Content

New Atlanticist

May 20, 2025

Putin continues to thwart Trump’s goal of achieving a cease-fire

By John E. Herbst

The US and Russian presidents held a two-hour call on May 19. But was any real movement made toward ending Russia's war in Ukraine?

Conflict Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

May 20, 2025

Portugal’s shift to the right is accelerating. What does that mean for its future?

By Andrew Bernard

The center-right Democratic Alliance won the May 18 election, while the far-right Chega party continued its rise. With the main center-left party losing seats, there is now an absolute majority on the right.

Elections European Union
Magnified US dollar bill

Atlantic Council Strategy Paper Series

May 20, 2025

Why the US cannot afford to lose dollar dominance

By Martin Mühleisen, Valbona Zeneli

Since World War II, US geopolitical influence has been compounded by the role of the dollar as the world’s dominant currency. As global economic power becomes more diffuse and strategic competitors “dedollarize,” policymakers must determine how to maintain the dollar’s role at the center of global trade and financial networks.

Economy & Business Fiscal and Structural Reform

MENASource

May 19, 2025

Could Trump be ‘mediator-in-chief’ for Turkey and Israel in Syria?

By Rachel Bradenburg

If Trump wants to achieve the Middle East's “deal of a century," its important that Netanyahu and Erdogan resolve their differences in Syria.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

May 19, 2025

Experts react: What message did Romanians send by electing Nicusor Dan?

By Atlantic Council experts

The mathematician and mayor of Bucharest came out ahead of his right-wing rival on May 18. Atlantic Council experts sum up the election results and the implications.

Eastern Europe Elections

Fast Thinking

May 18, 2025

Fast Thinking: Why Romania chose centrism in the end

By Atlantic Council

Following Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan's election win, our experts give their takes on what to expect next for Romania and for the country's relations with the world.

Corruption Eastern Europe

Inflection Points Today

May 17, 2025

A remarkable week for a rising Turkey

By Frederick Kempe

Turkey has gained relevance as an indispensable player from the Black Sea to the Levant, and from Central Asia to Europe.

Conflict Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

In the News

May 16, 2025

Charai in The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: The Middle East at a Crossroads

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

May 15, 2025

Russia’s aerial attacks on Ukrainian civilians must not go unpunished

By Anastasiya Donets, Susan H. Farbstein 

Holding Russia legally accountable for the ongoing air offensive against Ukraine’s civilian population is particularly important as this form of total war looks set to make a return, write Anastasiya Donets and Susan H. Farbstein. 

Conflict Defense Policy

UkraineAlert

May 15, 2025

Ukraine’s vibrant civil society wants to be heard during peace talks

By Ana Lejava

While officials in Moscow, Washington, Brussels, and Kyiv discuss technicalities and potential concessions, members of Ukraine’s vibrant civil society are attempting to define the contours of a lasting and meaningful peace, writes Ana Lejava.

Civil Society Conflict

Experts

Events