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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Ward in War on the Rocks: Free Trade, Trump’s Brain, and Loose-Lipped Ben Carson

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

Ward in War on the Rocks: Free Trade, Trump’s Brain, and Loose-Lipped Ben Carson

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

Ward in War on the Rocks: Free Trade, Trump’s Brain, and Loose-Lipped Ben Carson

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 17, 2016

Ward in War on the Rocks: Free Trade, Trump’s Brain, and Loose-Lipped Ben Carson

By Alex Ward

Read the full article here.

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Mar 16, 2016

Pham Signs Open Letter to US Presidential Candidates Urging for the United States to Put Democracy at Center of Foreign Policy Strategy

By J. Peter Pham

Read the full letter here.

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

Atlantic Council Strategy Paper Series

Mar 15, 2016

Autocracies failed and unfailed: limited strategies for state building

By Stephen D. Krasner

The fundamental challenge for modern wealthy democracies committed to promoting better governance is that their opportunities are hostage to the preferences of national elites in closed-access polities, where political power is exercised in arbitrary ways, and where most of the population lacks access to services, including the rule of law.

Afghanistan Africa

Issue Brief

Mar 14, 2016

Why the Congo matters

By Gérard Prunier

With a population of almost 80 million people and unparalleled natural resources, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the DRC or the Congo) is a country of tremendous potential—but only that. One of the most violent places on earth, its people suffer from the brutality of armed groups and political instability. Now, President Joseph Kabila’s […]

Africa Corruption

In the News

Mar 14, 2016

Ullman in UPI: Will the Constitution Survive this Decade?

By Harlan Ullman

Read the full article here.

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Mar 11, 2016

Don’t Forget Greece

By Marten van Heuven

European leaders hope to finalize a deal with Turkey designed to stem the flow of migrants into the European Union. A key element of the deal is a provision for Turkey to take back all new migrants who illegally enter Greece from Turkey. Turkey has exacted a steep price: visa-free access for Turkish citizens into […]

European Union Greece

In the News

Mar 10, 2016

Polyakova in Foreign Policy: A Country in the EU Just Put Fascists in Its Parliament

By Alina Polyakova

Read the full article here.

Central Europe European Union

In the News

Mar 10, 2016

Hellyer Quoted by The Guardian on EU Foreign Policy Toward Egypt in the Wake of Italian Researcher’s Death

By H. A. Hellyer

Read the full article here.

European Union International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Mar 9, 2016

Turkey’s Demands Could Destroy Migrant Deal

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Atlantic Council’s Fran Burwell predicts political opposition in Europe A preliminary deal struck between the European Union and Turkey to shut Europe’s backdoor to migrants fleeing across the Aegean Sea could likely crumble under the burden of Turkey’s demands, said the Atlantic Council’s Fran Burwell. “There are a whole bunch of questions about this deal […]

European Union International Organizations

In the News

Mar 9, 2016

Burwell in Rzeczpospolita: Poland’s Strength Lies in the European Union’s Strength

By Frances G. Burwell

Read the full article here.

European Union International Organizations
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Experts

Fellow

Nic Adams

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Energy & Environment Middle East

Fellow

Paul Adamson

Senior Advisor

Europe Center

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Akeel Abbas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Human Rights

Millennium fellow

Saeed Al Nazari

Secretary General, Great Arab Minds

Millennium Leadership Program

Education Middle East

Fellow

Osamah Al Rawhani

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Middle East Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Fellow

Safwan Al-Amin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English
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Events

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
Online Event Mon, May 18, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

Warsaw Week 2026
Defense Industry Defense Policy Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense