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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The European Union Shows Turkey its Hand

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

The European Union Shows Turkey its Hand

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

The European Union Shows Turkey its Hand

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

New Atlanticist

Oct 16, 2015

The European Union Shows Turkey its Hand

By Sarah Bedenbaugh

At the European Union summit on Oct. 15, European leaders announced with much fanfare an EU-Turkey joint action plan designed to help stem the flow of refugees through Turkey to Europe. In exchange for Turkey’s cooperation with the EU on migration, EU leaders agreed to provide Turkey with funds (in an amount still to be […]

European Union International Organizations

MENASource

Oct 15, 2015

Parliamentary Elections Update: The Week in Review

By Elissa Miller

The first round of voting in Egypt’s parliamentary elections, the country’s first parliamentary elections in three years, is fast approaching. Voting is scheduled to take place abroad on October 17, and voting in Egypt will occur on October 18 and 19. The second round of the elections is set to take place on November 22 […]

Elections North Africa

MENASource

Oct 15, 2015

Challenges Facing Egypt’s Upcoming Parliament

By Omar Halawa

Days before Egypt witnesses its long-delayed parliamentary elections, questions loom about the challenges that may face the newly elected parliament. There are three main challenges—two of which are of immediate concern, while the third is a long-term issue. The parliament will be expected to review over 300 laws in the span of two weeks, has […]

Elections North Africa

MENASource

Oct 15, 2015

Egyptians Face Few Options at Parliamentary Polls

By Emily Crane Linn

Starting October 16, Egypt will come to the end of its dragged out transitional period by holding its first parliamentary election since 2012. Heralded as the final step in Egypt’s revolutionary roadmap, this election is anything but revolutionary. Rather, it has been marked by a sense political apathy reminiscent of former president Hosni Mubarak’s reign.

Elections North Africa

Event Recap

Oct 14, 2015

Democracy Rebooted: The Future of Technology in Elections

By Roberta Braga

With upcoming elections in the United States, as well as in many countries, the world is at a crucial moment to review the role of technology in the electoral process. Societies increasingly trust the use of technology for mobile banking and financial transactions, and for commercial use in shopping, transportation, and travel, yet when it […]

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Oct 12, 2015

Burwell on the European Union and TTIP

By Frances G. Burwell

Vice President for European Union and Special Initiatives Frances G. Burwell joins the CATO Institute to discuss the geopolitical and security implications of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP):

Economy & Business European Union
French Defense Minister Yves Le Drian and German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen, June 3, 2014

NATOSource

Oct 7, 2015

Letter from Strasbourg (Part Two): French Doubts about European Defense

By Leo Michel

Insights from the 13th annual “summer defense college,” in Strasbourg.

European Union France

In the News

Oct 6, 2015

Tothova Jordan on Transatlantic Data Pact

By Klara Tothova Jordan

Brent Scowcroft Center Associate Director Klara Tothova Jordan joins BBC World to discuss the decision by the European Union’s highest court to strike down the transatlantic data pact:

European Union International Organizations

MENASource

Oct 6, 2015

Egypt’s Upcoming Elections: A Primer

By Omar Halawa

After more than two years without a parliament, Egypt is witnessing its first parliamentary elections in three years, with the race kicking off in October. Once elected, this parliament will be Egypt’s largest in several decades with 596 parliamentarians; 448 will be elected under the individual system, and 120 elected from the party-based system. Twenty-eight will […]

Elections North Africa
Photo: Shades of Conde via YouTube

AfricaSource

Oct 2, 2015

Can Guinea’s Election Be Credible?

By J. Peter Pham

For months, I have been warning that Guinea’s young democracy was extraordinarily fragile and might well prove stillborn. Last month, I highlighted the broader significance of next week’s presidential election, noting that its conduct will either consolidate the major advance for democracy in Africa achieved earlier this year when the continent’s most populous country and […]

Elections Politics & Diplomacy
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Experts

Fellow

Miroslav M. Zafirov

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

English International Organizations

Fellow

Valbona Zeneli

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Albanian Corruption

Millennium fellow

Helen Zhang

Associate Principle, Google

Millennium Leadership Program

Digital Policy Media

Expert

Yi Zhou

Visiting Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Democratic Transitions East Asia

Fellow

Mikhail Zygar

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Political Reform Politics & Diplomacy

Millennium fellow

Olga Zykova

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance, Ukraine

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Europe Eastern Europe
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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
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