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
Trump’s Iran test: Nerves and vision

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
Trump’s Iran test: Nerves and vision

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
Trump’s Iran test: Nerves and vision

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

Sep 21, 2019

Trump’s Iran test: Nerves and vision

By Frederick Kempe

President Trump’s maximum pressure and Iran’s escalating responses have increased the risks of conflict. They have also brought a new chance of resolution that may become the most significant test yet of President Trump’s ability to transform his disruptive foreign policy into positive outcomes.

Defense Policy Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Event Recap

Sep 20, 2019

Senegal’s economy minister outlines strategy for private sector-led growth

By Africa Center

On Friday, September 20, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center hosted H.E. Amadou Hott, minister of economy, planning, and cooperation of the Republic of Senegal.

Africa Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Sep 20, 2019

How to make a lasting regime change: A guide for aspiring (democratic) reformers

By Jakub Wiśniewski

Why did the Central Europeans succeed when so many efforts at regime change from within failed – ending in tears, bitter disappointment or bloodshed?

Central Europe Democratic Transitions

SyriaSource

Sep 20, 2019

Samantha Power’s uneasy legacy on Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

It is the memoir of someone who is anything but a time server; someone who truly cares about things and who has tried—often successfully—to make a difference for the better.

Politics & Diplomacy Syria

In the News

Sep 20, 2019

Lipner joins BICOM to discuss Israeli election results
Elections Israel

Event Recap

Sep 19, 2019

Guinea’s president seeks expanded US investment

By Africa Center

On Thursday, September 19, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center hosted H.E. Professor Alpha Condé, president of the Republic of Guinea. Atlantic Council Vice President and Africa Center Director Dr. J. Peter Pham provided opening remarks and welcomed President Condé to the Atlantic Council. President Condé discussed Guinea’s ability to implement reforms and overcome challenges in […]

Africa Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

Sep 19, 2019

How to lose friends and allies

By Diane Francis

If Kolomoisky is not renounced and investigated, the world will turn its back on Ukraine. But the Russians and oligarchs won’t.

Corruption Political Reform

MENASource

Sep 19, 2019

Libya: Locked or moving forward?

By Karim Mezran

One of the unfortunate consequences of Libya’s crisis is that the main players with decision-making power in Libya’s conflict are the regional and international powers involved in the crisis.

Libya Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Sep 19, 2019

Lipner quoted in Bloomberg on Netanyahu’s post-election prospects
Elections Israel

UkraineAlert

Sep 18, 2019

What holds Ukraine back

By Yuri Polakiwsky

It’s time for prison terms and the assertion of the rule of law. It also is time to draw the proverbial line in the sand, that the corrupt oligarchical practices in the economy, in politics, and in greater Ukrainian society will no longer be tolerated.

Corruption Democratic Transitions
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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 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 Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

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