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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Ukraine is now Europe’s shield but still needs more help to stop Russia

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
Ukraine is now Europe’s shield but still needs more help to stop Russia

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
Ukraine is now Europe’s shield but still needs more help to stop Russia

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

Jun 2, 2026

Ukraine is now Europe’s shield but still needs more help to stop Russia

By Olena Tregub

Europeans increasingly recognize Ukraine as the continent's shield against Russian aggression, but this must not fuel complacency over the country's ability to bear the current burden indefinitely, writes Olena Tregub.

Conflict Defense Policy

Dispatches

Jun 2, 2026

How will the Iran war change the US role in the world?

By Matthew Kroenig, Markus Garlauskas, and Beth Sanner

Atlantic Council experts weigh in on whether the United States should “pivot” its attention away from the Middle East and toward the Indo-Pacific.

China Indo-Pacific

Dispatches

Jun 1, 2026

Experts react: Colombia’s presidential runoff pits the far right against the far left. What’s next?

By Atlantic Council experts

Abelardo de la Espriella and Iván Cepeda, who represent opposite ends of the political spectrum, will move ahead to the June 21 runoff.

Colombia Elections

AfricaSource

Jun 1, 2026

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was an economic success. Here’s how other tournaments can replicate it.

By Collin Creveling

Africa needs a united committee focused on opportunities for sponsorship and investment across multiple sporting events and tournaments.

Africa Civil Society

In the News

May 30, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: What Do the Gulf States Really Want?

By Atlantic Council

Geopolitics & Energy Security Middle East

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
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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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