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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EU defense ministers endorse pooling of resources

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

EU defense ministers endorse pooling of resources

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

EU defense ministers endorse pooling of resources

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

NATOSource

Mar 22, 2012

EU defense ministers endorse pooling of resources

By Slobodan Lekic, the AP

From Slobodan Lekic, the AP:  European Union defense ministers endorsed on Thursday projects to develop joint air-to-air refueling capacities and field hospitals as part of a wider effort to share military resources in response to falling defense budgets.

European Union International Organizations

NATOSource

Mar 21, 2012

Rasmussen: ‘Not much progress has been made’ on NATO-EU cooperation

By Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO

From Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO:  Two years ago, at the EU Defence Ministers’ meeting in Palma de Mallorca, I made several proposals to address this problem. I said that the EU and NATO must have regular discussions, at all levels, on the entire spectrum of common security threats.

European Union International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Mar 19, 2012

Bailouts Are no Substitute for Reforms

By Leszek Balcerowicz

The eurozone’s fiscal problems are triggering memories of policies used to deal with similar crises in the past. In years past we have seen the IMF and comparable institutions acting as crisis lenders offering official bail-outs to distressed sovereign borrowers. We have witnessed the monetisation of public debt by central banks, and the outright reduction […]

European Union International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Mar 16, 2012

To Help Syria, Apply a Mix of ‘Soft’ and ‘Hard’ Power

By Benedetta Berti

The debate over the role of the international community in Syria is disheartening, dominated by skepticism about the ability of outsiders to have a positive impact. This stems from the fact that two main options – continuing to refrain from direct intervention or waging a fully fledged military campaign – both have serious drawbacks. Is […]

International Organizations NATO

NATOSource

Mar 14, 2012

Obameron Versus Merkozy

By Julian Lindley-French, the New Atlanticist

From Julian Lindley-French, the New Atlanticist:  Officially Obameron will consider the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, and of course the joint position the US and UK will likely adopt at May’s NATO Chicago Summit.

Economy & Business European Union

New Atlanticist

Mar 12, 2012

Europe Must Find the Political Will to Stabilize its Economy

By Timothy Stafford

Europe’s economy needs swift and concerted attention. For months, increasing fears about the possibility of sovereign defaults have engulfed the continent and contaminated its economies. Only by addressing the fundamental design flaws within the Euro can any prospect of sustained prosperity be restored.

Economy & Business European Union

New Atlanticist

Mar 9, 2012

Is it Time for a Nuclear Mutual Assistance Pact?

By Julian Lindley-French

Is it time for a Nuclear Mutual Assistance Pact? Yesterday’s ‘P5+1’ statement urging Iran to enter into “serious dialogue” on its nuclear program “without preconditions” suggests the danger of nuclear proliferation is now so real that something new is needed to prevent it. The statement is also an important precedent. The very fact that the […]

International Organizations Nuclear Nonproliferation

NATOSource

Mar 9, 2012

EU enlargement video backfires after allegations of racism

By Rikard Jozwiak, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

From Rikard Jozwiak, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty:  The European Commission has withdrawn an Internet video intended to promote EU enlargement after widespread allegations of both racism and sexism.

European Union International Organizations

Event Recap

Mar 8, 2012

Making Sense of ‘Super Tuesday’: Understanding the US Republican Primary Race and Beyond

By Jason Harmala

On March 8, 2012, the Atlantic Council hosted a members’ conference call with Senator Chuck Hagel, chairman of the Atlantic Council, on the repercussions of the Republican Primaries, Super Tuesday, and the future of American national politics.

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

NATOSource

Mar 8, 2012

NATO Chief: ‘In Chicago, we will make Smart Defence the new way we do business’

By Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO

From Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO:  Smart Defence is about lining up national requirements and NATO’s requirements. It is about setting clear priorities.

European Union International Organizations
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Experts

Millennium fellow

Linas Kojala

CEO, Geopolitics and Security Studies Center

Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy

Millennium fellow

Ala’a Kolkaila

Belfer Center Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School, Sloan Fellow - MBA'25, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Millennium Leadership Program

Economy & Business Middle East

Fellow

Adam Kozloski

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Indo-Pacific Middle East

Staff

Michael Kugelman

Resident Senior Fellow, South Asia

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Afghanistan Bangladesh

Advisory Council member

Vicky Kuperman

Global Advisor, Women for Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Media Russia

Millennium fellow

Mayowa Kuyoro

Partner, McKinsey & Company

Millennium Leadership Program

Economy & Business Middle East
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Events

Public Event Mon, June 15, 2026 • 12:30 pm ET

How should the United States counter Russia and China’s hybrid warfare?
China East Asia Eastern Europe Europe & Eurasia
Public Event Mon, June 15, 2026 • 3:00 pm ET

The Power of Sports Embassy Dialogues: Panama, Croatia, Ghana, and the UK
Americas Europe & Eurasia Latin America Politics & Diplomacy
Online Event Thu, June 18, 2026 • 12:00 pm ET

Is Russia losing the war?
Eastern Europe Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy Russia