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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Signing is the easy part: Two former US negotiators on the perils of implementing a deal with Iran

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
Signing is the easy part: Two former US negotiators on the perils of implementing a deal with Iran

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
Signing is the easy part: Two former US negotiators on the perils of implementing a deal with Iran

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

Dispatches

May 29, 2026

Signing is the easy part: Two former US negotiators on the perils of implementing a deal with Iran

By Abram Paley, Nate Swanson

Abram Paley and Nate Swanson helped negotiate the last US-Iran deal, a 2023 prisoner exchange. Here's what they learned and how it applies to today's talks.

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

Issue Brief

May 28, 2026

A framework for US-Japan cooperation in the Arctic

By Kyoko Imai, Connor McPartland, Audrey Roh

Japan's status as a maritime state and proximity to the Arctic Ocean means it is easily affected by climate-driven environmental shifts, evolving maritime routes, and infrastructure changes in the Arctic. How should it approach the rapidly changing region?

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

UkraineAlert

May 28, 2026

Ukraine’s battlefield success should not lead us to underestimate Russia

By Peter Dickinson

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has failed to achieve any of its key goals, but this reflects Ukrainian strength rather than Russian weakness. Putin's army remains a formidable threat to Europe that must not be underestimated, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Industry

In the News

May 27, 2026

Kroenig interviewed on NPR on Abraham Accords and Iran

By Atlantic Council

On May 27, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on NPR, arguing that President Trump is pushing for more countries to join the Abraham Accords to help secure a viable deal with Iran.

Iran Israel

In the News

May 27, 2026

Kroenig quoted in the Christian Science Monitor on Iran

By Atlantic Council

On May 18, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in the Christian Science Monitor on how Rubio entered Trump's inner circle.

Politics & Diplomacy

Dispatches

May 26, 2026

Tehran wants to end the war—but not at any price

By Danny Citrinowicz  

Iran’s leadership is not prepared to make dramatic concessions that, in its view, would undermine the ideological foundations of the Islamic Republic.

Conflict Iran

UkraineAlert

May 26, 2026

Kyiv hosts Belarus opposition leader as Moscow drags Minsk closer to war

By Hanna Liubakova

As concern mounts that Moscow is pushing Minsk to join the invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv is strengthening ties with the democratic Belarusian opposition, writes Hanna Liubakova.

Belarus Conflict

In the News

May 26, 2026

Kroenig quoted in The Guardian on Rubio’s legacy

By Atlantic Council

On May 22, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in The Guardian, explaining that Trump's current foreign policy is not unlike that Rubio promoted on his 2016 presidential campaign.

Politics & Diplomacy United States

In the News

May 24, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Mr. President, Listen to the Father in You

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

AfricaSource

May 22, 2026

Ethiopia and Eritrea are on the brink of war again

By François Christophe

There is a real risk that the current war of words spirals out of control.

Africa East Africa
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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, 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

Staff

Aalaa Abuzaakouk

Deputy Director, Millennium Leadership Program

Millennium Leadership Program

Arabic Civil Society
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