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

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

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

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 7, 2026

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

By David L. Goldwyn, Reid L’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

Dispatches

May 7, 2026

What the EU-Mercosur trade deal’s provisional implementation means and what comes next

By Stuart Jones, Ignacio Albe

The agreement bridges two highly complementary but historically protectionist markets, offering benefits for both regions.

Economy & Business European Union

Dispatches

May 7, 2026

What Gulf states need in a US-Iran deal

By Eric Alter

Any Strait of Hormuz agreement must establish a framework in which states economically dependent on the waterway help monitor and enforce its terms.

Conflict Middle East

Dispatches

May 6, 2026

How the Iran war is affecting Latin America and the Caribbean’s economic outlook

By Ignacio Albe, Enrique Millán-Mejía

The data show how energy and commodity shortages are pushing inflation higher, tightening financial conditions, and slowing growth.

Caribbean Conflict

Inflection Points

May 6, 2026

The real trouble with the US debt topping 100 percent of GDP

By Frederick Kempe

The argument over whether this marks an inflection point divides economists, policymakers, and investors into two camps.

Economy & Business Fiscal and Structural Reform

Dispatches

May 5, 2026

‘Zeitenwende’ is anchoring Germany’s role as a Baltic Sea Power

By Anna Wieslander

The Merz government has been keen to emphasize that Germany is a trustworthy and long-term security provider in the region.

Defense Policy Germany

UkraineAlert

May 4, 2026

Zelenskyy rains on Putin’s parade: Kyiv and Moscow declare rival ceasefires

By Peter Dickinson

Victory Day was supposed to be an opportunity for Vladimir Putin to project power. Instead, this year’s drastically scaled down parade is exposing Russia’s weakness while revealing Ukraine's strength, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Drones

Dispatches

May 4, 2026

What Romania’s no-confidence vote really means for its European future

By Alex Șerban, Silvian Trandafir

Romania's parliament is set to vote on a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan's minority government.

Eastern Europe European Union

MENASource

May 4, 2026

Syria needs a trustworthy digital ecosystem to support its revival

By Nadia Farra

Robust digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and cybersecurity are no longer luxuries for high-income nations but fundamental requirements for national stability and economic resilience.

Freedom and Prosperity Inclusive Growth
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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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Events

Online Event Mon, May 18, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

Warsaw Week 2026
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