Saudi Arabia’s economic shifts under MBS raise stability concerns

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
Saudi Arabia’s economic shifts under MBS raise stability concerns

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 Economic Sanctions
Saudi Arabia’s economic shifts under MBS raise stability concerns

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

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Saudi Arabia’s economic shifts under MBS raise stability concerns

By Rabah Arezki

Saudi Arabia's economic transformation under MBS maintains political control, risking instability amid regional conflicts. Reliance on public funds for investments may falter as the world shifts from fossil fuels, and demands for political freedom grow.

Economy & Business Freedom and Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Rising US public debt threatens economic freedom

By Edward Glaeser

US public debt has surged, posing risks to economic freedom. Despite stability expectations, reforms are needed, like deregulating small businesses and improving urban schools. However, political polarization and the dominance of identity politics hinder progress towards these goals.

Economy & Business Education

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Pakistan faces urgent need for comprehensive reforms to spur long-term growth and stability

By Ali Cheema

Pakistan needs extensive economic and institutional reforms to boost long-term growth and prosperity. These reforms involve improving property rights, increasing public investment in education and health, and addressing political polarization. A new political settlement is necessary to foster stability and enable these reforms.

Freedom and Prosperity Inclusive Growth

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Climate crisis fuels change in MENA region

By Rabah Arezki

The region faces economic and political transitions amid geopolitical risks, climate change, and energy market shifts. Escalating conflicts are exacerbating instability. Climate change poses existential threats, intensifying water crises and domestic tensions. Socioeconomic transformation will be vital to meet youth aspirations and tackle polarization.

Climate Change & Climate Action Economy & Business

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

EU’s future prosperity will be marked by war in Ukraine

By Simeon Djankov

The EU’s freedom and prosperity dynamics will be marked by the war in Ukraine. The indexes provoke philosophical reflection: Is Europe's prosperity dwindling due to an extensive social safety net? Is the strength of European integration declining with new members, while the strength of EU federalism diminishes?

Europe & Eurasia European Union

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Regaining trust in government

By Simeon Djankov, Joseph Lemoine, Dan Negrea

Crises like COVID-19 prompt increased government control, challenging liberal values. Declining trust in governments clashes with security needs, urging policies to balance freedom and prosperity. Energy security challenges hinder net-zero goals, posing economic challenges globally, alongside privacy dilemmas amid surveillance tech in China, Russia, and the Middle East.

Civil Society Freedom and Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Russia will suffer decreases in every dimension of prosperity

By Konstantin Sonin

Over fifteen years, Russia's economy stagnated with low growth and persistent inequality. Challenges include minority rights restrictions, healthcare issues, and an educational crisis due to teacher exodus.

Europe & Eurasia Freedom and Prosperity

In the News

Feb 25, 2024

Marc Polymeropoulos cited in the New York Post on Russian election interference

Marc Polymeropoulos comments on the Smirnov indictment, Russian interference, and 2020 US presidential election.

Elections United States and Canada

New Atlanticist

Feb 23, 2024

Inside the United States’ plan to compete with China in the Global South

By Katherine Golden

China "is advancing an alternative vision for global governance," Daniel J. Kritenbrink, US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs warned.

China Freedom and Prosperity

New Atlanticist

Feb 23, 2024

Russia’s blocked assets: A ‘non-collateral collateral’ plan could be the way forward

By Charles Lichfield

Instead of seizing Russia’s immobilized sovereign assets outright, G7 members seem instead to be aligning around “unlocking their value.”

Conflict Economy & Business
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Experts

Millennium fellow

Linas Kojala

CEO, Geopolitics and Security Studies Center

Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Thomas Scott

General Counsel, M0

Millennium Leadership Program

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

Fellow

Amir Hayek

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Jennifer Gavito

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Arabic French

Staff

Ryan Pan

Project Assistant

GeoTech Center

Artificial Intelligence Chinese

Staff

Will Mortenson

Program Assistant

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Democratic Transitions Latin America
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Events

Online Event Mon, October 6, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

Navigating China’s impact: Strategies for Latin America and Africa
Africa China Climate Change & Climate Action Economy & Business
Public Event Tue, October 7, 2025 • 4:30 pm ET

Pressure for peace: How to end the Russian war on Ukraine
Conflict Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia NATO
Online Event Thu, October 23, 2025 • 10:30 am ET

Iraq’s Constitution at twenty years
Democratic Transitions Freedom and Prosperity Iraq Middle East