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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Israel needs a fundamental shift in its foreign policy

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
Israel needs a fundamental shift in its foreign policy

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
Israel needs a fundamental shift in its foreign policy

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

MENASource

Feb 18, 2026

Israel needs a fundamental shift in its foreign policy

By Amir Asmar

Israel's international standing has been tarnished by its conduct in Gaza, but the apparent end of the war presents a unique moment for reexamination.

Conflict International Norms

Russia Tomorrow

Feb 18, 2026

Negotiating with Putin’s Russia

By Donald N. Jensen, Iuliia Osmolovska

The latest report in the Atlantic Council's Russia Tomorrow examines Russia’s negotiating tactics and how the US can adjust its diplomatic strategies in turn.

Disinformation Eastern Europe

Dispatches

Feb 17, 2026

Dispatch from Munich: Pursuing Middle East integration during a time of upheaval

By Allison Minor

The next year will provide an important opportunity to channel changes across the Middle East toward greater integration and stability.

Middle East Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

UkraineAlert

Feb 17, 2026

A bad Ukraine peace could ignite new wars in Russia’s former empire

By Joseph Epstein

If a settlement in Ukraine frees up Russian military resources without establishing credible deterrents against further Kremlin aggression, Moscow will have the means and the motive to reassert dominance elsewhere in its former empire, writes Joseph Epstein.

Central Asia European Union

Inflection Points

Feb 17, 2026

Dispatch from Munich: Europe is growing stronger, but will it be fast enough to save Ukraine?

By Frederick Kempe

The recent Munich Security Conference underscored the urgency with which European nations must act to address their vulnerabilities.

European Union NATO

Dispatches

Feb 16, 2026

The promise and peril of Trump’s Board of Peace

By Eric Alter

The inaugural meeting of President Donald Trump’s initiative to manage the post-conflict reconstruction of Gaza takes place on February 19.

Conflict Middle East

In the News

Feb 15, 2026

Ahmed Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Iran at the Edge: Pressure, Transition, and the Responsibility of Clarity

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Iran

Fast Thinking

Feb 14, 2026

What Rubio said in Munich, what Europe heard, and what comes next

By Atlantic Council

The US secretary of state delivered a notably positive message to allies at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Dispatches

Feb 13, 2026

What Bangladesh’s first post-Hasina election means for the country’s future

By Rudabeh Shahid, Michael Kugelman

Our experts explain what to expect from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party after it won a parliamentary majority—and what these elections mean for the region.

Bangladesh Elections

Dispatches

Feb 12, 2026

Dispatch from Central Asia: Dynamism amid uncertainty in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

By Andrew D’Anieri

As Central Asia’s geopolitical importance grows, there are significant opportunities for greater US diplomatic and economic engagement with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Central Asia Economy & Business
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Experts

European Leadership Accelerator Participant

Raphaela Schweiger

Director, Global Issues, Robert Bosch Foundation

Millennium Leadership Program

Europe & Eurasia Human Rights

Fellow

Jeannine B. Scott

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Civil Society

Fellow

Mark Scott

Senior Resident Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Digital Policy Disinformation

Fellow

Stewart Scott

Former Deputy Director

Cyber Statecraft Initiative

Cybersecurity Disinformation

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Thomas Scott

Emerging Technology General Counsel

Millennium Leadership Program

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

Fellow

Joumana Seif

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English
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Events

Public Event Mon, March 23, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

Kurt Campbell on what to expect from Trump’s Beijing visit
China Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy Technology & Innovation
Online Event Mon, March 23, 2026 • 11:00 am ET

Transatlantic relations in an era of upheaval
Digital Policy Economy & Business Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia
Online Event Tue, March 24, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

The future of Iran’s axis of resistance
Iran Iraq Israel Lebanon
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