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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After Sistani and Khamenei: looming successions will shape the Middle East

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
After Sistani and Khamenei: looming successions will shape the Middle East

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
After Sistani and Khamenei: looming successions will shape the Middle East

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

Issue Brief

Jul 15, 2019

After Sistani and Khamenei: looming successions will shape the Middle East

By Abbas Kadhim and Barbara Slavin

As Iraq’s Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani and Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei age, the international community of Shia Muslims faces a looming void in religious and political leadership.

Arabic Iran

In the News

Jul 10, 2019

Itani quoted in Homeland 411 on declining support for the US in MENA

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

Jul 10, 2019

Who will be Ukraine’s next prime minister?

By Melinda Haring

Choosing a political government sends exactly the wrong message, and one should expect a serious case of Ukraine fatigue to quickly reemerge among donors.

Elections Political Reform

New Atlanticist

Jul 9, 2019

Georgia protests are not a showcase of Russophobia

By Tina Maglakelidze

Outside observers must resist conflating anti-Kremlin sentiment with Russophobia.

Democratic Transitions Political Reform

New Atlanticist

Jul 8, 2019

Greece embraces the center and continues course out of crisis

By David A. Wemer

“Greece is now reinforcing the strength of the center in European politics, rather than fueling a move toward the fringes,” Atlantic Council Executive Vice President Damon Wilson said.

Elections Greece

UkraineAlert

Jul 8, 2019

Will Zelenskyy succeed?

By Mykola Vorobiov

In many ways, Zelenskyy’s presidency embodies the “Ukrainian dream,” when a new politician and self-made showman can be elected president and slay the many bad forces that hold Ukraine back.

Democratic Transitions Political Reform

Inflection Points

Jul 6, 2019

Special edition: saving democracy

By Frederick Kempe

Dangers are accelerating to the democratic ideals that the American Revolution inspired.

China Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

Jul 5, 2019

Zelenskyy shines in Toronto, but his plans need right people and right priorities

By Anders Åslund

The mentality of the people has to change, and the government has to listen to its citizens and reject corruption.

Political Reform Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jul 5, 2019

Hellyer quoted in the Washington Post on Sudan

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Sudan

In the News

Jul 3, 2019

Steve Levine in Axios about the impact of demography in the US-China competition

By Atlantic Council

China English
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Experts

Fellow

Heidi Hardt

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Transatlantic Security Initiative

Climate Change & Climate Action International Organizations

Millennium fellow

Tara Hariharan

Managing Director, Global Macro Research, NWI Management LP

Millennium Leadership Program

Americas Central Europe
Melinda Haring

Fellow

Melinda Haring

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Ukraine Civil Society

Fellow

David Hathaway

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Global China Hub

China Chinese

Fellow

Stefanie Hausheer Ali

Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Volodymyr Havrylov

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Defense Policy English
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Events

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
Public Event Thu, May 14, 2026 • 4:00 pm ET

Trade over aid: Prosperity for the US and the developing world
Politics & Diplomacy Resilience & Society United States and Canada
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