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.

Explore
Developing an Africa-focused tech agenda for the United States to outcompete China

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
Developing an Africa-focused tech agenda for the United States to outcompete China

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
Developing an Africa-focused tech agenda for the United States to outcompete China

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

Strategic Insights Memo

May 1, 2026

Developing an Africa-focused tech agenda for the United States to outcompete China

By Conrad Tucker, Ginger Matchett, Samantha Wong, Peter Engelke

The competition between the US and China is playing out in the tech sector and one of the world's fastest-growing markets—the African continent. What can US companies and the US government do to foster mutually beneficial partnerships that are attractive to African consumers and leaders? Takeaways from recent workshops shed some light. 

Africa Artificial Intelligence

Dispatches

Apr 30, 2026

Can Iraq’s new prime minister fix his country’s broken politics?

By Victoria J. Taylor , Safwan Al-Amin

Ali al-Zaidi must contend with a growing crisis of legitimacy in the very system that brought him to power and the backing of a coalition that is increasingly unstable.

Elections Iraq

Dispatches

Apr 30, 2026

How the Trump administration can get even more out of its diplomacy with Lukashenka

By Daniel Fried

The White House should combine outreach to the Belarusian dictator with greater engagement with Belarusian civil society.

Belarus Politics & Diplomacy

Inflection Points

Apr 30, 2026

Mythos, not the Iran war, is the most significant geopolitical warning of our time

By Frederick Kempe

Artificial intelligence is already accelerating life-changing breakthroughs, but it also poses generational risks.

Artificial Intelligence Politics & Diplomacy

Issue Brief

Apr 30, 2026

How Colombia can reduce security threats ahead of its presidential election

By the US–Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

Though Colombia's recent legislative elections were largely peaceful, the security environment has worsened in recent weeks amid death threats against candidates and escalating violence by armed groups. The upcoming weeks present a narrow, but critical, window to reduce risks ahead of the May 31 presidential election.

Americas Civil Society

Issue Brief

Apr 29, 2026

Does liberal democracy drive inequalities?

By Yi Zhou

There has been much debate about the relationship between liberal democracy and social and economic inequality, but data shows that free societies remain more equal than their less free counterparts.

Freedom and Prosperity Inclusive Growth

Issue Brief

Apr 29, 2026

How information and communication technologies can empower women in Senegal

By Aminata Niang

Data and interview results show how information and communication technologies are empowering women in Senegal's informal economy.

Africa Freedom and Prosperity

Issue Brief

Apr 29, 2026

The clarity of the law differential: Channels to prosperity across income groups

By Achilles Tsirgis

Legal clarity increases prosperity through different mechanisms depending on a country's income level— high-income nations gain primarily through productivity and innovation, while lower-middle-income countries benefit most through credibility and reduced borrowing costs.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

In the News

Apr 29, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: The Crown’s Moral Voice: King Charles in Washington and the Test of Western Clarity

By Atlantic Council

NATO Partnerships Politics & Diplomacy

Dispatches

Apr 28, 2026

‘A long time coming’: How to understand the UAE’s decision to leave OPEC

By William F. Wechsler

It’s important to see Abu Dhabi's announcement in the context of the growing rivalry between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Energy & Environment Middle East
Load More

Experts

Fellow

Nic Adams

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Energy & Environment Middle East

Fellow

Paul Adamson

Senior Advisor

Europe Center

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Akeel Abbas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Human Rights

Millennium fellow

Saeed Al Nazari

Secretary General, Great Arab Minds

Millennium Leadership Program

Education Middle East

Fellow

Osamah Al Rawhani

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Middle East Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Fellow

Safwan Al-Amin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English
Load More

Events

Online Event Mon, May 4, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

How are Ukraine’s new partnerships and drone innovations changing the war?
Defense Technologies Drones Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy
Public Event Fri, May 8, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

Is Russia’s war machine running out of steam?
Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy Russia Security & Defense
Public Event Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

The 2026 Iraq Dialogue
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy