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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Pham Quoted by the Washington Diplomat on the Transition of Power in The Gambia after 2016 Election

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

Pham Quoted by the Washington Diplomat on the Transition of Power in The Gambia after 2016 Election

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

Pham Quoted by the Washington Diplomat on the Transition of Power in The Gambia after 2016 Election

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

In the News

Mar 1, 2017

Pham Quoted by the Washington Diplomat on the Transition of Power in The Gambia after 2016 Election

By J. Peter Pham

Read full article here.

Elections North & West Africa
Don't call it an EU military HQ

NATOSource

Feb 28, 2017

EU to Set Up New Military Unit Which Officially is Not an EU Military HQ

By Jacopo Barigazzi, Politico Europe

The EU is to set up a new military unit as part of its plans for greater defense cooperation, according to several diplomats — just don’t call it an EU military HQ.

European Union International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Feb 27, 2017

America is Not an Ethno-State

By Daniel Fried

My forty years in the Foreign Service—and the careers of many of my friends—became associated with the fall of the Soviet Empire and the putting in order of what came after:  the building of a Europe whole, free and at peace.  It is hard to recall today how improbable victory in the Cold War appeared.  […]

Europe & Eurasia European Union

MENASource

Feb 24, 2017

Report Summary: More Than the Authority of Repression – The Status of Free Speech in Egypt 2016

By MENASource

On Sunday, February 12, 2017, the Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression released their fourth annual report on the state of freedom of expression in Egypt in 2016 under the title “More Than the Authority of Repression.” This report presents thorough evidence and accurate observations on freedom of speech in Egypt. 

North Africa Political Reform

New Atlanticist

Feb 21, 2017

Lessons from a Regional Approach to Solving the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

By Richard LeBaron

Towards the end of their press conference on February 15, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald J. Trump hinted at their evolving strategy to solve the Israel-Palestine conflict and broader Arab-Israeli differences through a regional approach.  Netanyahu: And I believe that the great opportunity for peace comes from a regional approach from […]

International Organizations Israel

MENASource

Feb 16, 2017

Continued Focus on Economic Reform in Egypt’s Cabinet Reshuffle

By Elissa Miller

On February 14, Egypt’s parliament approved a limited cabinet reshuffle following weeks of anticipation. Prime Minister Sherif Ismail said the reshuffle was aimed at continuing the government’s social and economic reform plans, and indeed, several of the changes reflect an effort to continue to build on major reforms. Ismail began meeting with candidates for cabinet […]

North Africa Political Reform

Event Recap

Feb 16, 2017

Roundtable Discussion with Moïse Katumbi

By Africa Center

On Thursday, February 16, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center hosted Moïse Katumbi, joint opposition candidate for the presidency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and former governor of Katanga Province, for a roundtable discussion on the evolving political situation in the country. Vice President and Africa Center Director J. Peter Pham welcomed participants […]

Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo

New Atlanticist

Feb 16, 2017

Lonely GOP Outpost in Brussels Sees Supporters Slowly Emerge

By Teri Schultz

It’s not a secret that expatriate Americans, along with Europeans, tend to feel more closely aligned with the Democratic Party in the United States. Even when overseas liberals supposedly “fell out of love” with Barack Obama or didn’t, more recently, adore Hillary Clinton as much as they had her husband, there’s no contest between any Democratic […]

European Union International Organizations

MENASource

Feb 16, 2017

Refugee Resettlement Program Takes a Hit Following Brief Travel Ban

By Sarah El Sirgany

Mahmoud was supposed to travel to the US on February 7th. The 22-year-old Somali refugee had escaped forced recruitment by al-Shabab at the age of 16. He has finally allowed himself to dream of a better life, but it all came crashing down when President Donald Trump placed a 120-day ban on refugees.

North Africa Political Reform

Event Recap

Feb 15, 2017

Private dinner with Latvian Ambassador Andris Teikmanis

By Amelie Rausing

On February 15, 2017, the Atlantic Council’s Future Europe Initiative hosted a private dinner with H.E. Andris Teikmanis, ambassador of Latvia to the United States, for an invitation-only discussion that was attended by transatlantic leaders from both the public and private sector. As US President Trump takes office and European unity is challenged both within […]

European Union International Organizations
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Experts

Fellow

Rza Aliyev

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Project for Middle East Integration

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Azerbaijani Central Asia

Fellow

Léonie Allard

Nonresident senior fellow

Europe Center

Africa Chinese

Fellow

Samir Altaqi

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Middle East

Fellow

Eric Alter

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Arabic French

Fellow

Khaled H. Alyemany

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Arabic Middle East

Fellow

Wa’el Alzayat

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business
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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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