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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What Gulf states need in a US-Iran deal

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
What Gulf states need in a US-Iran deal

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
What Gulf states need in a US-Iran deal

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

Dispatches

May 7, 2026

What Gulf states need in a US-Iran deal

By Eric Alter

Any Strait of Hormuz agreement must establish a framework in which states economically dependent on the waterway help monitor and enforce its terms.

Conflict Middle East

Dispatches

May 6, 2026

How the Iran war is affecting Latin America and the Caribbean’s economic outlook

By Ignacio Albe, Enrique Millán-Mejía

The data show how energy and commodity shortages are pushing inflation higher, tightening financial conditions, and slowing growth.

Caribbean Conflict

Inflection Points

May 6, 2026

The real trouble with the US debt topping 100 percent of GDP

By Frederick Kempe

The argument over whether this marks an inflection point divides economists, policymakers, and investors into two camps.

Economy & Business Fiscal and Structural Reform

Dispatches

May 5, 2026

‘Zeitenwende’ is anchoring Germany’s role as a Baltic Sea Power

By Anna Wieslander

The Merz government has been keen to emphasize that Germany is a trustworthy and long-term security provider in the region.

Defense Policy Germany

UkraineAlert

May 4, 2026

Zelenskyy rains on Putin’s parade: Kyiv and Moscow declare rival ceasefires

By Peter Dickinson

Victory Day was supposed to be an opportunity for Vladimir Putin to project power. Instead, this year’s drastically scaled down parade is exposing Russia’s weakness while revealing Ukraine's strength, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Drones

Dispatches

May 4, 2026

What Romania’s no-confidence vote really means for its European future

By Alex Șerban, Silvian Trandafir

Romania's parliament is set to vote on a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan's minority government.

Eastern Europe European Union

MENASource

May 4, 2026

Syria needs a trustworthy digital ecosystem to support its revival

By Nadia Farra

Robust digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and cybersecurity are no longer luxuries for high-income nations but fundamental requirements for national stability and economic resilience.

Freedom and Prosperity Inclusive Growth

In the News

May 4, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Breaking the Architecture of Iran’s Regime Power

By Atlantic Council

Iran Maritime Security

Dispatches

May 1, 2026

Everything, everywhere, all at once: Japan’s geoeconomic reckoning

By Charles Lichfield

The Japanese government has some experience with market interventions, but the current cocktail of issues is taking its toll on borrowing conditions.

Economy & Business Japan

Dispatches

May 1, 2026

Jerome Powell’s legacy of achievements, turbulence, and independence under fire

By Hung Tran

Both Powell’s major achievements and his shortcomings can serve as lessons for future Federal Reserve chairs.

Dollar Dominance Economy & Business
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Experts

Millennium fellow

Jason Park

Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State

Millennium Leadership Program

East Asia Europe & Eurasia

Staff

Joze Pelayo

Associate Director, Strategic Initiatives and Policy, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

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

Middle East The Gulf

Advisory Council member

Capricia Penavic Marshall

Ambassador-in-Residence; Vice Chair, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Advisory Council

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Latin America Politics & Diplomacy

Fellow

Matt Petit

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoTech Center

Economy & Business English

Fellow

Fabio Petito

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Freedom and Prosperity Human Rights

Fellow

C. Anthony Pfaff

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English
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Events

Public Event Mon, July 20, 2026 • 11:00 am ET

EU Commissioner Michael McGrath on Europe’s digital future
Digital Policy Economy & Business European Union Politics & Diplomacy
Online Event Wed, July 22, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

How Ukraine’s deep-strike campaign is causing cracks in the Kremlin
Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy Russia Security & Defense