Content

UkraineAlert

Oct 21, 2026

Ukrainians are not fighting for Zelenskyy. They are fighting for national survival.

By Peter Dickinson

Trump and Putin both seem to think that removing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would set the stage for a Kremlin-friendly peace deal, but most Ukrainians see the war as a fight for national survival that does not depend on any one man, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Education

The Big Story

Oct 21, 2026

The new Middle East is modular

By Jonathan Panikoff

In the Middle East today, states are aligning issue by issue, not choosing sides. They cooperate in one area and compete in the next. This modular alignment is shaping the region, even as it manages the shocks of war and energy-market volatility.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Middle East

Dispatches

Oct 21, 2026

Washington should stop expecting the Gulf to speak with one voice

By Joze Pelayo

Gulf states are emerging from the Iran war with different conclusions about how to protect themselves and deal with Tehran.

Energy & Environment Iran

UkraineAlert

Oct 21, 2026

Moldova’s fight against Kremlin interference faces Gagauzia election test

By Laurențiu Pleșca, Will Kingston-Cox

Moldova’s democratic resilience faces a revealing litmus test on November 15, when autonomous Gagauzia elects a new governor and People’s Assembly amid concerns over Kremlin interference, write Laurențiu Pleșca and Will Kingston-Cox.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

Oct 21, 2026

Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians may have a domestic dimension

By Syrus Solo Jin, Anton Ponomarenko

Russia's escalating bombing campaign against civilian targets across Ukraine aims to make much of the country unlivable while also serving a propaganda purpose for the Kremlin on the home front, write Syrus Solo Jin and Anton Ponomarenko.

Conflict Disinformation

Dispatches

Oct 21, 2026

What a Lula or Bolsonaro victory would mean for Brazil and the world 

By Atlantic Council experts

Brazil’s presidential runoff could open a narrow window for closer US-Brazil cooperation on trade, security, and critical minerals.

Brazil Elections

Balkans Debrief

Oct 20, 2026

After Bosnia’s election, a way forward or deeper deadlock? | A Debrief with Ivana Korajlić

Europe Center Resident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare speaks with Ivana Korajlić about Bosnia and Herzegovina's October 4 election.

Democracy Elections

Dispatches

Oct 19, 2026

Four ways the midterms can reshape US energy policy

By Andrea Clabough, David L. Goldwyn

The next Congress has options to act, particularly if one or both chambers shift from a Republican to a Democratic majority.

Elections Energy & Environment

Dispatches

Oct 15, 2026

How torture charges in the Maduro case could close a gap in international justice

By Gissou Nia

Congress should seize the moment to add crimes against humanity to a list of crimes that are punishable in the United States even when committed abroad.

Democratic Transitions Latin America

Report

Oct 15, 2026

How Syria can avoid the trap of ethno-sectarianism

By Marie Forestier, Arthur Quesnay

In postwar Iraq and Lebanon, power-sharing agreements allocated top government jobs based on ethnic and religious affiliation. Political deadlock and violence followed. As Syrians rebuild after decades of dictatorship and war, they should avoid making the same mistake.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

Experts

Events