Dispatch from Doha: A tale of two Trumps (constrained vs. unleashed)

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
Dispatch from Doha: A tale of two Trumps (constrained vs. unleashed)

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 Economic Sanctions
Dispatch from Doha: A tale of two Trumps (constrained vs. unleashed)

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

Inflection Points

Dec 9, 2025

Dispatch from Doha: A tale of two Trumps (constrained vs. unleashed)

By Frederick Kempe

The Trump administration's recently released National Security Strategy is a stark departure from its predecessor during Trump's first term.

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

Dec 9, 2025

Europe’s choice: Fund Ukraine now or pay a far higher price if Russia wins

By Elena Davlikanova, Lesia Orobets

Europe’s reluctance to pay for Ukraine’s defense is shortsighted, write Elena Davlikanova and Lesia Orobets. If Russia’s invasion succeeds, Europe will soon have to boost defense spending to levels that would completely dwarf the current cost of backing Ukraine.

Conflict
Economic Sanctions

Scorecard

Dec 8, 2025

Scowcroft Strategy Scorecard: Grading Trump’s second National Security Strategy

By Atlantic Council

The Trump administration recently released its new National Security Strategy, a document that represents a major departure from past strategies. Experts from our Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security hand out their grades.

National Security
Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Dec 8, 2025

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: No Stabilization in Gaza Without Dismantling Hamas

By Atlantic Council

Conflict
International Security Assistance Force

MENASource

Dec 8, 2025

States shouldn’t waste the chance to establish a Syria Victims Fund

By Kate Springs, Celeste Kmiotek

A centralized fund would better support victims of international law violations in Syria, who face unique challenges.

Democratic Transitions
International Norms

MENASource

Dec 7, 2025

Syria’s civil society must take center stage in reconstruction

By Tara Kangarlu and Merissa Khurma

One year since Bashar al-Assad’s fall, Syria stands to have the most potential to showcase how local ownership can accelerate reconstruction.

Civil Society
Middle East

MENASource

Dec 7, 2025

One year after Assad’s fall, here’s what’s needed to advance justice for Syrians

By Elise Baker and Ahmad Helmi

The second year of a post-Assad Syria requires structural reform, victim-centered leadership, and international reinforcement.

Democratic Transitions
International Norms

New Atlanticist

Dec 5, 2025

The cost of an unjust peace in Ukraine? An emboldened China.

By Phillip M. Ramirez

A peace deal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine that favors Russia could embolden China to take military action of its own.

China
Conflict

New Atlanticist

Dec 5, 2025

Experts react: What Trump’s National Security Strategy means for US foreign policy

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts delve into the newly released document outlining the Trump administration’s principles and priorities for US foreign policy.

Defense Policy
Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Dec 5, 2025

After Maduro

By Jason Marczak

Opposition leaders have a plan for a democratic transition when Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro leaves power.

Corruption
Democratic Transitions
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Experts

Millennium fellow

Jason Park

Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State

Millennium Leadership Program

East Asia Europe & Eurasia

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Shqipe Vela

Program Manager, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

Millennium Leadership Program

Corruption Energy & Environment

Fellow

Colin Brooks

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Iran Middle East

Fellow

Peter Mandaville

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Civil Society Freedom and Prosperity

European Leadership Accelerator Participant

Osman Haneef

Head of LBS Startup Incubator & Senior Manager of Ventures, London Business School

Millennium Leadership Program

Entrepreneurship Rule of Law

Fellow

Nic Adams

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Energy & Environment Middle East
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Events

Online Event Wed, December 10, 2025 • 10:00 am ET

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on one year of a new global trade system

AN #ACFRONTPAGE EVENT—US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer discusses the major changes in US trade policy that have taken place during the first year of the second Trump administration and how the strategy will evolve in the years ahead.
Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy Trade and tariffs United States and Canada
Online Event Fri, December 12, 2025 • 11:00 am ET

Report launch: Analyzing stagnation and militarization in the Russian economy
Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy Russia
Online Event Tue, December 16, 2025 • 11:00 am ET

What lies ahead for Chile’s new president
Americas Civil Society Democratic Transitions Elections