Brief

May 8, 2026

Can Friedrich Merz’s chancellorship survive?

By Phyllis Berry

One year into his chancellorship, Friedrich Merz heads a government beset by economic stagnation, low public approval, and coalition tensions.

Economy & Business Elections

Dispatches

May 8, 2026

Costa Rica’s paradox of political continuity

By María Fernanda Bozmoski

Across Latin America, voters have punished incumbents and rejected traditional parties. Costa Rica appears to be an exception.

Central America Elections

In the News

May 8, 2026

Kroenig quoted in The Wall Street Journal on Rubio’s trip to Italy

By Atlantic Council

On May 7, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in The Wall Street Journal about Secretary of State Marco Rubio's trip to Italy, arguing that he is the Trump administration's most effective foreign policy communicator.

Italy Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

May 8, 2026

Kroenig quoted in Semafor on Rubio’s trip to Italy

By Atlantic Council

On May 7, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in Semafor about Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s trip to Italy.

Italy Politics & Diplomacy

Dispatches

May 7, 2026

How the Trump administration can reform the Jones Act to lower US energy costs

By David L. Goldwyn, Reid I’Anson, and Andrea Clabough

Shippers should be allowed to use non–Jones Act compliant vessels as long as no alternative is available.

Conflict Economy & Business

UkraineAlert

May 7, 2026

Putin is dragging Belarus deeper into Russia’s Ukraine invasion

By Hanna Liubakova

Belarus may not currently be poised to join the invasion of Ukraine, but Vladimir Putin is clearly intent on dragging the country deeper into Russia’s war effort, writes Hanna Liubakova.

Belarus Conflict
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Experts

Millennium fellow

Iuliia Mendel

Former Press-Secretary to the President of Ukraine

Millennium Leadership Program

Disinformation Eastern Europe

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, Project for Middle East Integration

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
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Events

Public Event Wed, May 20, 2026 • 12:15 pm ET

Senator Bernie Moreno on Colombia’s 2026 elections
Americas Colombia Elections Latin America