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

Pham on the Recent Advances by the Nigerian Army

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 on the Recent Advances by the Nigerian Army

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 on the Recent Advances by the Nigerian Army

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 20, 2015

Pham on the Recent Advances by the Nigerian Army

By J. Peter Pham

Africa Center Director J. Peter Pham joins NPR to discuss the recent advances by the Nigerian army against Boko Haram: Listen to the full interview here.

Nigeria Politics & Diplomacy

AfricaSource

Mar 19, 2015

Interview with Chairman of Nigeria’s Electoral Commission

By Africa Center

Transcript of Interview with Professor Attahiru M. Jega, OFR Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)Federal Republic of Nigeria   March 19, 2015 J. Peter Pham: For those who do not follow Nigeria closely, could you briefly give us an overview of the sheer scale of what is involved in organizing general elections in the Federal […]

Politics & Diplomacy

Event Recap

Mar 18, 2015

Nigeria on the Eve of the 2015 Elections

By Africa Center

In February, Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections, citing the ongoing threat posed by the terrorist group Boko Haram. The presidential polls were rescheduled to March 28; in the interim, the Nigerian military—with the aid of its neighbors—has launched a military offensive against Boko Haram.

Politics & Diplomacy

Event Recap

Mar 18, 2015

Atlantic Council Exclusive: Electoral Commission Chairman Discusses Readiness for Nigeria’s 2015 Elections

By Africa Center

Nigeria made waves last month when its Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced just one week before the scheduled date for general elections that polls would be delayed by six weeks. The decision, taken on the advice with Nigeria’s top security officials, came as terrorist group Boko Haram continued to attack and occupy a large […]

Nigeria Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Mar 14, 2015

Pham on the Events Leading Up to the Boko Haram-ISIS Alliance

By J. Peter Pham

Leadership Nigeria covers at Atlantic Council event on the security situation in Nigeria and quotes Africa Center Director J. Peter Pham on the events leading up to the Boko Haram-ISIS alliance:

Nigeria Politics & Diplomacy
Italian helicopter participating in NATO exercise, June 24, 2009

NATOSource

Mar 13, 2015

Defending Italy from the Islamic State

By James Stavridis, Washington Post

Following the decapitation of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians by radical Islamists professing an allegiance to the Islamic State, the Italian government has begun ramping up efforts to defend its territory from attack. How realistic is this threat? And what should Italy do?

European Union International Organizations

In the News

Mar 13, 2015

Pham on Boko Haram, ISIS, and the Upcoming Nigerian Elections

By J. Peter Pham

The Christian Science Monitor quotes Africa Center Director J. Peter Pham on how ISIS accepting Boko Haram’s pledge of allegiance could affect Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection prospects in the upcoming elections:

Nigeria Politics & Diplomacy

Article

Mar 13, 2015

A Weakened Caliphate Expands

By J. Peter Pham

Bottom Line Up Front: • The Islamic State accepted Boko Haram’s allegiance, or bay’at, pledged to the Iraq and Syria-based extremist group over the weekend • Given the recent military setbacks for Boko Haram and the Islamic State, and their increasing convergence, this development is unsurprising and a propaganda victory for both groups

Nigeria Politics & Diplomacy
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Jan. 22, 2014

NATOSource

Mar 12, 2015

Germany’s Foreign Minister: The Transatlantic Order is Under Challenge

By Frank-Walter Steinmeier, New York Times

Today, the trans-Atlantic bond is being tested again. Crises are erupting ever closer to the European Union’s borders:

European Union Germany

In the News

Mar 12, 2015

Leadership Covers Atlantic Council Event on Nigeria

By Atlantic Council

Leadership covers an Atlantic Council event on Nigeria and highlights the discussion on the postponed Nigerian elections:

Nigeria Politics & Diplomacy
Load More

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
Load More

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